Roots, Toots n' Hoots Blog

Aldean and the Yankees

Jeffrey Remz  |  January 18, 2013

Jason Aldean had the good fortune of selling out the venerated icon of arenas, Madison Square Garden, in New York City.

It took Aldean not even 10 minutes to go clean at the home of the Knicks and Rangers, not to mention the scene of lots of concerts over the years.

Aldean was quoted as saying, "I think people underestimate country music's popularity in New York City."

His attitude is understandable for sure. Country acts just don't seem to play MSG. They'd go to New Jersey or perhaps Nassau Country for their gigs. In Boston, for example, country acts aren't big on playing TD Banknorth and other venues in Boston proper. They tended to hit the suburban arenas in Worcester and Lowell.

But Aldean voices a sentiment often held by country acts and voiced live as well when they come by to gig. They always seem so darn surprised that folks up north like country music and will even pluck down their hard earned greenbacks to see their favorite act live.

That's probably no surprise to Toby Keith. He comes here every September, hitting the outdoor shed south of Boston.

But it gets rather tiring to hear that kind of thinking over and over again. If memory serves right, Luke Bryan even said that when he opened for Tim McGraw. Now, Bryan is about to headline that same outdoor shed on his big tour this summer. I should note that Bryan also points out the us vs. them attitude in his songs as well. People talk about country songs referring to good ole' boys, drinking and swimming holes. That about describes Bryan to a T.

Bottom line folks. Don't sell the Yanks short. Some of us love country just as much as anybody. You don't have to be a Southerner to enjoy it. Maybe next time Aldean or whoever is touring sells out MSG, it won't be such unusual news. Let's hope not anyway!