Attending the taping of The CMA Celebrity Closeup with Lorianne Crook was a different experience. After receiving our instructions from the stage manager, Lorriann came on stage to greet the audience and do a final check of the equipment.
Lorianne's first guests were Lonestar. Michael, Richie, Keech and Dean came on stage. During their entrance, Richie managed to step on Lorianne's toe while giving her a hug. Lorrianne asked the group about things that had happened to them and Dean told about a fan that actually broke off a hunk of his toe nail while giving him a hug. Keech related the story about his rappeling off a catwalk to make an entrance at a performance. The only problem was that he forgot there were no lights on while he was actually rappeling. He said that he didn't really know how fast he was going or how far off the ground he was.
The interview turned to who was the biggest practical joker. It turns out that Richie is the biggest joker of the group. He actually has props that he keeps on the bus. One joke they told happened on April Fool's Day and had Richie covered in catsup. Dean and Michael dragged Richie to the bus, laid him on the ground by the door and yelled that Richie had been hit by a car. The crew came flying of the bus and before anyone could stop him, one of the crew ran to a pay phone and called 911. According to Dean, while the rest of the crew was coming off the bus, John Rich was sitting in the driver's seat with his calculator adding up numbers and then dividing by 4. They finally had to admit it was a joke to the security guy who wasn't very happy with them. When the guy asked who they were, the response was Ricochet.
The group has performed at the White House twice.
Lorianne asked what songs touch each of them. Dean said that Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying" was the one that touched him the most. Richie talked about the group's next single, "Mountains" that he co-wrote. With Michael on the guitar, Richie gave a brief performance of the new song. This song should be another hit for Lonestar. They also mentioned that they have a new producer, Mark Bright.
Keech talked about his video talents. He has videotaped the band since they started. He said that he probably has more stuff than the band wants. He has a new production company and wants to do more music videos.
Favorite candy bars are: Richie - Mounds Got Nuts, Michael - Kit Kat, Keech - Zone bars, and Dean - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
The group feels that their crowning achievement is being together for 10 years.
