NASHVILLE, TN (SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT) - Last week Great American Country (GAC) was on hand at Ft. Campbell Army base to tape rocking and rowdy country acts
Montgomery Gentry and Keith Anderson, as they entertained armed soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division. Footage of the concert, fan meet and greet sessions, artist interviews and a special appreciation presentation were all taped to air in the 'Montgomery Gentry: Free to Rock' concert special this Sunday, July 18 on GAC at 8:00 p.m. ET.
'We wanted a concert that was high-energy, filled with fun, excitement and great music,' says Sarah Trahern, senior vice president of the network. 'Both Montgomery Gentry and Keith Anderson sing songs that viewers can enjoy and sing along to while enjoying their favorite summer activities.'
Montgomery Gentry performances of fan favorite songs 'Hillbilly Shoes,' 'She Don't Tell Me To,' 'If You Ever Stop Loving Me,' 'Hell Yeah,' 'Something to Be Proud Of' are all featured in the special, as well as the first ever performance of the duo's newest single 'Some People Change.' Determined not to let the threat of thunderstorms damper or cancel their performance, Eddie Montgomery spoke to the GAC cameras, just moments before they went on stage and explained why the show would happen.
'The rain is nothing compared to what our boys and girls do overseas and this concert is for them.' He continued, '(Playing for the troops) is something that's been a heartfelt experience for us for the last five years."
The crowd, filled with thousands of military members and their families appreciated the group's determination and support so much that Ft. Campbell Garrison Commander Col. Larry Ruggley honored Montgomery Gentry by presenting them a statue of the 'Screaming Eagle,' the emblem of the Ft. Campbell-based 101st Airborne.
'The performers and the audience enjoyed the show and the meaning of that night, so we know the rest of the country will enjoy the experience as well,' says Trahern.
Keith Anderson, who was presented the commemorative 'Screaming Eagle' wood plaque for his participation, preceded the duo with uproarious applause and singing from the crowd to his songs 'XXL,' 'Three Chord Country and American Rock and Roll,' GAC video favorite 'Pickin' Wildflowers,' and his current top 10 single 'Every Time I Hear Your Name.'
"It is both an honor and a pleasure to launch our summer tour at Ft. Campbell." Anderson said about his performance at the base. "My band and I have so much gratitude for what the members of the 101st Airborne - and their families - sacrifice for us."
'Montgomery Gentry: Free to Rock' airs on GAC as part of the network's Summer For Life Programming cross-promotion with the other Scripps Networks television brands, and will re-air throughout the summer.
