ON THE ROAD AGAIN INTERVIEW

ON THE ROAD AGAIN WITH KEITH URBAN
Australian Country Update - Issue 30 - August 2003
Keith Urban couldn't be in a better place than where he is at the moment. That sums up the feeling among country industry movers and shakers who have seen Keith in action on the hottest tour in America this year. Keith is currently on the ticket with Kenny Chesney and Deana Carter as they make their way across the nation on a 55-show tour. What's even more impressive is the shows are sellouts in venues, which hold from 12,000 upward to 20,000 people. Allied Artists' Rob Potts, who spent some time with Keith when he was touring with Brooks & Dunn last US summer believes this current tour will help elevate him to another level.

"Kenny Chesney is the tour of the moment," Rob said. "He has a strong fan base and it is those fans who Keith is being exposed to. Keith has had success on the charts and his profile is much higher now. But the problem has been people know his songs but not the artist.

"This tour is changing that. He is the second act on the bill, just before Kenny and after Deana and he starts his show with a tape of short radio grabs of his songs. Unlike here, US radio doesn't back announce who sang what on air, so when the concert crowds hear the songs they make the connection with Keith. They are singing along and getting right into it and by the time he finishes his set they are just nuts."

His performances on the Chesney tour have earned him plenty of respect within the industry, a vital element in a competitive market.

Rob said the feeling is Keith is a star now and has the potential to become a superstar.

"He is climbing the ladder all the time, his performances are getting better as well," Rob said.

"He has a great stage presence, his band is fantastic and he is really enjoying what he is doing. Keith has plenty of respect for Kenny Chensey and everyone on the tour is getting on really well. It's been an eye opener for Keith and the respect is mutual from Kenny."

"He is more focused this time around. He is traveling in two buses, one for the band which is kind of the party bus, and one for Keith. He is off the drink, he has a vocal coach and is looking after himself pretty well."

"He is doing plenty of media - his exposure is everywhere. There is even a huge billboard outside Tower Records (major record retails store) in Nashville with his picture on it - that's when you know you are going somewhere."

Keith is also making sure he unwinds while on tour, towing a trailer, which carries his Harley Davidson motorcycle and another, which belongs to his bus driver. Whenever they get spare time, the bikes are wheeled out and it's off on the road to blow out a few cobwebs.

"Kenny appeals to a younger audience, college kids, lots of women and rural youth because he is singing about stuff they like to do and dream about," Rob said.

"He has the looks and the songs which is why his shows are so popular and Keith is getting to the market which can identify with him. He starts his shows with 'Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me' which is the next single and finished with 'Somebody Like You'. By then the crowd is right behind him."

One of the shows which Rob saw Keith perform was Kenny Chesney's "homecoming" to Knoxville in front of more than 65,000 screaming fans at the Neyland Stadium.

It was one of the biggest concerts this year in the States. It was a feather in Keith's cap just to be there, let alone be one of the main support acts.

He was in exalted company with Brooks & Dunn also on the bill.

"To be there in a football stadium with so many screaming fans was unreal," Rob said.

"It was like being at a rock concert, yet this was a country music event which had sold out weeks in advance. They were there to see and hear one of Knoxville's own."

While Americans have been appreciating the talents of Keith Urban, his Aussie fans won't have to wait too long before they get the chance to see and hear him when he tours in October with LeAnn Rimes as his support.

But right now, "who wouldn't want to be Keith!"