100 Days of Gratitude - Day 32 - Brooks & Dunn Neon Circus Tour 2003
Monday, March 7, 2011 at 7:25PM Today I'm thankful for the Brooks & Dunn Neon Circus Tour in 2003.
Dennis Rogers, T. Texas Terry, C.J. Johnson, Kenny Ahern, Brian Brushwood
I had the opportunity to tour with Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Aaron Lines, Jeff Bates as the musical acts, but most importantly, I spent the summer on a bus with 12 other guys from all different areas of Show Business.
From the Stage Manager and his assistant, who'd worked some amazing concerts, to the bull ride operator, the body painter (Pashur House), the Wild West Act (T. Texas Terry), the physical comic (Kenny Ahern), the Strong Man (Dennis Rogers), the Bizarre Magician (Brian Brushwood), the Sword Swallower (Dan Meyer) and a crew of amazing BMX Bike Riders that rotated in and out throughout the tour and a couple of fill in acts that we saw for a weekend or two.
The stories, friendships and experiences we shared will last a lifetime.
All the folks from the Neon Circus posing with the big bosses - Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn.We got to see an amazing show every night, perform for crowds of 20,000 - none of who came to see us - a very unique challenge sometimes. Eat some amazing catering, and some that was not so amazing and basically go to an incredible summer camp for 3 1/2 months. It was so much fun that sometimes when I'd get home I'd be surprised to find a paycheck waiting for me. I got to do all that and get paid at the same time.
So many wonderful memories - hundreds and hundreds of photos, time driving down the road in a $300,000 custom bus with some of the nicest guys I can imagine - and best of all - not an ego among the group.
I did two shows a day on the main outside stage, and when we were at an indoor venue I'd do a short set between Rascal Flatts and Brooks & Dunn projected onto the Jumbotron.
Some of the stories about the travel involved so I could live up to all of my contracts are almost unbelievable, even to me, and I lived it. Someday I'll share them in print or a video. I'll have to retrace the route to make sure I get it accurate though.
If they'd do it again this summer I'd sign up in a heartbeat. Of course, Brooks & Dunn have retired - but maybe Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts will pick up this cool concert concept.
It was truly a great time.
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