CMT Blog: Flynnville Train

I’m very sad to say that we wrapped up the Toby Keith Big Dog Daddy tour this weekend in Texas. We were a little nervous about playing the last show because we had been hearing about the pranks they like to pull. We got very nervous about five minutes before show time. When we were about to go on, we noticed that several crew members, the Easy Money Band, Miranda Lambert and her band were all standing around the stage looking at us with sly grins on their faces. Oh, how the fun did begin…

It started when they played our intro disc. We have an intro to our show that is a compilation of excerpts from “train” songs. Well, they replaced all the songs with 80’s boy band songs. The crowd, most of whom had never seen us, was wondering what on earth they were about to see. Next, I sat down behind my drums and looked down to see a picture of Keith (Miranda’s drummer) taped to my bass drum. Chris (the keyboard player) is very good at Photoshop and took a picture of a male stripper and put Keith’s head on the body. It was hilarious and disgusting all at the same time. We hesitantly kicked off the show wondering what’s gonna happen next. We got through the first song and nothing really happened besides some of the crew members standing at the side throwing picks at us. The second song is when Brian plays the washboard and Joey (Easy Money Band) comes out on stage dressed as Brian wearing the washboard. He jammed with us through the whole song as the crowd went wild.

After Joey left the stage, he and a couple of his friends, Mica and Willie (of the Easy Money Band) decided to talk to us in our ear monitors throughout the whole show, telling jokes and cutting up. That sure makes it hard to concentrate so we had to pull out the monitors just to get through it. All the while they were letting smoke bombs off on the stage so we couldn’t even see each other. The best came on the last song though when Kirby came out on stage with a long-haired wig and a guitar strapped over his shoulder to jam with us. We were laughing so hard it was difficult to function.

It was all in good fun and we had a blast. I’m out of room this week to tell you about our retaliation so you’ll have to check it out next week. Until then, Tommy Bales

We had a short run east this week where we first stopped in Dover, N.H., and visited WOKQ. We joined them for the morning show. We had a blast as we played, talked and joked for about 1-½ hours. They had contest winners there as well and they got to hang out and watch the show. We made some great friends and can’t wait to go back.

On Saturday (Sept. 22), we headed for Boston where we played the Tweeter Center that night. We had a great reception from the crowd, and after the show, we played a post party show sponsored by WKLB. They had over a hundred contest winners that got to attend the show. We played an acoustic set and were joined by some of the other players on the tour. Scotty, Keith and Aden from Miranda’s band joined us for a few songs, then Dave, Joey and Rich from the Easy Money Band joined in for an awesome jam session. It was a great time for the audience and I think an even greater time for all of us.

This week’s behind-the-scenes person is Suzanne Durham. Suzanne works for the record label, Show Dog, as the Northeast regional and, like all the regionals, works hard to get us introduced to the world. She sets up all of the pre- and post-party shows, interviews, meet and greets and much more. She has worked tirelessly to promote Flynnville Train and is very creative and brilliant in the way she does. The belief she has in us inspires us to keep pushing forward, even when we might be tired. I don’t think it’s possible to show her our gratitude, but for what it’s worth, thank you, Suz.

Next week, we will wrap up the tour in Texas. I’ve been hearing rumors about all the pranks that get pulled on the last night of the tour. I’m sure next weeks post will be interesting.

Until then, Tommy Bales

The highlight of Toby Keith’s Big Dog Daddy tour came this week for us when we got to play back in our home state. We’ve played at several amphitheaters this summer and after a while they all start to look the same. I stepped out onto the stage at Verizon Wireless in Noblesville, Ind., setting up just like every other day, when it hit me. I’ve seen several concerts here and have always dreamed of playing this stage. We finally made it. I haven’t felt a rush like that in a long time. To look out into the crowd and see the faces of our family and friends was the greatest feeling. Our hometown crowd gave us a warm welcome and partied with us like it was their last good time.

After the concert we headed into Indianapolis where we were scheduled to play an acoustic show at the 8 Seconds Saloon. The house was packed and ready to party but our show was delayed. We were waiting on a special guest to arrive. That’s right, Toby showed up to check out the show. We started our set around 12:30a.m. and had played for about 30 minutes when Toby decided to get up and jam with us. What a joy that was for us, and our families and friends were just elated. We jammed on some of Toby’s classics and played his new single, “Love Me If You Can,” which happens to be my favorite Toby song. We played a couple of our songs and Toby sang harmonies with the boys. Then the real fun started when we jammed on some classic cover tunes. The fun lasted until about 3 a.m. It was one of those moments that I can imagine telling me grandchildren about some day.

This week’s behind-the-scenes person is Megan Smith. Megan works for TKO, our management company. She was the one that made the phone call to us when Toby wanted to hear us for the first time. We call her our little firecracker. She takes care of all the little details of the many things that we need every day. She sets up our meet-and-greets, radio interviews, traveling arrangements and much more. She is always on the go and is very pleasant to work with. She truly is a blessing to us and we couldn’t make it without her.

This week we head back out East where we are guaranteed to have a good time. Should have a lot to share next week. Until then, Tommy Bales

We’re headin’ back to the Midwest on Toby Keith’s Big Dog Daddy tour. We had a busy week out West where we played three shows a day. We played pre-show parties, the main show, then after-show parties every day. What a blast we had getting to play for all those people and making new friends. Our main focus has been our album release though. We’ve been doing radio interviews over the phone to all regions in the country to let everybody know about the album coming out on Tuesday and the response has been overwhelming. Y’all seem to be buying them up as fast as they get them on the shelves. We have definitely been blessed this year. We are very humbled by so many people who have worked hard to get us to where we are.

That’s what leads me to talk about the behind-the-scenes people of the week. I feel compelled to use this platform to share with you two people that mean so much to Flynnville Train – Dave Milam and Kirby Middleton. Dave is Toby’s tour manager and he is responsible for everything that happens out here. I mean everything, from logistics to bottled water on stage. It’s his job to make sure it all happens and he does it very well and with a smile on his face. Kirby helps Dave with many of the responsibilities. He is the liaison between all the people out here and Dave. Dave is so busy that Kirby is the guy that can get you what you need most times. He knows how to get things done and he always greets you with a smile as well.

These guys mean so much more than that to us though. You have to understand that we are new to this life. It wasn’t that long ago when we were all working day jobs and playing music at night back home. Living on the road is a lot different and these guys have gone way out of their way to teach us the ropes and make us feel at home out here. Back in the spring when they were off the Toby tour and we were on our radio promotion tour, they volunteered their time and came out on the road with us. They have become our great friends and mentors. They are here to boot us in the ass if we need it, but are also here to encourage us and pat us on the back from time to time when we need that. We consider them brothers-in-arms and will forever be in their debt. Dave and Kirby, from the bottom of our hearts we thank you.

This week we are heading to Indiana to play for our hometown. I can’t wait to tell you about it next week. Thanks for stoppin’ by. — Tommy Bales

Another great week of sunshine here on Toby Keith’s Big Dog Daddy Tour. At our first stop, Mountain View, Calif., I was in catering when I looked over and saw Rodney Carrington. He is good friends with Toby and was hanging out for a couple of days. We are big fans of his and it was awesome to hang out with him. On Friday we were in Irvine, Calif. Something very cool happened on stage that night. We were on our first song when I dropped a drum stick. It flew out of my hand to the front of the stage. Brian saw it happen and came to my rescue. He picked up the stick, twirled it in his fingers and tossed it back to me. I reached up and grabbed it and the timing was perfect, didn’t miss a beat. It was one of those magical moments that happened so fast that I doubt anybody even saw it, but we did.

After the show that night we ran into Brad Gillis of Night Ranger. Brent and Slim were able to grab a picture with him and they are still stoked about it. Lake Tahoe was our next stop where we met up at the Warrior/Trainiac pre-party. They were celebrating Bonnie’s birthday at the Cabo Wabo. Our next stop was Kelseyville, Calif., at a cool resort on the lake. The crowd there was smaller than usual but was one of the rowdiest yet.

The behind-the-scenes person of the week is Terry Patterson. Terry is our road manager and also happens to be Slim’s dad. He is like a father to all of us. He has the endless job of making sure that we have everything we need and that we get where we need to go. Terry has been with FVT from the beginning and has played a major part in our success. He is the glue that holds us together and we consider him part of the band.

I didn’t receive any questions this week so I’ll use this space to remind everyone that our debut album is coming out this Tuesday the 11th. Also, the video for “Nowhere Than Somewhere” will start playing on CMT this week. Y’all be sure and tune in! Thanks everybody for checking in. Until next week. — Tommy Bales

Rollin’ down the road this week on the Big Dog Daddy tour with Toby Keith. We got to stop at home for a few days last week before heading out to Cleveland, Ohio, and Darien Lake and Saratoga, N.Y. Saratoga was a real trip for us. We attended a Warrior/Trainiac pre-party where we were greeted by Chugs the Chicken. Chugs comes from a promotion that the record label ran on us earlier this year, “Flynnville Train … the new face of country, don’t be chicken.” Our fan club is having a contest right now, and one of the contestants used this chicken costume to promote our album that’s coming out Sept. 11.

This week’s “behind the scene” person is Terry Cummings. Terry is our bus driver. He spends many hours behind the wheel and is responsible for our safety. Terry has been driving for eight years and has driven for many great artists. He’s a good man and it’s been a pleasure getting to know him. I like to ride up front, so we’ve had many late night conversations going down the road.

Last week, Marra asked about the Elvis tribute with Joe Perry. Joe and Toby filmed the song “Mystery Train” for an Elvis Presley tribute show. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to meet Joe because they were filming him all day and there really wasn’t a good time to hang out. They did an excellent job though and it was an honor to be able to stand at the side of the stage and watch.

This week, we have been heading for California. It’s a long ride from Saratoga N.Y., but it’s been enjoyable. It’s a great time to catch up on some rest. We’re looking forward to visiting our friends in San Francisco at KBWF where we will be on the morning show before we play in Mountain View, Calif. Looking forward to a great week in California. Talk to ya next week. — Tommy Bales

A great week here on the Big Dog Daddy tour with Toby Keith. We spent the week in Pennsylvania. Our first stop, Hershey. We had a great time hangin’ out with the tailgaters there. We met some new fans and made some new friends. Not to mention, got some great chocolate! Next stop was Scranton, then Pittsburgh, where we had one of the biggest, rowdiest crowds yet. The people in PA know how to throw down and party. In Pittsburgh, I had a chance to do a little fishing. I found a small lake on the property that was hidden from everything. I spent a few hours relaxing with the fishing pole. They even had a place behind the venue to hit some golf balls. It was a nice stop for all of us.This week’s “behind the scenes” feature is the catering company. They are some of the hardest working people out here. Hightopps Catering consists of Marianne MacLellen, Jimmy Bell and Robert Bell. Jimmy does most of the cooking, Marianne takes care of serving, and Robert does all the driving. They have been with Toby for four years now. They serve three square meals a day, and it’s some of the best I’ve ever had. I asked Marianne what is Toby’s favorite meal. She said, “Steak. He loves his steak cooked in beer and with his spices” (Toby has his own line of spices.) They have also worked on other tours such as Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond and others.

In a question from last weeks post, Laura asks, “Other than your families, what do you miss the most when you’re on the road?” Well, Laura, I’d have to say I miss my dogs a lot. Of course, I guess they are really part of the family. I also miss the quietness of my small town. It’s so peaceful, and the people are all so friendly. They are really behind us.

This week we are heading for Cleveland then we head for New York. From there, we make a long trip to California. I’m sure I’ll have lots to share next week. — Tommy Bales

A very HOT week here on Toby Keith’s Big Dog Daddy tour. We’ve had a great time though. This week we were in Atlanta, Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla. We had blistering hot temperatures at each show but the crowds were ready to party. In Tampa we played a post-party show at the Dallas Bull. We had a rockin’ good time with a house full of concert goers that wanted to continue the party. The last couple of days we spent off the tour at Sedalia, Mo., where we played the Missouri State Fair. The people of Missouri sure do know how to have a good time. It seemed to me that there are more beer tents than rides. On Tuesday morning Brian and I visited KIX 105.7 and co-hosted the Bruce in the Morning show. We spent two hours with Bruce cuttin’ up and having a lot of laughs. He even let us pick all the songs for the show.

As promised, every week I will introduce you to a behind-the-scenes person from the tour. This week I bring to you Billy Ray, who is Toby’s merchandise manager. He is responsible for the merchandise from concept to cash. He oversees the design process, controls inventory and settles out every night. He has been with the Toby tour for 15 years, but has known Toby since 1979. They worked together in the oil fields in Oklahoma. Toby even spent some time working odd jobs for Billy Ray. He recalled a time in 1981 when Toby told him that if he ever made it big he would put him to work. Billy Ray is a great man and has helped me out a lot with learning about this business. Oh yeah, one more thing — Billy Ray wanted me to tell everybody that he’s lookin’ for a “sugar mama.”

Last week’s questions included one from JerseyGirl0421. She asked, “What’s the most outrageous food you’ve tried since being on the road?” Well, the one thing that comes to mind is once in Dallas we stopped at a little Mexican restaurant. This was the real-deal Mexican. Being from Indiana I have never been exposed to real authentic Mexican food. I really didn’t know what most of the items on the menu were so I ordered beef liver and onions. It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

Thanks for stopping by this week. We’re on our way to Pennsylvania now. I’ll tell you all about it next week. – Tommy Bales

Another very cool week here on Toby Keith’s Big Dog Daddy tour. On Thursday we got to play at Red Rocks in Denver. What an awesome place. It’s the most beautiful place and the acoustics are perfect. It’s a day I will never forget as I have dreamed of playing there since I was a young boy. On Friday we were in Salt Lake City where in the afternoon we visited local radio station KBUL and played a listener appreciation show for 80-plus people. It was the warmest reception we have received of all the acoustic shows we’ve played. And we’ve been playing them around the country since January. I guess the word’s getting out about the Train!

Next, we went to Sturgis, S.D., to play the big biker rally. We arrived a day early and hung out with the truck drivers of the tour. That leads me to this week’s feature of a behind-the-scenes person. This week I decided to include all the truck drivers. They are a vital part of the tour and spend many hours behind the wheel getting our equipment to the gig. They rarely get to see a show because that’s when they sleep. They were in Sturgis a day early and very generous to invite us to join them for a cookout. We had a great time hanging out and listening to their stories. These guys and gals have been driving for a while and have seen a lot of crazy things on the road. To learn more about the drivers, check out our Web site.

Last week, Dena asked us, “What is the one thing that is a treat for you when you are on the road?” Well, Dena, my favorite thing to do when I have time is fishing. This week I was very fortunate to have a little time in Casper, Wyo., to fish. I didn’t catch much but sure did enjoy it.

This week we head for Atlanta, West Palm Beach and Tampa. Looking forward to some great sunshine. Talk to ya next week! — Tommy Bales

We’ve had a great week here on the Big Dog Daddy tour. Seattle was a blast for us. On Friday morning we went to KMPS where we did the morning show with Ichabod Caine and the Waking Crew. You should check them out and be sure to ask them about the Starbucks for Flynnville Train. They are sure to get a laugh and will tell you the story. Now we are in Denver where tonight we will play the legendary Grizzly Rose. We’re looking forward to that because Toby Keith’s band and Miranda Lambert’s band will all be there. I look for it to turn into a good ol’ jam session. Thursday will be a milestone for FVT as we are playing Red Rocks. We have all dreamed of playing there. I will have pictures to share with you next week for sure.

I thought it would be fun to introduce to you some of the people that work behind the scenes on the tour. Lance Stoner is a rigger and drum tech. As the rigger, he is responsible for all the trussing, lights and screens that hang from the ceiling. He is personally responsible for the safety of all who stand on the stage. As a drum tech he maintains and polishes the drums, sees that they are set up properly and packed away after the show. He is the first in and last one out every day. He has been touring nearly 30 years and has worked for Yes, U2, Queen, Mary Chapin Carpenter and more. He is one of the hardest working and nicest guys I’ve ever met. I’ll have more posted at our Web site. Be sure and check it out.

After last week’s entry, MJ asked, “What’s Toby really like to you guys?” All I can say, MJ, is that Toby is very real to us. He treats us as equals and cares about what we think. From day one of meeting him, he has made us feel like we are old friends. Half Moon asked when the video for “Nowhere than Somewhere” comes out. Well, you can check it out here. Let us know what you think.

Thanks everybody for the kind comments. We’ll talk to ya next week. — Tommy Bales