ABOVE VIDEO: The music video for “Country Nation” debuted last week. The song’s celebration of the blue-collar spirit and our nation’s love for sports colorfully come to life, in part through the appearance of more than two dozen college football team mascots. (BRADPAISLEYVEVO Video)
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA (Seminoles.com) – Following Brad Paisley’s highly successful free concerts at four major universities drawing more than 65,000 fans, he and IMG today announced five additional dates to bring the Country Nation College Tour presented by Zaxby’s to IMG College partner schools.
The tour coincides with the radio launch of Paisley’s song, “Country Nation,” which celebrated its official airplay impact date on Monday as this week’s most-added new single at country radio.
The Country Nation College Tour presented by Zaxby’s will continue with free shows at IMG partner schools Florida State University, October 8; Auburn University, October 9; Wake Forest University, October 10; the University of Georgia, October 15; and the University of South Carolina, October 16.
Breakout country artist Eric Paslay will be the special guest at each concert, with additional show details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Paisley’s affection for college football runs deep. He once again served as a spokesperson for “College Colors Day,” a nationwide celebration of the new college football season, which was created by IMG.
He has also appeared as musical guest on ESPN’s “College GameDay” in Ft. Worth on college football opening weekend, performing his new single “Country Nation.” Paisley has also recorded a customized version of “Country Nation,” along with video elements, that will be part of CBS Sports’ broadcasts of “SEC Game of the Week” during regular season.
IMG College, serving more than 200 universities nationwide, is a division of WME | IMG, which also represents Paisley and brokered the college tour deal.
Zach McLeroy
“Music and sports are passions of so many people—Zaxby’s included—and we couldn’t think of a better way to unite the two this fall,” said Zaxby’s CEO and co-founder Zach McLeroy.
“We’re even more passionate about the guests and communities we serve, and this sponsorship is a perfect opportunity for us to give back to our fans.”
In addition to the free concert series, McLeroy explained Zaxby’s connection to college sports.
“We’ve been involved with college sports for a long time—Zaxby’s was, after all, started in a college town,” he said.
“But we’re amping it up this football and basketball season by partnering with 30 Division I colleges throughout our footprint. We’re excited to play a role in something that means so much to so many.”
About Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer whose talents have earned him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), among many others. He has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001. Paisley has written 20 of his 23 #1 singles with the first being his 1999 hit “He Didn’t Have To Be” and his most recent, “Perfect Storm,” from his chart-topping 2014 album Moonshine in the Trunk. Paisley kicked off his Crushin’ It World Tour the middle of May by playing to over 50,000 fans the first weekend and will continue through October. Paisley has partnered with Boot Barn® and developed an exclusive line of jeans, hats, T-shirts, jewelry, belts and woven shirts called Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley. Fans can look for him and Carrie Underwood to return as hosts of “Country Music’s Biggest Night™” as “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” airs live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 4 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.
EMI Records Nashville breakout country artist, Eric Paslay, delivers a powerful punch as a renowned, Platinum-selling, hit songwriter and dynamic performer. Paslay has celebrated five No. 1 hits including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night,” the smash lead single from his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. The Temple, Texas native earned nominations for GRAMMY Best Country Song, ACM Song of the Year and CMA Song Of The Year for “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” A true artist’s artist, USA Today calls Paslay “flat out-brilliant” and American Songwriter names him an influencer of country music. Paslay is currently writing and recording for his highly-anticipated sophomore album.
Following Brad Paisley’s highly successful free concerts at four major universities drawing more than 65,000 fans, he and IMG today announced five additional dates to bring the Country Nation College Tour presented by Zaxby’s to IMG College partner schools. (Image by Florida State Athletics)
