Current ACM Male Artist and Album of the Year recipient Chris Stapleton just knocked down two sold out shows at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Chris is straight ahead on stage.  He doesn’t do much talking.  He lets the music speak for itself and plays as much as he can fit into his allotted time.  So, I wanted to share with you an incident that happened before the show- and words that were exchanged-that you may enjoy.

We had an arranged Meet & Greet with Chris Stapleton and several of our Radio VIPs about two hours before he hit the stage.  Nashville shows are a little crazier than others.  There’s usually more of an industry dynamic at play.  More people.  More chaos. Nashville shows are busier than others.  Aside from friends and family, there are usually booking agents, management staff & local athletes who want to say hello to this Country Superstar.  We gathered our group and were escorted backstage to a holding area as Chris completed another group’s grip and grin.  We were positioned in a hallway holding area. Now as it happens, they had Chris’s Traveller Whiskey out on a table for us to sample.  Once we all had our pours, Mercury’s VP/Promotion Damon Moberly (Chris’ Record Label) raised his cup and toasted our Radio partners that were in attendance, thanking them for their continued support. This is the point where I made a realization that would make the next 15 minutes uncomfortable for me.

I realized I had screwed up.  Major faux paus here.  In a haste to wear something short sleeve and lightweight to the show, I had slipped on an Elijah Craig shirt.  And just so you all understand Elijah Craig (Heaven Hill) is a direct competitor to Traveller Whiskey (Buffalo Trace).  I thought since the logo was small and indiscrete maybe no one would notice.  It was white embroidery on a white shirt. We complete our whiskey tasting and filed everyone into the hospitality room.  Oh no!  The photo backdrop is the Traveller logo.  I’m screwed.  I wait all the way in the back trying to avoid Chris’ eyes.  He sees it.  Shakes his finger at me, “You’re not supposed to be wearing that here,” he blurts out in a humorous tone.  He’s got me. But he’s not pissed.  Just playing with me.  Now I have several group shots with Chris but nothing of just he and I.  I decide to jump in and get one.  I tell him I’ll move the logo behind his shoulder so it will be blocked off in the photo. Someone said put your hand over it National Anthem style.  Well, Chris decided to just cover with his hand himself.  I was cracking up, as you can see in the picture above, as he busted my onions.

I own a good deal of whiskey shirts.  You’ll be sure, before going to the next show, I‘ll mentally check off if that artist has a distillery collaboration. Lesson learned.  But come to think of it, I do not own a Traveller shirt. Hey, Chris!!!