UK Country News

UK Country News Promoting Country/Americana/Folk and Indie Music in the UK, Gigs/Tours, All social media
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23/05/2024

📣🎸 **Nashville Council! Like 🦘court!** This is footage from the decision today.

The Nashville council just denied a neon sign for his new bar opening this weekend! 🤯 The decision was based on “past conduct” he’s not even been convicted for. 🤔 While they approved the bar and liquor license, Ms. Porterfield must have been out of town that day because after hearing the arguments, she asked if this was Morgan Wallen the country singer and then said, if it is, it’s a no from me!!! Shouldn’t you have all the facts at hand before making such sweeping judgments???

With 3 votes yes, 30 no, and 4 abstaining, the decision was clearly swayed by personal opinions over facts. They claim not to want to promote “someone like that,” yet Morgan’s the world’s biggest-selling country star, bringing tons of money into Nashville with his sold-out shows at Bridgestone. 🎤💵 If they’re fine with him playing there, why not a sign for his bar? 🤷‍♂️

Looks like the council just shot themselves in the foot—this decision will likely guarantee Morgan the busiest bar in town as fans flock to support him! 🍻🔥

This video has been edited for brevity but not to give a false narrative; you can find the full version on YouTube.

UK COUNTRY RADIO AIRPLAY CHART LAUNCHED In an exciting development for the UK's fastest-growing musical genre, Country m...
09/03/2024

UK COUNTRY RADIO AIRPLAY CHART LAUNCHED In an exciting development for the UK's fastest-growing musical genre, Country music, a new UK Country Radio Airplay Chart is set to be launched. This pioneering step is a collaborative effort between global radio airplay monitoring company Radiomonitor and the Country Music Association’s (CMA) UK Task Force, a group of UK industry leaders working together on behalf of the Country industry at large. The initiative is spearheaded by Alexandra Hannaby, Head of Big Machine Label Group UK and a CMA UK Task Force member.

The first genre specific radio chart to be established in the UK, the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart will compile the Top 20 songs each week from an eligible selection of new releases up to three years old, measured by impressions (the number of people each play is heard by).

The chart will be announced every Sunday at 5pm GMT, culminating in the number 1 Country Radio UK Airplay song of the week. The first official chart will be made public on Sunday 10th March, co-inciding with the final day of 2024’s C2C (Country To Country) festival in the UK.

The UK Country Radio Airplay Chart will include data from the following stations and programmes (in alphabetical order): Absolute Radio Country, BBC Radio 2 - The Country Show with Bob Harris, CountryLine: The Big 615, Downtown Country Radio and Smooth Country Radio. Airplay will be measured from Friday to midnight on the following Thursday and the chart available to the public at 5pm GMT each Sunday.

Music industry professionals who would like to receive the chart information under embargo on Friday afternoons, please contact Radiomonitor to sign up for this service.

Speaking about this innovative new initiative, Alexandra Hannaby, Head of Big Machine UK, said: "I'm thrilled for the launch of the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, a significant milestone for Country music in the UK. This achievement is truly a testament to the incredible teamwork and collaboration between industry experts and Radiomonitor. Together, we're paving the way for increased recognition and exposure for country artists in the UK and I’m excited to see its impact unfold.”

Milly Olykan, CMA’s VP of International Relations and Development, added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Country music in the UK. From the genre experiencing a 40% growth in consumption throughout the last year, to the volume of tickets sold to Country festivals and tours increasing at a record pace, it’s apparent the Country is broadening significantly into the mainstream in the UK. This new radio chart will provide another exposure opportunity to further elevate Country artists and allow for greater engagement with fans. As the premier trade association supporting the growth of the Country Music industry, CMA’s focus in the UK is to continue to identify how we can move towards more mainstream moments for the genre, and the is another pivotal initiative.”

Guys we have an issue with cross posting to Facebook from our main Instagram page for the minute, so a heads up, all our...
08/03/2024

Guys we have an issue with cross posting to Facebook from our main Instagram page for the minute, so a heads up, all our stories are saved for future viewing if you miss them, there’s a lot 😁 www.instagram.com/ukcountrynews

Too much excitement in one day! Morgan Wallen is 🌟headlining🌟American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Thursday 4 July ...
08/03/2024

Too much excitement in one day! Morgan Wallen is 🌟headlining🌟American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Thursday 4 July & He’ll be joined by a full lineup to be announced!

*fans have commented on our insta post they’ve been able to buy today with an AMEX card, £101 (that’s what they paid for theirs)

Get access to the Morgan Wallen presales at bst-hydepark.com (link in bio)
🎟️ Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT Wednesday 13 March.

VIP tickets, hospitality packages and payment plans will be available. For more information, visit bst-hydepark.com

THE LONG ROAD FESTIVAL 2024 REVEALS FIRST HEADLINERRUSSELL DICKERSON TOPS A SUMMER LINEUP SPANNING THE BIGGEST ICONS IN ...
01/03/2024

THE LONG ROAD FESTIVAL 2024 REVEALS FIRST HEADLINER

RUSSELL DICKERSON TOPS A SUMMER LINEUP SPANNING THE BIGGEST ICONS IN COUNTRY, AMERICANA & ROOTS IN THE UK

35+ NAMES ANNOUNCED TODAY, INCLUDING AMERICAN AQUARIUM, BRITTNEY SPENCER, CHAPEL HART, COLBIE CAILLAT, JAMIE LAWSON, POKEY LAFARGE, FLATLAND CAVALRY, RANDALL KING, DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS, RED CLAY STRAYS AND MORE

STANFORD HALL, LEICESTERSHIRE
23RD-25TH AUGUST 2024

WEEKEND AND CAMPING TICKETS ON SALE NOW:
https://www.thelongroad.com/tickets/

Line-up Announced Today [A-Z]

Adeem the Artist ★ American Aquarium ★ Andrew Combs ★ Angie K
Brittney Spencer ★ Brown Horse ★ Chapel Hart ★ Clara Mann ★ Colbie Caillat ★ Color Me Country All Stars★ Dan Davidson ★ Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors ★ Flatland Cavalry ★ Gina Larner ★ Jake Vaadeland ★ Jamie Lawson ★ Julian Taylor ★ Kaitlin Butts ★ Kassi Valazza ★ Kristian Bush ★ Kyle Daniel ★ Lola Kirke ★ Meg McRee ★ Michael Warren ★ My Darling Clementine ★ Pokey LaFarge ★ Randall King ★ Red Clay Strays ★ Remember Monday ★ Russell Dickerson ★ RVSVHD ★ S.G. Goodman ★ Southall ★ The Homecoming String Band ★ Tiera Kennedy ★ Vincent Neil Emerson ★ Wyatt Flores

Plus many more acts still to come…

Kacey Musgraves has announced The Deeper Well Tour with 44 stops across Europe and North America in 2024. It will open A...
29/02/2024

Kacey Musgraves has announced The Deeper Well Tour with 44 stops across Europe and North America in 2024. It will open April 28 in Dublin and run through May 14, when the European leg will end in London, before heading back to the US with the tour recommencing Sept 4th Deeper Well is set for release on March 15.

Musgraves will be joined on select dates by Madi Diaz in Europe, Father John Misty in North America from September through October, and Lord Huron from November through December. Nickel Creek will support across all North American dates.

Sign up for access to pre-sale tickets at deeperwelltour.com
American Express® Early Access in select markets: 3/5 at 10am through 3/7 at 10pm local time. Terms apply. Supply is limited.
Artist pre-sale: 3/5 at 12pm through 3/7 at 10pm local time.

General sales March 8th 10am

Kacey Musgraves Deeper Well World Tour Dates�Europe�April 28 — Dublin, IE @ 3Olympia Theatre�May 1 — Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso�May 3 — Brussels, BE@ Ancienne Belgique�May 5 — Cologne, DE @ Carlswerk Victoria�May 6 — Hamburg, DE @ DOCKS�May 9 — Glasgow, UK @ 02 Academy Glasgow�May 11 — Manchester, UK @ 02 Apollo Manchester�May 13 — Wolverhampton, UK @ The Civic at The Halls�May 14 — London, UK @ Roundhouse�North America�Sept. 4 — State College, PA @ Bryce Jordan Center�Sept. 6 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden�Sept. 7 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden�Sept. 9 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center�Sept. 11 — Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena�Sept. 12 — Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena�Sept. 15 — Greenwood Village, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre�Sept. 19 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena�Sept. 20 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena�Sept. 23 — Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center�Sept. 24 — San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center�Sept. 27 — Glendale, AZ @ Desert Diamond Arena�Sept. 28 — Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena�Oct. 1 — San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena San Diego�Oct. 3 — Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum�Oct. 4 — Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum�Nov. 6 — Laval, QC @ Place Bell�Nov. 7 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena�Nov. 9 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena�Nov. 10 — Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena�Nov. 12 — Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center�Nov. 13 — Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center�Nov. 15 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center�Nov. 16 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center�Nov. 21 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center�Nov. 22 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center�Nov. 23 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center�Nov. 26 — Austin, TX @ Moody Center�Nov. 27 — Austin, TX @ Moody Center�Nov. 29 — Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena�Nov. 30 — Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood�Dec. 2 — Orlando, FL @ Kia Center�Dec. 5 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center�Dec. 6 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena�Dec. 7 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena

We are more active on Instagram if you don’t follow us there, you can tag us in your posts  www.instagram.com/ukcountryn...
24/02/2024

We are more active on Instagram if you don’t follow us there, you can tag us in your posts www.instagram.com/ukcountrynews
We post and share a lot more on stories than Facebook so be sure to give us a follow there if you don’t already and tag us in your C2C Country to Country stories and posts, all stories are saved in highlights for catch-up - 🙏

As the country music community grapples with the sudden loss of iconic country music legend Toby Keith on February 5th, ...
08/02/2024

As the country music community grapples with the sudden loss of iconic country music legend Toby Keith on February 5th, news of his passing quickly spread across social media. Fans, fellow artists, and industry insiders flooded the internet to express their grief and shock at the departure of one of country music's most influential figures.

Toby Keith's impact on the country music industry cannot be overstated. With hits like "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)," "Should've Been a Cowboy," and "Beer for My Horses," Keith's music resonated with audiences around the world. His patriotic anthems, gritty vocals, and relatable lyrics made him a beloved figure in country music and beyond.

Social media was flooded with heartfelt messages, memories, and expressions of gratitude for Keith's contributions to country music. Many shared their favorite Toby Keith songs and memories of attending his concerts, while others reflected on the impact his music had on their lives.

However, amidst the outpouring of grief and tributes, one notable absence from the public response was that of Taylor Swift. Despite Toby Keith's instrumental role in her career, Swift has yet to publicly acknowledge his passing at time of writing, perhaps indicating that she is still processing the loss.

It may come as a surprise to some that Toby Keith played a pivotal role in Taylor Swift's meteoric rise to stardom. In 2005, Keith partnered with Scott Borchetta to launch Big Machine Records, the label that would become Swift's inaugural home. Keith's joint venture with Borchetta provided the platform for Swift's breakthrough in the music industry. Keith's influence helped propel Swift onto the national stage, paving the way for her success in the years to come.

Despite the silence from some quarters, the country music community continues to mourn the loss of Toby Keith. His impact on the genre is undeniable, and his legacy will live on through his music for generations to come. RIP 🕊️💛🙏



📷 from artist socials

The wait is almost over! C2C Country to Country returns for the start of another decade celebrating country music.  With...
06/02/2024

The wait is almost over! C2C Country to Country returns for the start of another decade celebrating country music.

With just a few weeks to go, Country to Country is pleased to announce the final wave of incredible artists appearing at this year’s festival from Friday 8th and Sunday 10th March 2024 at London’s The O2. Featuring multiple performances per day by artists from all over the UK, Europe and the US, C2C once more provides an incredible opportunity for fans to discover and support new country artists.

Country to Country will officially kick off at midday on Friday when the Town Square Presented by CountryLine opens, and the first Festival stage artists start, with the festival starting at 10am over the weekend. The Barrelhouse returns for 2024 and The Wayside will have a new home, with a dedicated bar, record store and line dancing to kick-start the evenings. The favourite C2C stalls are back, so fans can enjoy a variety of market traders, food stands, sponsor activations, craft beers and more. There will also be a resident tattoo artist in the Town Square for the very first time!

All visitors to The O2 can access the free stages, including Pepsi presents the Big Entrance Stage, Icon, The Observatory and The Wayside (subject to capacity, C2C ticket holders receive priority). C2C ticket holders will also have access to BBC Radio 2 Stage (at Indigo at The O2) and The Saloon (All Bar One).

The Bluebird Cafe returns to C2C and once again welcomes guests to the intimate O2 Blueroom at The O2, on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th March. This seated show takes the form of a ‘songwriter’s round’, with each artist taking it in turns to talk about their relationship with The Bluebird Cafe, their songwriting and the stories behind their music. Over three shows, Ben Chapman, Carter Faith, Charlie Worsham, Drayton Farley, Fancy Hagood, Greylan James, Jake Worthington, Rita Wilso and Zandi Holup will perform. Tickets go on general sale Friday 9th February at 10am via https://c2c-countrytocountry.com.

A favourite amongst C2C fans, the C2C Official Aftershow Parties take place post mainstage celebrations in Indigo at The O2, London. Continuing the party with headline performances are Chapel Hart, Alana Springsteen and Wyatt Flores with DJ Matt Spracklen on the decks playing all the best country hits.
Tickets are on sale now via www.axs.com.

Inside the arena, C2C hosts the taste-making Spotlight Stage which sees performances in between main stage sets. This year, fans will see intimate performances from Carter Faith, Chapel Hart, Colbie Caillat, Fancy Hagood, Lily Rose, Mason Ramsey, Restless Road, Tigirlily Gold and Wyatt Flores.

These newly announced artists join world-renowned superstars Kane Brown and Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce and Brothers Osborne alongside Nashville high-flyers and prolific performers Jake Owen, Lauren Alaina, Brian Kelley, Elle King, Drake Milligan and Priscilla Block. The Country Music Association’s (CMA) international series Introducing Nashville also returns with Karley Scott Collins, Lauren Watkins and Conner Smith.

Country to Country, Europe's biggest country music festival has become a staple in the UK festival calendar and has brought country music to the UK and Ireland masses, with tens of thousands of fans attending each year. The festival continuously hosts the best in country music and entertainment, bringing over the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.

Fans should also expect surprise announcements across the weekend, details of which will be revealed on the C2C app. The app will feature stage times, artist info plus notifications about competitions, secret performances and more. The official C2C app can be downloaded for free at https://C2C.lnk.to/AppiOS for iOS and https://C2C.lnk.to/AppAndroid for Android.

C2C 2023 take place at The O2 London from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 March 2023. Tickets are on sale now via www.axs.com/c2c / www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Website www.c2c-countrytocountry.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/Country2Country
Twitter https://twitter.com/C2Cfestival
Instagram


LONDON ARENA LINE UP:
Hosted By Bob Harris & Alana Springsteen

Fri 8 - Kane Brown, Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Introducing Nashville - Karley Scott Collins, Lauren Watkins, Conner Smith
Spotlight Stage - Restless Road, Chapel Hart, Fancy Hagood

Sat 9 - Brad Paisley Jake Owen Brian Kelley Priscilla Block
Spotlight Stage - Mason Ramsey, Colbie Caillat, Tigirlily Gold

Sun 10 – Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Elle King, Drake Milligan
Spotlight Stage - Wyatt Flores, Lily Rose, Carter Faith

Sad news! Country music icon Toby Keith  passed away last night Feb 5th at 62, surrounded by his loved ones after bravel...
06/02/2024

Sad news! Country music icon Toby Keith passed away last night Feb 5th at 62, surrounded by his loved ones after bravely battling stomach cancer for three years. His family shared the news on his social media a short time ago, asking for privacy during this difficult time. Survived by his wife Tricia Lucas, three children, and four grandchildren, Toby Keith leaves behind a profound legacy in the world of country music. In a recent interview, he reflected on his journey with cancer, expressing acceptance and peace regardless of the outcome. Rest in peace, Toby Keith. 🎶

Toby Keith Covel, born July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, was an American country music singer and songwriter. Raised in Moore, Oklahoma, he developed an interest in music at his grandmother's supper club, receiving his first guitar at age 8. While working in the oil fields, he formed the Easy Money band, performing locally. Despite setbacks, he pursued music full-time in 1984, gaining traction with his debut single "Should've Been a Cowboy" in 1993. His success grew with hits like "A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action" and "Wish I Didn't Know Now." Transitioning between record labels, he reached new heights with the album "How Do You Like Me Now" and his endorsement deals with Telecom USA and Ford. Beyond music, Keith ventured into acting and wrestling, showcasing his versatility. He continued to release albums and singles, earning numerous accolades, including being named "Artist of the Decade" by the American Country Awards in 2011. Despite ups and downs, Toby Keith remained a stalwart figure in country music, captivating audiences with his distinct style and storytelling. He will be greatly missed 🎸

 has announced the name of his new Nashville bar and music venue, Category 10, set to open in summer 2024. This 67,000-s...
31/01/2024

has announced the name of his new Nashville bar and music venue, Category 10, set to open in summer 2024. This 67,000-square-foot establishment, a collaboration with Opry Entertainment Group, replaces the Wildhorse Saloon. Inspired by his debut single “Hurricane,” the venue offers five distinct experiences across three floors and a rooftop area, with the venue accommodating around 3,000 people.

Category 10’s Main Stage boasts Nashville’s largest dance floor, with a 1,500-person capacity for concerts, line dance lessons, and themed bars. The H***y Tonk experience provides live music and dancing, while a dedicated Sports Bar showcases major events year-round. The Still, designed for Combs’ fan club, the Bootleggers, features intimate performances and caters to songwriters, bourbon enthusiasts, and music lovers. The Eye, Category 10’s rooftop area, promises to be the biggest outdoor party spot on Broadway.

Luke Combs expresses his excitement, envisioning Category 10 as a downtown hub for artists of all levels, hosting high-level touring acts and songwriter showcases. The venue is slated to open this summer, promising a unique and versatile entertainment experience for Nashville’s music enthusiasts.


*PRESALE EUROPEAN TICKETS ON SALE NOW* -PLATINUM and ACM Award-winning Country star Brett Young announces his third Euro...
05/12/2023

*PRESALE EUROPEAN TICKETS ON SALE NOW* -PLATINUM and ACM Award-winning Country star Brett Young announces his third European concert tour for May 2024. Promoted by Live Nation, the Spring tour will kick off May 8 in Norway and continues until May 24 with stops in Sweden, Germany, Netherlands and seven dates in the UK, including headlining the second night of Highways 2024 at Royal Albert Hall in London on May 18, marking the second outing for the new Country and Americana festival that debuted in 2023.

Presales for Young’s international headline tour (excluding Highways 2024) begin Tuesday, December 5 at 10:00am local, General on-sale is Friday, December 8 at 10:00am local. Dates for Young’s May 2024 international tour are as follows:

May 8, 2024 Rockefeller Music Hall Norway
May 9, 2024 Debaser Sweden
May 11, 2024 Carlswerk Victoria Germany
May 12, 2024 Docks Germany
May 13, 2024 TivoliVredenburg – Ronda Netherlands
May 15, 2024 Albert Hall United Kingdom
May 17, 2024 O2 Academy Birmingham, United Kingdom
May 18, 2024 Royal Albert Hall London, United Kingdom
May 19, 2024 O2 Academy Bristol, United Kingdom
May 21, 2024 SEC Armadillo United Kingdom
May 22, 2024 O2 Academy Leeds, United Kingdom
May 24, 2024 Botanic Gardens United Kingdom

So let's talk about  at  OH MY DAYS!Firstly, going into the gig I knew that Morgan wouldn't play every song I wanted to ...
04/12/2023

So let's talk about at

OH MY DAYS!

Firstly, going into the gig I knew that Morgan wouldn't play every song I wanted to hear... Especially when I would have liked every song ever written to be played! But the two hour show packed in all the hits and wonderful moments.

It feels like forever ago we all had tickets to see him in small venues across the UK and on my journey down I spoke about how it would have been so much better to have seen him in that intimate setting first.

I was wrong. Morgan is made for 20k people singing and dancing to every word. As soon as 'Up Down' came on the vibe was set. The show was on. Pyros, flames, lighting and the indoor fireworks made the whole night feel like a spectacle. From the intimate solo piano played 'Sand in my Boots' to the fire show of 'Heartless' I was involved. I was in a world of country music and loving every second.

The crowd singing along to the written "cover me up" was magical. The lovely touch of bringing and .zimmerman on to the stage to each duet with Morgan was perfect. Big shout out to those two as they were INCREDIBLE support. Larry Fleets voice was outrageous and Bailey... I will have whatever he was on because daaaaang he was great!

It should not be missed also how Morgan stayed after the show to sign people's shirts and see the fans. It's small details like this that can be forgotten but really show how far he has come and what an artist he is.

But with all the incredible positives there has to be negatives... And there were... There was a slight repetition to one song finishing and then a small break then next one starts. A few more vocal transitions would have been wonderful.

But look truthfully the MAIN NEGATIVE...

This should have been a full weekend gig

Friday - "If I know me" album in full 😁

Saturday - "Dangerous" album in full 😁

Sunday - "One thing at a time" Album in full 😁

That's what I need next!!! Unbelievable show. Great night and loved the Wallen England shirt! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What do you guys think???

16/11/2023

Why am I smiling? Because our UK Tour starts a week from today. Be there, or be... somewhere else... which is decidedly less cool.

Nov 22 - Brighton (The Hope & Ruin)
Nov 23 - London (Camden Club)
Nov 24 - Liverpool (Prohibition Recording Studios) SOLD OUT
Nov 25 - Biddulph (Biddulph Up In Arms)
Nov 26 - Manchester (Gullivers NQ)
Nov 28 - Newcastle (Gosforth Civic Theatre)
Nov 30 - Glasgow (The Hug and Pint)
Dec 1 - Inverness (Tooth and Claw Inverness)
Dec 2 - Hull (Wrecking Ball Music and Books)
Dec 3 - Bristol (The Louisiana)
Dec 4 - Wellington (The Beambridge Inn)
Dec 7 - Belfast (Ulster Sports Club)

(📷 Ed Morgan)

16/11/2023

November 16, 2023: Foy Vance has today released his very special new single “Guiding Light (Anniversary Edition)”, which features vocals from three of the biggest names in music - Ed Sheeran, Elton John and Keith Urban.

Comments Elton John: “It’s the most beautiful song. When Foy asked me to do it, it was a no brainer for me because I’m such a huge fan of his.”

Comments Ed Sheeran: “I was a Foy Vance fan from the age of about 15 and went to a load of his gigs back then where he used to end with Guiding Light. It was a song that I was obsessed with. I learned it in my bedroom, and I used to play it at pub shows, trying to be Foy. When we got to know each other, I asked him why he had never recorded it because I’d only ever found videos of it on YouTube and I really encouraged him to record it. When he was recording it he asked 'well why don’t you sing it with me? If you’ve been singing for all these years you should sing it with me,' so we sang it on Joy of Nothing in 2013. Then when said he was re-recording it and wants to do it with Keith Urban and Elton John I was like, that sounds great!”

Comments Keith Urban: “I get a call from Foy that they’re going to do a new version of Guiding Light, one of my all-time favourite songs, to celebrate the ten year anniversary of Foy writing the song, and so for me that was a no brainer. To be on the song period is incredible because it’s such a beautiful song. It’s more of a hymn—it captures all of the beauty and the struggle and everything that it is to be a spiritual being having a human experience. I think this song captures it. So it was an immediate yes from me to be a part of it.”

The video for “Guiding Light” (Anniversary Edition) will premiere today at 3pm GMT. Shot on film in Brooklyn, New York by Gus Black, who directed the video for Vance’s ”She Burns”, the video is a modern cinematic take on the classic Hollywood screen test and stars actor/model AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Carrie Diaries, The Act).

There is also a lyric video for “Guiding Light (Anniversary Edition)” plus a documentary video will premiere on November 21 at 5pm GMT / 12pm ET.

The closing track on Vance’s 2013 breakthrough album Joy Of Nothing, “Guiding Light” was originally co-sung by Ed Sheeran, Vance’s long-time friend, touring and songwriting partner. Over the past decade the song has become a beacon of hope for Vance’s substantial worldwide fanbase, and to celebrate 10 year he has revisited the song with three iconic musicians who have been part of his journey and who continue to inspire him.

Produced by Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, the new Anniversary Edition of the song features new vocals from Sheeran together with musical icon Elton John, who has long-championed Vance, and Keith Urban, who has written with Vance and covered his 2016 song “Burden”. The backing choir on the new version consists of Anderson East, Patrick Droney, Devin Dawson, Bonnie Bishop, Lisa Gray, Etta Britt, Bob Britt, and NEEDTOBREATHES’s Bear Rinehart, Josh Lovelace, Seth Bolt, Tyler Burkum, and Randall Harris, and was recorded at Anderson East's studio in Nashville.

“When I wrote Guiding Light I was feeling lost in my life due to a loss of family, friendships and reason,” says Vance of the track. “The music lit up the darkness. Melody reminded me to keep going no matter how long the road or how pointless it seemed.

“Guiding Light is the person or the thing that brings you back to a safe space, somewhere to lick your wounds and convalesce. To see this song resonate with so many people over the years has truly been a beautiful thing.”

Foy Vance and Ed Sheeran go way back to when Ed was an unsigned, prolifically gigging newcomer. Over Sheeran’s subsequent years of global superstardom, their friendship and songwriting partnership has endured. In 2015, Vance became Sheeran’s second signing to his label Gingerbread Man Records and he has subsequently released two acclaimed studio albums, The Wild Swan (2016) and Signs Of Life (2021).

Vance and Sheeran’s collaborations include co-writing four tracks including “Galway Girl” on Ed Sheeran’s 2017 album Divide, and the closing track “The Hills of Aberfeldy” on Ed’s 2023 album Subtract. Foy The pair also co-wrote “Blue” on Sheeran’s new album Autumn Variations and “A Beautiful Game” for Apple TV+’s ‘Ted Lasso’, which has been nominated for a 2023 Primetime Emmy Award. Vance has also worked with Alicia Keys, Rag N Bone Man, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Plan B and Rudimental among many others, effortlessly switching between genres.

“Guiding Light” (Anniversary Edition) arrives ahead of Vance’s upcoming Regarding The Joy Of Nothing UK Tour. Recorded in Donegal on Ireland’s west coast, the album was a critical and commercial breakthrough for the Bangor-born musician, winning the inaugural Northern Ireland Music Prize.

Vance lives in the Scottish Highlands with his family.
REGARDING THE JOY OF NOTHING TOUR - CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
UK & IRELAND DATES:

December 2 Killarney INEC Club
December 3 Limerick Dolans SOLD OUT
December 5 Galway Róisín Dubh
December 6 Galway Róisín Dubh
December 8 Bangor City Church SOLD OUT
December 9 Bangor City Church SOLD OUT
December 11 Leeds Brudenell Social Club SOLD OUT
December 12 Bristol The Fleece SOLD OUT
December 13 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
December 15 Manchester Band on The Wall SOLD OUT
December 16 London Union Chapel SOLD OUT
December 18 Glasgow St. Luke’s
December 19 Glasgow St. Luke’s

Tickets: www.foyvance.com

REMAINING WORLDWIDE DATES:

AUSTRALIA
November 21 Brisbane, Triffid
November 22 Sydney, Factory Theatre
November 24 Melbourne, The Croxton Bandroom

US LEG 2
January 18 Birmingham, AL Iron City
January 19 Atlanta, GA City Winery
January 20 Ashville, NC The Grey Eagle SOLD OUT
January 22 St. Louis, MO City Winery
January 24 Kansas City, MO The Truman
January 25 Omaha, NE Slowdown
January 26 Iowa City, IA The Englert Theatre
January 28 Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theatre
January 30 Pittsburgh, PA City Winery Pittsburgh
February 1 Rocky Mount, VA Harvester Performance Center
February 2 Vienna, VA The Barns at Wolf Trap SOLD OUT
February 3 Montclair, NJ Outpost in the Burbs
February 5 Wilmington, DE The Queen
February 6 South Deerfield, MA The Theater at Tree House Brewing Company SOLD OUT
February 8 East Greenwich, RI Greenwich Odeum
February 9 Portsmouth, NH The Music Hall Historic Theater
February 10 Burlington, VT Higher Ground Ballroom

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