Rascal Flatts featuring Canadian Country singer Jason Blaine performed at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, NS late last week. Jason Blaine is no stranger to Halifax having performed here many times and is always loved by fans and welcomed back.
This is a great opportunity for Blaine to be able to open for the most successful country group of all time Rascal Flatts. Blaine himself has many achievements under his belt as well. The hit They Don't Make Em' Like That Anymore, a tribute to his grandfather earned him CCMA nominations for Male Artist, Single of the Year, Songwriter, & Producer. Not to mention he his very humble and always making time for his fans. I believe it is this trait that helps artists succeed and continue to move on in this business.
Even a decade later Rascal Flatts excites the crowd and this was no exception. The Scotiabank Centre was packed with screaming fans. But it was before the show that impressed me the most. While I was standing near the security desk with my media pass talking to local radio station hosts Denyse Sibley and Russell MacKenzie of FX101.9 a couple of vehicles pulled in under ground and stopped near the security booth. Next thing I see is the lead singer of Rascal Flatts, Gary, approaching us with an open hand introducing himself and taking the time to speak to the media. Such a nice guy down to earth person and no doubt can be the life of a party as I could see a great sense of humour in him.
But of course the reason why we were all there was to see them perform. From start to finish the fans did not sit down. Singing along to all the greatest hits of Rascal Flatts. Well in true country fashion the banjo starting playing and they started to perform their song Banjo the crowd went into hysterics. Not sure the roof was going to stay on the Scotiabank Centre at this point.
I later spoke to one fan who was positioned in the pit in the front row describe the moment that Gary took his sunglasses off his face and wore them for about 30 seconds giving him the rocker sign. How is that for first impressions. Also, lets talk about some other great moments that stole the show. A guitar solo of Canada's National Anthem and the cover of Journey's song Open Arms. Yes, even die hard country fans love them some Journey tunes. But we cannot forget the song that sky rocketed Rascal Flatts to many achievements, God Bless the Broken Road. The group did not even have to sing. The audience performed the entire song.
Rascal Flatts showed Halifax why they have longevity in the Music Industry and why fans love their live shows so much. The fan interaction was suburb and I am not sure I can even say I witnessed anything like this. I am sure this group will continue to perform and put out number one hits for years to come. Next up for Rascal Flatts is the Eastbound Hoedown Country Music Festival in Newfoundland where they headline the event.
James Bennett
