Brian May Joins Rock Act Five Finger Death Punch for New Country Single

The multi-platinum rock group Five Finger Death Punch has teamed up with the legendary Brian May (Queen) and two of the biggest names in country and blues rock, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd to record a special version of the song 'Blue On Black' mixed by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Disturbed).

Titans in each of their respective genres, the artists came together to merge country and mainstream rock to re-create the classic song originally recorded and co-written by Shepherd. Taking Country Rock to the next level, 'Blue On Black' is out now worldwide via Prospect Park (North America) and Eleven Seven Music (ex. North America). The track is available HERE.

The artists and their respective labels are donating all proceeds from the collaboration version of  'Blue On Black' to the GARY SINISE FOUNDATION which honours America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.

Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory states: 'To raise awareness for and support First Responders is a cause that’s always been close to our hearts. These brave men and women leave their homes every morning not knowing if they’ll ever see their families again. Yet they make a conscious choice to do so for the greater good. What better way to make a difference than to join forces with some of our friends in country, blues and classic rock who happen to be some of the biggest names in those genres and together celebrate these heroes.'

'Blue on Black is a song my band and I have covered off and on for years... songs are certified timeless when you can come back to them,' says Brantley Gilbert. 'It’s always a staple each night and one of my favorite songs to perform.  When the opportunity came up to sing on Five Finger’s version, with both Kenny Wayne and Brian May of Queen, I jumped at the chance... Who wouldn’t?! It incorporates so many different musical perspectives, but our collaboration just works brilliantly.'

Gary Sinise, the Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor and Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation expresses his gratitude to the artists saying: 'I want to send my thanks to Five Finger Death Punch, Brian May of Queen, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd for their support of The Gary Sinise Foundation and our efforts to give back to our Nation’s First Responders. I’m so grateful to have all of these incredible artists from different genres coming together to support our mission with this great song, 'Blue On Black'. I believe while we can never do enough to show our appreciation and gratitude to our Nation’s defenders and the families who sacrifice right alongside them we can always do a little more. And you all are doing just that. So I salute you, and I thank you all. God bless.'

'Blue On Black' performers:

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – lead vocals, guitars, bass, drums

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD - original songwriter, guest vocals and guitar

BRANTLEY GILBERT - guest vocal

BRIAN MAY - guest guitar

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One More Shot UK - Country Stars for Breast Cancer Charities Fundraiser

Riley Smith will be supporting Christian Kane for One More Shot UK, a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Charities.

Smith's vocals and songwriting stunningly blend country pop, hard-hitting soulful Americana and modern production for a sound rarely found in music today.  No secret to those familiar with his lead role on the popular TV show Nashville, Smith’s gritty yet smooth, singing voice and charismatic presence have built him a career on both stage and screen. Acting in popular shows like True Blood, True Detective, Frequency and Life Sentence, catapulted Smith to the forefront of the industry and his love for music introduced him to audiences in a way unlike any other role he has played.

After moving to Nashville, Smith dove into the realm of old classic country music, exploring it’s history and roots. However, the longer he was there and the more musicians he collaborated with, his sound started developing into something more dynamic and divergent. Smith’s writing process began to reference a wider variety of sounds and styles resulting in a body of music that's relatable, heartfelt and diverse. 'It's what I think makes the sound unique and kinda difficult to put in a box.' Smith reveals.

Smith’s latest releases all stem from a collection of notes he keeps on his phone. Thoughts and recollections of his journey through life, what he is going through, the way he feels and the things he witnesses. He reveals, 'The stories are really a reflection of my life right now. I've been alone and on the road a lot, missing someone so it's bitter sweet and that comes through in the songs and lyrics'. Produced by Kevin Leach and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Nathan Dantzler, the music emits Smith’s desire of creating smooth and warm sonic soundscapes that make you feel good.

Single 'Radio' narrates the story of wanting to get the attention of the girl you’re on a road trip with, realizing you could make this happen if you just get on her radio. It’s heartfelt lyrics, passionate smokey vocals and gritty guitars create a throwback sound, highlighting Smith’s signature style of country pop and Americana. 'I’m On Fire' features Smith’s warm vocals, resonating guitars and an infectious chorus.  His heart wrenchingly authentic delivery results in a beautiful and achingly relatable record that is sure to be a radio hit. The song was a co-write with Matthew Perryman Jones and Tim Lauer (Hank Williams, Shawn Mendes, Blake Shelton). Smith describes how there was instant chemistry and respect between them all and how the song felt like it wrote itself. 'I'm on Fire exemplified what my time writing in Nashville was all about to me. The synergy. The talent'.

Smith’s past successes include supporting Jordan Sparks, a residency at the iconic Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles and a European tour.  Further achievements include major market radio play, numerous film and TV placements and critical acclaim from publications such as Billboard, Taste of Country, The Boot, Sounds Like Nashville to name a few. Two of Smith’s songs were also placed in CW’s Life Sentence.

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For more information about Riley Smith, visit rileysmithofficial.com.

For further information about ONE MORE SHOT UK, visit onemoreshotuk.com.