It?s tough to imagine a better song for Rascal Flatts to perform on the Grammys than the one they chose, rock classic “Life in the Fast Lane” by The Eagles.
Rascal Flatts, accompanied by best new female country vocal artist of the year Carrie Underwood (who rocked Baltimore last year as the opener for Brad Paisley), could adopt the song title as their theme.
“When we started our career, there?s no way we could have dreamed this,” said founding member Jay DeMarcus.
No question DeMarcus, his cousin Gary LeVox and their bandmate Joe Don Rooneyhave skyrocketed to an elite status in recent years. True, they didn?t walk away with any 2007 Grammys, but Rascal Flatts has enough 2006 awards to fill a small home, including ones from the American Music Awards, Country Music Awards, Country Music Association, American Music Association and others. And let?s not forget their 2005 awards, which included a coveted Billboard Artist of the Year trophy. Plus, the trio nabbed its first three Grammy nominations in 2005, and their “Bless the Broken Road” received that year?s Grammy for Country Song of the Year.
Suffice to say that the group has plenty to celebrate ? including top record sales for their latest album, “Me and My Gang” ? when they blaze into town.
“We are so thrilled the Grammy-nominated artists Rascal Flatts chose 1st Mariner Arena to perform,” said Christel Watts, marketing coordinator for 1st Mariner. “Not only will they be performing on the heels of the Grammys, but they will be performing for a full house.”
For the uninitiated, what makes Rascal Flatts so popular is the hopeful twist they put on country. These are not the traditional “My honey left me with a pack of dogs yapping at my heels” songs. The group?s lush melodies and hopeful lyrics have not only won them acclaim but a wealth of fans who swore they?d never like country.
So will the band follow other hit makers who take a few years off after they achieve mega-success? No way, said DeMarcus.
“The three of us have wanted to do this since we were kids,” he said. “We are nowhere near done yet!”
IF YOU GO
Rascal Flatts
» Venue: 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore
» Time: 7:30 p.m. today
» Tickets: $61.50; ticketmaster.com, 410-547-SEAT or 410-347-2010
