So much so, he needs his own radio station. And starting Aug. 6, that’s just what his fans will get. Chesney’s next big thing, www.noshoesradio.com.
Here’s how Chesney explains the new concept: “People ask me what I do and, obviously, because of the way I sing and where I come from, I’m a country singer. But, really, what I do draws on so much more than that. Growing up, I don’t think anybody listened to any one kind of thing — and what I think of as country, well, that’s not really what we do. … But then again, I think most of our fans are listening to other stuff, too, whether it’s Dave [Matthews], [Bruce] Springsteen, [Tom] Petty or Jackson Browne, not to mention Bob Marley, who I think may be the great equalizer among all kinds of music.”
So Team Chesney has built this site where fans can hear some nonstop Chesney music, along with some surprises that may include interviews with Chesney, his friends, fans, crew and special guests, along with some concerts. The music programming is reportedly coming from the stuff on Chesney’s iPod, which will keep things very interesting I’m sure. “I always say I wish I could take the fans with us,” Chesney says. “I can’t drag people around behind me, but we can still make them part of this concert experience. It’s gonna be cool, and then it’s gonna keep rocking.” I’d prefer if he did indeed drag me around on tour, but in lieu of that, I’ll take this noshoesradio.com thing.
The “station” launches at noon ET on Aug. 6 with Chesney, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert on hand for the initial broadcast.