Love and Theft Blog From the Road
When I was a kid growing up in Austin, I'd lay in bed at night with a Walkman and listen to music as I fell asleep. I'd lay there and imagine being on a stage, thousands of people screaming and singing along. The story line morphed constantly, but the setting never did. I was blinded by the lights, deafened by the roar of the crowd and invigorated beyond belief by the chance to capture these peoples' attention, to excite them and wow them.
We just finished a great weekend run with Jason Aldean through Arkansas and Missouri, and every night, I am brought back to those moments as a kid. I think to myself, "This is it. This is actually what I used to dream about!" It's an overwhelming, humbling and incredibly exciting feeling. A feeling of accomplishment and purpose. From the moment we pull up and step off the bus, it's exciting to me. It's an event. The setup, all the buzz and activity reminds you that something big is going to happen tonight.
My experience so far has left me wanting nothing -- except more! There is no feeling in the world that rivals the feeling of joining with a few thousand people to just plain have a good time! I love knowing the crowd is there for the same reason I am -- because concerts are awesome and we all want to experience one!
It's been a blast so far with Jason and his guys. Some of the coolest, most down-to-earth dudes, not to mention they put on a KILLER show! Already, it has been a learning experience. They've got a few more shows under their belts, and we're so fortunate to be able to observe seasoned veterans like themselves.
The fans have been incredible so far, which is no surprise. It helps to remember and realize that the whole ordeal comes down to them. They make it fun, they make it memorable, they provide the excitement and they are the whole reason for even having a show! With crowds like the ones we've experienced lately, that's not a difficult thing to realize.
Monday night (Oct. 12), we played Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Playing a late night TV show has ALWAYS been a pipe dream of mine, so I'll tell you all more about it next week!
Brian Bandas
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
hotelmotel says:
Swilly raises a good point about the group sucking, but even guys who suck can have a career, so I do think they should continue on. Sucking hasn’t stopped them from getting on the radio, and it won’t stop them in the future. There’s a big market for things that suck.
Graceless says:
Actually, Swilly and hotelmotel, they’re quite good. If you’ve spent any time with the CD, you’ll hear that they have a unique throwback sound reminiscent of Restless Heart or Crosby, Stills and Nash. Frankly, I’m glad to hear something as different as this on the radio–it’s refreshing! I think they’ve hit upon an interesting and powerful combo of actually musical chops (they all can sing and play guitar, but Brian especially can tear it up on guitar), they have a humble and grateful attitude and they all have personalities that just draw you in and you can’t help but root for them. Welcome to Country radio Love & Theft! We’re glad to have you here!!
Max007 says:
I agree with Swilly and hotelmotel. This is awful music. But you’re right there is a lot of awful music on the radio.
Bigred says:
I am going to go with alot here and say these guys aint that great. I saw them open for Blake Shelton a few months ago, I had to drink just to make it through to Blake. I find it truely aweful that this junk is getting decent airplay and yet great songs don’t even crack the top 20. Miranda’s White Liar gets little airplay where I live, yet these guys are on once a day. Shameful. This is the one point Whitney Duncan and I disagree on.
hotelmotel says:
It looks like they deleted Swilly’s comment, which basically said that this group does something that a vacuum cleaner does.
ValerieDawn2002 says:
I can honestly say that I find Love and Theft refreshing. I’ve grown up on country and I grow tired of the groups out there when its always the same person singing. I love that Brian, Eric and Stephen all have a unique voice which makes every song they sing even better. I’ve never heard a group harmonize the way that do either. They’ve wrote all of their songs too. Hey millions love Taylor Swift and she will admit that these guys are her fav. I’m a true Thefthead and always will be!
LindsayGrace says:
So obviously most of you on here need to clean your ears out, that are ya’ll know ABSOLUTELY nothing about good music.
These guys have amazing harmony, an amazing sound and are amazing guys.
Get your facts straight people.
Gundersuper fan says:
Everyone is entitled opinions, but there’s also a thing called respect.
I for one am a theftead, so I’m a little biased here. I think Love and Theft are the best country group that has come out since Rascal Flatts. Their harmonies are real, they’re not fabricated. They wrote or co-wrote all their songs and play their own instruments. How much more real can they get? Yes, their sound has more of pop-country sound, but with the harmonies, it is something NEW and FRESH! Love and Theft has inspired me in so many ways, because their songs are based on their real experiences. I listen to their album everyday. In fact, their music has increased my passion for music overall. Also, by becoming a thefthead, I have been able to connect with many of their fans, and they are the best fans out there!!! We love to support Eric, Brian, and Stephen because we want them to keep creating new songs. They are amazing to their fans, and are so passionate for what they do and are always thankful to their fans and to the people that helped get them to where they are now. WAY TO GO LNT!! YOUR FANS FROM THEFTHEADS.COM ARE SO PROUD OF YA’LL!! I hope to meet you guys for the first time in MN on oct. 21st!
Danielle Callahan says:
This is all rediculous!! Love and Theft is the BEST and the only reason y u dont here the songs u supposedly want to hear is bc u dont REQUEST them…we are THEFTHEADS and there is not ONE thing wrong with LnT!! I would actually appreciate maybe if u could list just ONE thing?? They are GRATEFUL for EVERYTHING they have…they HAVE AMAZING VOICES and Intrumental ability!! They are a NATURAL/REAL Country Band..and TRUST me…I LOVE my COUNTRY music..but I’ve seen A LOT of ppl in concert…and NONE compare to LnT!!
Holly Earl says:
Wow, some of the first few comments, harsh much? Have we forgot about a little thing called respect? Everyone has their opinions, I understand, but downright bashing is not cool. Love and Theft have worked hard to get where they are, and thankfully its showing with their first top 10 hit and record. They aren’t like some other artists who are just given songs to sing, they write their own stuff. And anyone who writes their own songs is totally worth listening to in my book. I’ve found that artists/groups get a lot more respect if they sing their own material. Love and Theft consist of three genuine guys, who probably the most down to earth guys you’ll ever meet. Its just sad that quite a few people have been judging them first without fully getting to know them and listening to them fully, and what they are about.
If you think their music is crap, I’d sure hate to see what you do think is good music. There are groups/artists who are far worse that have made it to country radio that I question myself. No they are no George Strait, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, or any of the legends of 90s country, however Love and Theft’s sound is unique, but still is staying true to country.
So before judging them again and speaking badly about them, try listening to their album fully, and maybe YouTubing a couple of their performances before judging them.
I’d love to see YOU make a top 10 hit and record if you think you can do better.
Until then, clean out your ears.
- Holly
tebowgirl says:
Reading this blog by Brian brought a smile to my face and almost made me cry. It put me in such a good mood to know that not only does he care and appreciate the fans, but is grateful for everything that has happened in his life. Unfortunately, that good mood had to be ruined by all these negative comments. Has anyone even taken the time to listen to their songs that aren’t on the radio? Has anyone ever listened to the words to these songs? Has anyone taken the time to learn more about them? Because I firmly believe if you did just one of these three things, you would change your mind. Brian, Eric, and Stephen are three of the nicest guys in the music industry! They take the time to get to know their fans and are so grateful for all that we do for them. They don’t take anything for granted because they know how hard it is to make it in this business. They worked their butts off for 3 years before getting any kind of recognition. They write all of their own songs, which makes the songs so much more relevant than artists who are only able to sing. They write about true life events that they have experienced. Not only are they lyrically talented, but they also all play instruments. You won’t see these guys on stage without a guitar in their hands. Brian is one of the most talented guitarists I’ve ever seen. You can tell he has such a passion for playing. They also can all play the piano. And on top of all of that, they have killer voices. They harmonize better than any other group I’ve heard. And there isn’t one lead singer. They all take turns singing lead, which sets them apart from other groups even more! Besides from all this musical stuff, their personalities is what makes them so unique. They are such fun-loving, hilarious, down to earth guys! Talk to them for just 5 minutes and you will realize that they are so humble and modest. You don’t find that a lot with famous artists anymore. These guys are the real deal and in country music to STAY. Before anyone else bashes them, I challenge you to just take the time to get to know them. It was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!!!! WE LOVE YOU BOYS!!! :)
Ash says:
You guys rock keep up the good work. Congrats on the top 10! :)
pixistix12590 says:
It’s not just a humbling experience for you all, but it’s times like these and reading such thing that makes it just as humbling for us. Thank you so much for your love for us. As long as you can stay like this, you know that you’re doing it just as it should be… You’re reaching your dreams while allowing and gracing us with the ability to be along for the ride. We’ll all continue to support and love you as you’re taken on this crazy and wonderful ride of sheer enjoyment and wonder for us.
ArynNicole says:
I’d just like to say to all the people who left comments saying Love & Theft suck…why in the world would you even begin reading a blog by them if you didn’t even like the group,let alone leave a comment.I know for a fact that I don’t even think twice about clicking on someone who I have no intrest in.Love & Theft is a great group of guys’ who love their fans & who are amazing musicans as well as songwriters.So before you leave another rude comment about a band whom you don’t even like think twice about.I’d also like to say if they suck so bad (according to some folks) then let me ask you this…how did they get a top #10 record?
Hailelnt2633 says:
what is wrong with you people? have any of you heard what country music is like today?
i feel that Love and Theft fit just PERFECTLY into the newer style of country music! Im a true THEFTHEAD and i cant sit here and read all of this nonsense going on about a genuine, down to earth group of guys that have changed my life for the better! their songs inspire me just like Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood or Kenny Chesney or Taylor Swift songs inspire everyone else! i dont understand how you all can say they suck when they have been compared to the grammy nominated trio Rascal Flatts, for their sound and style of music! i dont understand this. just give Stephen, Brian, and Eric a chance! they are full-filling their dream and i say go for it guys your more than half way there! they are the best group of guys in the world and i am a true FAN forever.
Love and Theft have the most amazing fans and i am glad to see my fellow THEFTHEADS on here to support our boys! i love all types of country music and i feel they are more then welcome into the country music industry!!
WE LOVE YOU STEPHEN, BRIAN, AND ERIC! CONGRATES ON ALL YOUR SUCCESS SO FAR AND CANT WAIT FOR MORE! HAVE FUN ON THE ROAD! ME AND THEFTHEADS.COM LOVE YOU!!!!! <3
we all have our opinions and im just letting you know mine!
Aleeshya says:
“I never though anybody could make me feel so happy but you came along with your harmonies and songs and now everytime i see you, my day is made. and when i hear your voices everything just fades.” Lyrics to a song i wrote for the guys.
Stephen, Brian and Eric are 3 of the nicest, sweetest guys i have ever met.
They take the time to meet and talk to all of there fans. can you tell me how many people do that?
and why would you comment on a blog about their success saying that they suck? does that make you feel good about yourself? does that help you sleep at night? putting other people who have worked so hard to get to where they are now down? why are you reading a blog about them in the first place?
if you don’t like their music, fine. you are entitled to your own opinion! but that doesn’t mean you need to tell them they suck. if you would like to tell them you don’t like their music fine, but is suck the best way to do that?
i didn’t think so!
Love and Theft is the best band of all time. They are the sweetest, most amazing guys i have ever met.
For every bad comment someone posts, there are about 5,000 comments to respond to that (and thats NOT an exaggeration!) Love and Theft has the most dedicated fans in the world and we will NOT stop until that is known!
Maybe next time you will think twice before putting down our boys, Brian, Eric and Stephen!
xoxo,
leesh
emily_traveler says:
Love and Theft rocks! Never before meeting these three awesome guys have I been so into one band! I got the chance to hang out with them after their Jonesboro concert last week and I can say they are so humble and down to earth. If you don’t have the album yet GO GET IT! I recommend the iTunes version so you can get the two bonus songs, “If I’m Fallin’” and “Learning to Fall”. They are awesome! I LOVE LnT! See the guys again next month in Southaven, MS and I can’t wait!
LeAnn Pierce says:
Ok so if ANYONE knows who I am then they certainly KNOW why I am commenting this. People who dislike LNT are seriously A. dilusional B. can’t hear whatsoever. C. doesn’t know what GREAT music sounds like and therefore shouldn’t even be on cmt.com posting ridiculous comments tryin to stir up DRAMA. ok i feel better now. :)
Anyways the point is: Love and Theft are just 3 guys who have so much talent that they just love to share it with each other. . . they all share the spotlight and with that their harmonies are unreal. . i also love that they are appreciative of the fans who go to see them. .unlike some artists. I love the fact that after their show they go and meet with all the fans they can and they talk to you like they’ve always known you. It’s never a “hey how ya doin “smile click picture” then “bye”. . they are always so down to earth and you feel like you were appreciated.
I agree with EVERYTHING miss holly earl said in her post. . these boys are in fact “new country” but that is whats in these days. If you don’t like it then just get you a satellite radio and turn it to the old country stations. I’m sorry folks but the younger generation is craving this new music. . if you don’t agree then look on how TAYLOR SWIFT has SOLD MORE ALBUMS THAN ANY OTHER ARTISTS. . and has 6 AMA NOMS. I know this isn’t a taylor blog but i’m just stating a fact that she is pop country and LNT is going to be right on up there making great music and giving their fans what we want. . truthful songs written by the artists. :-) So you people just need to stop hatin on GOOD MUSIC because seriously you look like idiots . . so please stay off of cmt.com if you do not agree that LNT is the bomb diggidy ;) haha love you guys and all you LNT Fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-bringing love and theftness everywhere,
LeAnn Pierce :D
Brit_LovesLNT says:
Ok so first of all I just want to say wow Brian! You amaze me. I couldn’t stop smiling and also got teary eyed while reading what you wrote. You seem to amaze me more and more everyday. All three of you boys do. Shows how greatful you guys are and just how amazing.
And to those of you who are saying bad things about these guys, I don’t know what’s wrong with you. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions but if you say these guys are awful you don’t know good music.
These guys deserve to be in the radio and to have a Top 10 hit and album. Yes their music is different but it relaxes me and makes a bad day so much better. They are incredible!
And not to mention very talented, sweet, down to earth, genuine guys. Who love their fans and are so greatful and appreciate everything we do for them!
They have the best presonalities and they are so love able. I don’t know how anyone couldn’t adore them.
When I listen to their music i get chills. They have wonderful harmonies. And they wrote or co-wrote every one of their songs and they are amazing with instruments they play. i personally can’t go a day without listening to their CD. And their lyrics are amazing and everyone can relate to atleast one of their songs. Considering they write about real life. They have true meaning.
Also their fans are amazing! They are dedicated, passionate, diehard and support them 100%. We are behind them all the way. Theftheads are the best. I have met some amazing people and have made some great friends. It’s probably not the best idea to mess with us Theftheads. As you can see the army that backs these boys up!
I am so happy and excited for the guys! They have come so far so fast. And I am SO proud to say I am a Love and Theft fan and have been able to watch them grow and come so far! It’s been a true blessing! I can’t even explain how proud I am.
Congrats Boys!
You deserve it! You have worked so hard and it shows!
Brian, Stephen and Eric I love you guys!
You guys are growing by the minute and it’s just going to keep getting bigger and better!
And you guys will be headlining in no time! And we will all be there having one big party!
Love you guys!
Love Always,
Brit
Barb-vamp124 says:
I became a fan of LNT the first time I heard Runaway being I am probably the oldest person responding on here I have to say I am very disappointed with the way that some people have responed.. As someone else said why are you reading an article on a band that you apparently don’t even like??? As I taught my children if you don’t have anything nice to say about someone than just don’t say anything, or be nice with how you say it!!! Brian, Eric, and Stephen keep on giving your fans the enjoyment of your great songs!!! You have an older fan for life here goodluck in your future…
Vamp124
Holly Earl says:
LeAnn. <3 haha!
Syds says:
LNT are AMAZING. Enough said.
Emily says:
Okay I’m not sure what the first comment said since it got deleted by the time I read the blog but the other negative comments about the guys are ridiculous! I agree with another commenter when she said “if you don’t like an artist why would you even read a blog about them let alone comment on it.” Honestly, IT DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE. I understand that everyone has their own opinion, there are singers and bands out there that I can’t stand but that doesn’t mean I go around comment bashing them on websites!! These guys don’t deserve it. They’ve worked TIRELESSLY to get where they are now and I couldn’t be more proud. Explain to me if they ’suck’ so much how they have a #10 hit on the radio??? People like their music! And as you can see from this blog Brian (as well as Eric and Stephen) are three of the most REAL guys in this industry. They will go far and you will eat your negative words.
Brian, thank you for sharing such a deep blog with your fans. It means alot that we can touch your life so much because you touch ours the same way. Thank you for writing incredible music and staying so connected and real with the fans. You are always so sweet to me when I see you all at concerts and I never take it for grated - thank you for everything!!
Emily says:
there’s no need to be mean, how about ‘if you dont have nothing nice to say, then dont say nothin!’ i can only speak for myself (and tons of other theftheads :) ) we love love and theft!!! enough said :)
Judy says:
For all ya’s that disagree, these three guys are amazing, they came along way for a reason, cuz there good, they open up with the best artist so that should be telling you something. Maybe you should of went out and got WORLD WIDE OPEN today 10-14-09 for a special price to learn more about them. I have seen Brian, Eric and Stephen twice now and can’t wait till we see them at CMA FEST 2010. Guys keep up the wonderful job you do and we love you and always can’t wait till see ya the next time. I hope sooner then June. You three are amazing, hot and funny. Just the greatest guys.
sarahpmck says:
agreed emily! if you dont like Love and Theft what are you doing reading a blog about them? These guys have amazing harmonies and actually sing about stuff that matters! If they sucked they would not be on tour with Jason Aldean toured in the past with Taylor Swift or have a top ten song. So stop being so negative and have your ears readjusted!
LOVE AND THEFT YOU ROCK!!!!! Thanks for being so great to your fans!
Rachel says:
Team LOVE AND THEFT =]
hotelmotel says:
It seems the “theftheads” have spoken.
ArynNicole says:
I agree Rachel…TEAM LOVE AND THEFT!!! Arrest me cuz i’m a TheftHeadJunkie!<3
Judy says:
I missed all the drama which is good. I will say this I love these and I think they are amazingly talented. And they are so good, they got me to do something no one else has, download their album. That’s saying a lot for me. This is after buying in stores, which I plan to get another copy sometime. I could go on and on about how good I think they are, but then I’d be here all night. Love you guys.
Judy
Jenn says:
Ladies and gents, it’s not easy swallowing the negative words that have been written, especially towards three young men who are amazing inside and out. We all know they have worked VERY hard to attain their childhood dreams and it is evident that all three feel blessed to be where they are today. But please take what these few negative bloggers are saying with a grain of salt. Why yes, they “suck” so bad that their single is currently #10 on the country charts and they had the highest first week digital single sales for a debut country artist this year. If they are this so called “terrible” then I guess we all deserve a top ten record! I would like to see some of you get up in front of 15,000 people and sing your heart out without missing a beat. So they may not be that honkey tonk country twang group that you may be used to… But their music is the new gateway to help draw more and more fans to appreciate all types of country music. I know for myself I never had an appreciation for the raw talent in the country music industry until Love and Theft opened up for and performed on the same stage as country musicians such as Billy Currington, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean to name a few. They have helped bridge a gap in country music as well as bring a much needed fresh and amazing sound to the country music table. So they may not be your cup of tea but have some respect for the hard work that these artists have put into producing an incredible album. If you do not appreciate them then stay off of their blog and keep your mouth shut. Sarcasm about them being successful via “sucking” due to a “big market for things that suck” isn’t what is going to take them far. Darling this cut-throat industry isn’t for suckers. Try walking a mile in their shoes. Their humble attitudes, along with their avid dedication and hard work, are what will make them stars! I’ve never been more proud of a single individual in my life. I admire my brother more than anyone in this world for battling everything he has in his life and still coming out on top!!
sarahpmck says:
Well said Jenn!
Austin says:
You guys rock! Keep making great music, and don’t let anyone ever convince you that the music you are making isn’t great.
As for the blog post itself, I have to comment on the following line: “I love knowing the crowd is there for the same reason I am — because concerts are awesome and we all want to experience one!”
I agree that concerts are awesome, but when I go to a concert, it’s not simply because concerts are awesome. It’s because I think the artist(s) I’m seeing at the concert is/are awesome! Which is precisely why I’d definitely like to see yall in concert at some point.
Hope you guys continue doing well, & God Bless
Kate says:
There’s definitely a line between stating an opinion and being disrespectful and the “bashers” crossed it. It makes me happy to see so many other Theftheads coming to support LNT. They deserve all the support in the world. I was hooked on their music from the first time I heard it. I still get chills when I listen to them sing. These guys have talent and anyone who denies that needs to get their hearing checked. I met them in May and they are the nicest guys, and so down to earth. They deserve for all their dreams to be coming true.
crystal says:
You guys all are the greatest! Every time we went see see all of you we had the best time ever! It was so much fun you really know how to work your moves with your music its awesome. Great shows and love the attion each of you give at the end of your shows. You all care so much about your fans and we LOVE YOU! keep up the great work and music you guys ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kate says:
I will admit, I’m not a huge country fan. When I describe the types of music I listen to, country isn’t in the list. HOWEVER. I met Brian in 2006 through some mutual friends. It was actually my birthday. The day was spent playing ultimate frisbee and eating cookie cake. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met–he even commented (positively) on my terrible, box-dyed plum haircolor. And regarding the level of talent of LNT, one of my friends, on that day said to me, “One day, Brian’s gonna be famous. He is amazingly talented. That boy can sing and is crazy on the guitar.” And look at where he is now, three years later full of hard work, sweat and tears–and Eric and Stephen as well. I’m sure they have similar stories. So, my point here, coming from a non-country fan, is that LNT is incredibly talented and the guys are genuinely nice people who have worked incredibly hard to get to where they are. Keep on, keepin’ on, guys.
Scotty says:
They are being compared to Rascal Flatts? Thanks for the warning. I’ll be sure to stay away from the rest of their music. If Kate thinks this is country music she’s in for a big surprise. Because it’s not.
lovesloveandtheft says:
I think everyone that has something nasty to say, must be jealous men. These guys are talented and so good looking.
hotelmotel says:
So this all started with Swilly saying that he (she?) thinks this group is rather bad. Swilly might be very pleased: his (her) post generated a lot of controversy and was apparently important enough for the “Theftheads” to feel a need to respond.
Swilly’s post got a good discussion going and hopefully Swilly will post more in the future.
Lesley says:
I love LNT and a proud Thefthead. I love there cd which i havent taken out of my car cd player since I bought. I am seeing them twice in the next 2 months and proud to say I have gotten alot of my friends to love the guys. Not only are they talented but sweet guys getting to meet them and all. I love to hear what the guys are thinking so I am glad Brian decided to Blog his thoughts.