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So here we are in preparation to wind down/jump into another year. Thought I’d take a second to say thanks for sharing the ride with us and kind of give a little overview of how it all went.

We started last January on the Rock Boat (which we will be doing again in about 8 days…and are damned excited). It was a great experience. Saw some great music. Hung with old friends and made a few new ones. We had to bag our European tour which was a huge downer and we are still trying to work through that a bit. Then I fired an old manager and hired some new folks. That was sad and exciting and lots of other emotions. It’s been great getting to know Terry and Emilie and the whole new management team. Can’t wait to start a year with all the new folks in place. We then changed to another booking agent/agency. Another tough change but one I felt like I had to try. New accountants and bookkeeping, etc. All of which should help a lot in the coming years.

On a more musical note we saw the departure of our pal Devin Malone and the arrival of our new pal Adam ‘Yogi’ Ollendorff. Only in Nashville could Blade and I go to a bar to discuss what to do to replace Devo and then see a dude that plays guitar, pedal steel, lap steel, and all other stringed instruments. So, BAM, he’s in the band. We started the year touring with our old friends Need to breathe. We’d had them out opening for us years ago and they were kind enough to return the favor and let us tag along for a mess of shows. I’m so happy for those guys. They’ve continued to grow as a band so much. And are still as good a bunch of dudes as I’d ever hope to know. Can’t wait to hang with them on the Rock Boat. Rumor has it they will be out with some new Nashville artist Tyler…or Taylor Swift or something at a stadium near you next summer. Support them. They play for the good team.

We then did some Dwight Yoakam shows. And went out west with Sugarland. Another group of folks that have seen MASSIVE success but not lost one thing in the ’still cool people’ department. I’d know Jennifer for years and Siggi has know Kristian about the same. They went above and beyond to take care of us. Plus they rolled out a helluva big production every night onstage that was certainly inspiring. Along the way we had our big LA hotel parking lot late night airstream jam with Miranda Lambert and her band. That still ranks as my favorite performance I’ve ever had in LA. Haha. We did another run of shows with American Bang and J Roddy Walston. Two KILLER bands that I’m sure you’ll be hearing lots from but these shows were WEIRD!! Kind of got thrown together last minute. Certainly had a few “why are we doing this again” moments.

May brought big floods to our hometown of Nashville. It was a hard time for everyone but seeing how my city rallied together and pulled through it was truly inspiring. We were lucky enough to be tapped to close the first relief show that was put on at Ryman Auditorium. What a cool night. Anytime I get to play there is always magical to me. For the other guys it was their first time playing that room and it was very cool to see their excitement. I’d love to do it again next year sans the natural disaster of course.

Had a total blast at a hometown show. Nice outdoor show which included my brother as the opening act. Had a lot of friends come join us on different songs. Always a highlight getting to jam with Dan Baird. Great playing with Lancaster again. Plus horns and singers seem to always make everything ok. Pretty sure there’s a link to that show over at heartbreakavenue.com. Thanks Josh Edwards for making that happen.

We took some time off later in the year as the lady and I welcomed our second son into the world. George Buckley Hoge has rounded out the family nicely and I’m incredibly lucky to have been able to be home for 7 weeks around the birth.
Of course then we were GONE for 6 straight weeks on our acoustic run with Shinedown. Luckily the family let me back in once the tour wrapped up. That tour was an incredible way to wind down the year. I can’t say enough about how cool those guys were as a band. Musically, personally, all of it. I’ve done this a LONG time and go through moments where you question the how’s and why’s of everything you’re doing. That tour in particular truly inspired me and reminded me that I HAVE to keep doing this. The new faces we saw getting turned on
every night. The lifelong friendships I know we established. I really
really look forward to their new album and the chance to take our little rock and roll circus to the peoples again.

So tonight we are at the riverfront in Nashville closing 2010! Damn. That’s a lot. We’ll be finishing the new album in January and February. There will be updates on that once we are back at it. As always, thank y’all for enabling us to ride this crazy damn roller coaster. Hope we will see you a bunch in 2011.
My best to you all.

We are going to kick off the ‘Favorite Waste Of Time’ Tour Saturday night in Nashville. Angie Aparo will play first. Then my brother Josh and his band will play. It’s going to be a special night as me and the guys will be joined by Randy Leago and his horn players, Ms. April Rucker and Lo Carter on background vocals. My friend and original keyboard player John W. Lancaster on keys. Plus, and he’s always my favorite ‘plus’, Dan Baird on guitar for a few songs. This means we will be covering alot of ground and we are all really excited.

Also wanted to let you know there are two ways to be a part of this great evening. Obviously first and foremost we’d suggest coming down and being part of the live experience. If for some reason you’re a germophobe, want to listen in your underpants or maybe you just live far away, you can catch the whole show on Ustream…..they will begin broadcasting our performance at 9 pm CST.

So we’ll get together tomorrow to rehearse for the final night of these Wednesday night shows. Here’s what we’ve got on tap for guests:

Mr. Brian Layson. Brian joined my band in not too long after ‘Carousel,’ we recorded ‘Blackbird…’ together plus ‘the America EP’ and he was on most of ‘The Man Who Killed Love.’ He was my right hand man for many years and we wrote some great songs together too. I’ve got a million fond memories of playing live with him and am thrilled to have him back as a part of this. Dan Baird will also be back with us this week. He made a surprise stop by already but this one will get him more involved. Dan was my original right hand man. The most rock and roll rock and roller I know. I was way out of my league having him in my band right out of the gate. He’s always made me want to be better and YES, he WILL rock. Park Chisholm is a great musician that I’d met years ago. We actually talked about him joining the band just before we found Adam. Schedules didn’t work but he’ll be joining us for bass on a new song called ‘Too Late Too Soon’ which will feature Blade’s trumpet skills. Or is it skillz? I think with trumpet it’s the standard ’s’ ending. But I digress, Teddy Morgan will also be joining us. He’s a band mate with Park in Kevin Costner’s band the Modern West. We met at a show in Atlantic City and hit it right off. Had a lot of mutual friends. He came in and played on a few of the early sessions before the accident. Great guitar player and it’ll be the first time we get to play together live. Of course we must also mention Mr. Michael Webb on keys. Michael played on a few tracks from the forthcoming album so we’ll definitely be playing those. He’s a wonderful player and always a fun hang. He also(along with Dan) bailed me out of s shitty mess in Birmingham a year or so back. This however will be WAY more fun this week. Ha. Still working on a couple more surprises that may or my not get posted beforehand. I can’t say thank you enough for all the support you’ve given us thus far. Hope we’ll see you Wednesday

So last Wednesday’s show was a damn BLAST!! We had a great time. Maureen and April just KILLED it. Thanks ladies. Plus it was a ton of fun getting to sing with Josh. He sounded great and it was truly a pleasure having him. We also got surprised by Dan Baird(who’s coming the final week for a longer ’sit in’) and had to get him up for one song during the encore. Twas dandy, thanks.

So this week’s friends will include Pat Buchanan. One of the finest guitar players around. Just stellar. He’s played on every one of my albums since ‘The Man Who Killed Love’ and it’s always a pleasure. There’s a great story about the first time we played together in the studio….remind me to tell y’all sometime. We’ll also be graced by Mr. Jim Lauderdale. Jim and I met and wrote a song the day before the accident last year. It got forgotten about until we were back in the studio and we tracked it and it turned out great. It’ll be available as part of a two sided 45 that’ll will be out before the release of the new album. We also wrote ‘Long Gone’ which is on the new album. He’ll be joining us for both of those tunes. Then we’re gonna have a great horn section that was put together by Randy Leago. I met Randy while doing the ‘Born To Run’ night with the Long Players and thought he was great. I asked him about it yesterday and, bam, now we’re doing it. Our old pal Jason ‘Slim’ Gambill is also gonna stop by for a tune I believe. He played with me for a lot of ‘The Man Who Killed Love’ touring and has always remained a dear friend. Great player so it should be lots of fun. I think we may be testing out a few more new songs these next two weeks so let’s hope those turnout ok. I do believe that’s about all for now. Hope we’ll see some of you on Wednesday.

So Siggi and I got out of town on Saturday night. I don’t recall a recording session that has ever allowed me a day off. We head back early in the morning to fire back up again. We started on Monday of last week and have had a great and productive time thus far. I’m so proud of how Blade, Siggi and I have worked so far. Plus Ken and Charlie have been amazing. Ken and Charlie and I have made two records previously, but never like this. We’ve always had to be steal or borrow any available moment to record. Now being able to stay set up in the studio and try lots of different things, it’s been so inspirational. We’ve had some folks stop by to play with us. Michael Webb came by and played keys on one song. Dan Baird came in for one, plus helped us out with some gear(he’ll be back playing more later in the coming weeks) Our friend Teddy Morgan, who we met in Atlantic City came by and helped with two songs on guitar. Then we had the always inspirational Pat Buchanon on guitar for three songs. Proving to us yet again there is a difference between good, really good, really really good and great! We’ve gotten 5 songs done so far. ‘Hard To Love’, ‘My Winter Coat’, ‘Goodnight/Goodbye’, ‘8th Street Scandal’ and ‘Too Late, Too Soon’. We’ll go into more details later about specific songs, performances, impressions, etc. Just wanted to check in and let y’all know how it was going. I’ll leave by saying we’re REAL damned excited about what’s going on thus far. Hell I’m excited about getting back to work this week. Ok, back to writing/watching the Olympics.
Y’all be well.

So I think I’m finally back to my old insomniac schedule back in the good ol’ US and A. I can’t begin to tell you how good a glass of sweet tea tasted that first day back. A little glass of heaven. So the whole European tour turned out much better than any of us could’ve anticipated. Had a hard time falling in love with Spain at first. The train ride up and the whole way trying to find my hotel really made me feel like every sumbitch in that country was an asshole. They made me so mad I ate McDonalds just to show them what an asshole American I can be. Thankfully however from the moment I met our promoter and he walked me to the club I fell right on in love with the place. Great shows. Madrid was the best ‘rock crowd’ of the tour. Special thanks to Jonny Kaplan and the Lazy Stars for letting me be a part of the show that night. And even better letting me feel like a part of the band. Twas greatly appreciated. Then Barcelona was just a blast too. Beautiful city, great food, great people. Damn it now I’m ready to go back already. Ended at the Borderline in London. The biggest crowd of the whole run. So gracious and receptive. I can’t say enough good things. I guess I’ll just say how fired up I am about getting to go back and do it all over again in October. We’re putting the first dates together now and we’ll certainly keep you posted as more information comes through. Special thanks to my dear friend and agent Mr. Jordan Burger without whom none of this would’ve been possible. Booking an entire European tour from your desk in NYC, A+ young man. THAT is why you’re my guy! I planned on posting all of the photos from the trip, but all I took was pictures of my hotel rooms. Funny thought at the time, but a real waste of space I realize now. So I’ll spare y’all that one.

For those of you that have not traveled to Europe, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

they like mayonnaise a whole lot. mayonnaise is nasty.
they think men(regardless of physique)in Speedos is ok. it isn’t.
they don’t care for air conditioning. I’m still sweating.
they are under the impression that grown men roller blading is ok. nope.

I think those are the only negatives from 4 whole weeks. So yeah, international relations are quite good.
ps…..Australia in our future……..

Sorry for the cancellation of the Philly show. I was really excited about it, but we’ve got this TV taping very early Thursday, plus the interview portion is being taped tomorrow. So there was no way of making it work. Fear not, we’ll be back in Philly as soon as we can.

So back on the home front I’m quite excited about getting back and playing with Adam and Siggi. I’ve been lonely for their sweet grooves for far too long! haha. Sweet grooves. Plus I’m equally as excited to welcome my ol’ pal Dan Baird back into the fold in the lead guitar spot. Dan was my very first guitar player. Played on ‘Carousel’ and did my first couple years of touring. He’s always been one of my favorite musicians. We got together and worked a little today and be damned it’s gonna be a good time. So in case you were sitting going, “…oh my, what are they gonna do?” Well, take off your skirt, put on your goddam rock and roll pants and come to the damn show and see for yourself. We’re gonna rock fool. Now, ya’ll get some sleep.
Man, that kind of felt like Mr. T.

And NO not the one in Kentucky. Things are still going well over here. At my pad in Glasgow about to go wander about the city. The shows and cities keep getting better and better. I hope that’s a trend that continues. I was really impressed with Belfast. Great city with wonderfully kind and warm people. Thanks in particular to the nice folks at the Premier Inn in Carrickfergus for making sure I was well taken care of. Did a nice interview with George, not the country singer, Jones. Sweet guy. Told me some stories and showed me photos of when he and Van Morrison were in a band together. Then visited with the kind folks over at the BBC. It’s great to see how warm the folks are and how they want you to see how that city has really changed and embraced that change since all the “troubles” from years past. The club that night was cool. It was sort of a strange gig being right in the middle of happy hour with people getting off work and drinking. But I think the impression was made to come back with the band and do it again next time. Thanks also to Karen and Chris for taking me out for quite the nice Italian meal afterwards. And for being the only two people there actually requesting MY songs. Unlike the douche that came up and wanted to know if his friend who is a brilliant musician, could do a few songs on my guitar before I finished. NO! Tell Mr. Brilliant to book his own damn gig!

Flew to Edinburgh the next day. Far and away my favorite city so far. Just stunning in its beauty. I felt like I could live there. I really love Scotland as a whole. The club was killer. The show was fun. I was thrilled with both the turnout and response. Saw my ole’ friend Ric Brown from my Atlantic days. Threw him under the bus with a story or two. Good seeing him. Met a couple of cool Dan Baird/Scorchers fans who were very kind to miss their big loud sweaty rock show to come see my little coffee house set. I really appreciate it fellas! And no, I aint holdin Manchester against y’all. I keep missing Dan and his band by like a day everywhere over here which sucks because I’d love to see them this far from home. Oh well, maybe next week. Well I reckon I’m gonna go look for me a new kilt for the show tonight. Y’all be well and I’ll update you again soon.

So we’re in Buffalo. Yes. It’s still cold. Rumor has it that our ol’ Canadian pals the Trews are coming across the border tonight. Here’s to hoping that is true. Great night last night in Cleveland. I love the Beachand and it was a great great crowd last night. Rocked in Detroit the night before and it was pretty ok. I’m trying to love Michigan but it’s tough. Thanks to all of y’all that keep on trying though. Spent a nice day off before that with the family in Indiana. Killer show in Chicago at the Double Door. I love that club and that city. Dan Baird told me on our first trip to that town years ago that once Chicago falls in love with your music they’re always there for you. I think the man is right. We love y’all too. See you soon o’ city of wind. Music Mill in Indy was a great night too. The problem there has always been 21 and over shows. Luckily though they’ve built some partitions around the bar and now the shows are 18 and over. We didn’t know that in time to spread the word, but be ready for it next time!! Getting on smashingly well with the Isbell’s as always and the Dawn Landes crew is starting to fit in just fine. Dawn and Olivier experienced shot gunning beers for the first time last night. Hilarious. They did well with the cans of Schlitz, but really shined when we used the cans of Blatz. Welcome to America Olivier. I suppose that’s all for now. Can’t wait for Philly tomorrow and then the big day off there on Monday. I’ll give you a heads up that the first European tour is gonna be announced soon!! 3 weeks in May. Details coming soon. Alright that’s it. Now let’s hope this new fangled blackberry will actually post this thing……

Back home for a couple of days trying to rest a bit. It feels good to let you know that the Pittsburgh show on Saturday was sold out too! After the Bowery show in NYC we were just hoping for a good night, but this was great! Club Cafe is a little room, but lots of fun. Great crowd, killer energy. It’s sort of a weird deal with the early and late shows. We’re working on a plan to do BOTH the early and the late show next time through. Then you could come to one, or both. Two different shows, one night. We’ll let you know what happens there.

This was certainly the best run we’ve had into the northeast. It made us all very proud. Thanks to everyone who was a part of it. Hoping that trend will continue back into the midwest this week. Minneapolis, Milwaukee and then Chicago. We’re HONORED to be sharing these shows with the Bottle Rockets. They’re an incredible rock and roll band. I’ve always been a fan. I got introduced to their music by Dan Baird, my original guitar player. I was hooked. Then a few months ago they got put on a show with us in Cleveland and we all hit it off. We talked about trying to do a few more shows and this just worked out. PROMISE ME YOU’LL BE THERE TO SEE THEM!!! You’ll love it. Great band. Truly a pleasure to get to share a bill with them.

Things are going well with the new live album, “Again Somewhere Tomorrow.” Thanks for your patience with the online orders as well as SnoCap. All the kinks should be worked out, so if you’ve not done so yet, please give it a shot. The video for ‘Pocket Full Of Change’ is now finished. We should see the final edit from our pal Drew Gurian this week. Even the first rough cut was much cooler than we’d expected. Way to go Drew! We’ll have more announcements soon about when and where to look for that.

Also want to turn you on to a really great DVD. It’s called ‘Before The Music Dies’. FIND IT!! Very telling about this roller coaster ride we’re all on. I feel sure you’ll feel the same about it. It’s an indie documentary done by two guys who just LOVE music. Reminds me of lots of y’all. Great interviews, great performances, funny stuff too. Let me know what you think.

Alright, back to watching PBS. Bye for now…….

Well it certainly felt good to be back on the road. It’s the longest break we’ve had in a year so it was kind of funny ‘getting back on the horse’. Cincy on Friday night was a real surprise. We moved to a new venue and started working with a new promoter. It was a great night. Definitely made a difference in the turnout and just the overall vibe of the show. Look forward to continuing that relationship in the future.

Saturday was Mucklewain. What a fun day this was. It was a gathering of working/touring/band from the south. So yes, everyone knew pretty much everyone. Got to see Southern Bitch. I hope we’ll be doing some shows with them later in the fall. The Yayhoos were there so we got to see my pal(and original guitar player)Dan Baird. That’s always fun. They were awesome. Will Kimbrough. Todd Snider. Carey from the old Blue Mountain days was there. Kev’n Kinney. American Minor. Steve Earle. Shit it was awesome. Many thanks to Joie Todd for putting the whole thing together and letting us be a part of it.

So we start back with a full week this week in Oxford. Looking forward to getting back out. Hope we’ll see y’all soon.