THE BEST OF THE REST
JENNIFER NETTLES
THE BRITISH INVASION
There is some controversy around whether British county artists should perform at C2C( given the concept of the event is to bring American country music over here), let alone get anywhere near the main stage. Personally, I believe it to be a huge shame that the British contingent were, by and large, kept on the periphery of the outside stages, with the exception of Lucie Silvas who performed on the Yamaha Stage in the main arena. The Shires and Ward Thomas are hugely successful in the UK, both notching up achievement after achievement over the last two years. The Shires are the first UK country act to have a top 10 album, with their 2015 debut album ' Brave ' and their follow-up‘ My Universe’ is the fastestselling British country album ever. Ward Thomas are history makers themselves becoming the first British country act to reach number one on the Official Album Chart with their second studio recording,‘ Cartwheels’. 2016 BCMA Duo of the Year winners, Holloway Road, who packed out the Main Entrance stage on the Saturday, I’ m sure, will not be far behind. With barnstormers like‘ We Said So’ from their‘ Roots’ EP and new single‘ If She Falls’ the Essex boys are already amassing a crowd of loyal fans.
The Shires and Ward Thomas both performed surprise late announcement sets on the BBC Radio 2 Country Stage, so it was great to see Bob Harris and friends continuing to champion homegrown country talent.
Ward Thomas closed out proceedings on the BBC Radio 2 Country Stage on the first day. Noone does harmonies like 22-year-old sisters Lizzie and Catherine, becoming even more evident live. They opened with current single‘ Boomerang’ and later‘ Material’, which will be their next single.‘ Cartwheels’ is a beautiful ballad they performed at 2015’ s C2C on the satellite( now Yamaha) stage. It went down so well and held such memories for them that they named their second album after it. Ward Thomas are touring the UK in April and May 2017, so get your tickets before it’ s too late. There wasn’ t a seat to be found on the last day in Indigo for the BBC 2, as The Shires fans strategically planted themselves ready for their set later on in the afternoon. The highlight was Chrissy’ s emotional performance of‘ Daddy’ s Little Girl’. Interestingly, Chrissy performed at the first C2C as a solo artist. It was shortly after that, Ben decided to make the move from country fan to country artist and they joined forces. The Shires can also be found touring the UK April through August.- KA
Highlight: ' Stay ' Quote:“ A lot of times people will make fun of country music. They’ ll say oh country music is about your dog dying, your truck breaking down and your wife leaving you. There’ s a kernel of truth to that. But what I think country music does better that most other genres with the exception of maybe the blues is celebrate brokenness and celebrate realness in a way that helps us heal when we hear it.”
DARIUS RUCKER
Highlight: ' It Won ' t Be Like This For Long ' Quote: " a great song is a great song, am I right?"
BROTHERS OSBOURNE
Highlight: ' It Ain ' t My Fault ' Quote: " this is the first time I ' ve been in London and I ' m gonna damn sure remember it ".
MAREN MORRIS
Highlight: ' My Church '( again) News: November UK tour announced.
HUNTER HAYES
Highlight: ' Amen ' Quote: " You ' ll probably end up on YouTube, but don ' t worry about it ".
DAN + SHAY
Highlight: ' From The Ground Up ' Quote: " Shay Mooney, the best singer in country music ".
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