Meeting Brantley Gilbert, the famous country music singer and songwriter, can be a dream come true for many of his fans. Gilbert is known for hits like “Bottoms Up”, “One Hell of an Amen”, and “Kick It in the Sticks”. He has a loyal fan following thanks to his authentic country music style and energetic live performances.
While Gilbert keeps a busy schedule with touring, recording music, and other obligations, there are ways fans can improve their chances of meeting this country star. It takes dedication, planning, and a bit of luck! Here is a guide to tips and strategies for meeting Brantley Gilbert in person.
Catch a Live Performance
Attending one of Brantley Gilbert’s concerts or live shows is one of the best ways to potentially meet him. Gilbert is still very active in touring and performing. He typically headlines his own tours or co-headlines shows with other popular country acts.
Some upcoming Brantley Gilbert shows and locations include:
Date | City | Venue |
---|---|---|
March 1st, 2023 | Dallas, TX | American Airlines Center |
March 3rd, 2023 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center |
March 5th, 2023 | New Orleans, LA | Smoothie King Center |
March 10th, 2023 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena |
When you purchase tickets to a show, opt for seats as close to the stage or front rows as possible. This will increase your chances of getting noticed and potentially getting a chance to briefly meet Gilbert before or after his set. Some venues offer VIP meet and greet packages as well.
You can also try waiting by the artist entrance or tour buses after the concert ends. This is a common place for fans to meet performers as they arrive and depart the venue. Just keep in mind security and Gilbert’s schedule, so manage expectations. With persistence and politeness, you may get lucky!
Attend Album Release Parties or Pre-Show Events
When Brantley Gilbert is releasing a new album, he may hold special release parties or pre-show events in certain cities. Oftentimes these events allow fans to not only buy or hear the new music early, but also potentially meet Gilbert in person.
Album release parties are usually more intimate, club-sized shows that create a unique experience. Meanwhile, some larger venues or radio stations will host pre-show events where fans can win contests to meet artists like Gilbert before the actual concert.
Follow Gilbert’s social media and check local radio station event pages to find out about special events happening in your area whenever he is releasing new music. Purchasing any VIP or meet and greet passes to these shows can greatly improve your chance to meet Brantley Gilbert face-to-face.
Attend Country Music Festivals
Given Brantley Gilbert’s popularity in the country genre, he often performs at major country music festivals in the U.S. and Canada. These large, multi-day outdoor festivals draw huge crowds and multiple artists. But they can also present an opportunity to potentially meet Gilbert during the festival activities.
Some of the biggest country fests to check for Gilbert appearances include:
– Stagecoach Festival (Indio, CA)
– Tortuga Music Festival (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
– Country Thunder (multiple locations)
– Faster Horses Festival (Brooklyn, MI)
– Carolina Country Music Fest (Myrtle Beach, SC)
– Country Jam (Grand Junction, CO)
At these festivals there are usually artist autograph signing tents or booths set up. Check the festival website and schedules to see if/when Gilbert will be making an appearance. Often these are timed and on a first-come basis, so plan accordingly.
There are also VIP ticket options at most festivals which give you better access to these types of artist events. Camping festivals additionally present the chance to potentially see artists hanging around the grounds when not performing.
Attend a Book Signing Event
In 2021, Brantley Gilbert released his first book titled “The Worst Country Song of All Time”. It is both a memoir and compilation of song lyrics and personal stories from his career. To promote the book, Gilbert embarked on a multi-city book tour doing readings, discussions, and signing events.
If Gilbert does any additional book tour stops or appearances, this is a prime chance to meet him in person. At these book signing events, there is always an opportunity to interact briefly as he signs your copy. Lines can get long, but are often organized well and move steadily.
Follow Gilbert’s social media and website closely for any announcements of future book signings or discussion panels. These events are typically free, but may require securing a ticket or wristband ahead of time. Be sure to arrive early to get near the front of the line!
Participate in a Meet & Greet
Many musicians with a loyal fanbase offer special meet and greet experiences either through their own fan clubs or organized third-party companies.
Brantley Gilbert has done meet and greets through VIP Nation that offer fans the chance to meet him before concerts, typically receiving:
– Photo opportunity with Gilbert
– Autographed tour poster
– Early venue access
– Exclusive merch item
There are also fan club packages through websites like Country Fancast that provide meet and greets, along with other perks like access to presales and private events.
These meet and greet events obviously give you quality personal time with the artist, but come at a premium price. Packages can run $500 or more per person. While costly, it may be worthwhile for diehard fans to have a guaranteed meeting.
Get Involved with Charity Event
Brantley Gilbert is actively involved in charity work, especially raising money for veterans causes and addiction/recovery organizations. He headlines or attends various charity concerts and galas each year.
Getting involved with an event, organization, or cause close to Gilbert can lead to opportunities to potentially meet him in person. Some options include:
– Volunteering at or donating to the Brantley Gilbert Foundation which aids first responders and veterans
– Attending or supporting motorcycle rallies for Operation Underground Railroad, Ride for Recovery, or Coach Gibbs Legacy Ride that Gilbert participates in
– Purchasing tickets for charity galas or concerts Gilbert headlines each year
By giving back through a charity Gilbert supports, you increase your chances of crossing paths with him at these types of special events. You could meet him in passing or possibly have the chance for a quick chat, picture, or autograph.
Participate in a Radio Contest
Local country radio stations will often run contests to win opportunities to meet artists like Brantley when they are coming to town on tour.
These radio contests may involve:
– Calling in to win meet & greet passes
– Submitting online entries to win backstage access
– Playing games or challenges to win a meet & greet
– Attending station events where Gilbert appears
Follow your local country station social media and website closely to look for any contests or giveaways related to meeting Gilbert. These often happen ahead of his concerts in a particular city.
You can also try calling the station’s request line to ask about any upcoming opportunities to win a chance to meet Gilbert. Radio contests offer a free way to potentially get quality face time with him.
Interact on Social Media
Brantley Gilbert has public accounts on Twitter and Instagram you can follow to feel more connected as a fan:
– Twitter: @BrantleyGilbert
– Instagram: @brantleygilbert
While you likely won’t get to meet Gilbert just by following online, you can interact by commenting on his posts, sharing fan photos and tagging him, or using relevant hashtags. Gilbert and his team sometimes repost fan content.
Leading up to events or appearances in your area, try posting about how much you hope to meet Gilbert one day. Be friendly and engaging online to stand out as a superfan! Social media is one way to get on his radar.
You could also try a direct message on social media sharing your story or passion for his music. Just avoid overdoing it or making demands on his time. Stand out by being kind and responsive whenever he interacts with fans online.
Send Fan Mail
A more traditional way to try connecting with Brantley Gilbert is by sending old-fashioned fan mail. While less common in the digital age, mail is still a way to potentially get yourself noticed.
Some tips for writing effective fan mail to Gilbert include:
– Send to his record label Big Machine Label Group at: P.O. Box 12740, Nashville, TN 37212
– Share your personal story of being a fan – how you discovered his music, favorite songs/lyrics, and what it means to you
– Avoid asking for autographs, merchandise, gifts, or making demands on his time
– Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want to receive a response
– Follow up if you attend shows or events where he appears in-person
With the volume of mail major artists get, there’s no guarantee Gilbert will see or respond to your letter. But heartfelt, thoughtful fan mail can make an impression. Be yourself and share how his work inspires you.
Network with People in Gilbert’s Circle
Getting connected to insiders in Brantley Gilbert’s professional network can potentially help provide access to meet him. Networking is key!
Look for opportunities to interact with any of the following:
– Radio DJs at local country stations (on-air call-ins, events, social media)
– Employees at venues he frequently plays
– His booking agent or PR team members
– Fellow country musicians he tours/collaborates with
– Big Machine Label Group employees
By engaging with these industry insiders in a sincere way and sharing your dreams of meeting Gilbert, they may be willing to make an introduction if they are impressed by your passion. Networking can open doors!
Attend “Meet Your Seat” Events
Some venues now offer unique fan events where you can tour backstage, rehearse on stage, and explore behind-the-scenes before shows. These are called “Meet Your Seat” experiences at places like Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Usually the performing artist is not present, but attending one of these at a venue Gilbert plays allows you to scout locations. You may discover the best places to potentially see or meet him on show day.
Venues want fans to have a great live music experience. By taking a behind-the-scenes tour before a Gilbert concert, you can become more familiar with the layout to better position yourself during the actual event.
Patronize and Promote Local Country Bars & Venues
Brantley Gilbert lives in Nashville, TN – the heart of country music and home to countless honky tonks, bars, and performance venues. By becoming a regular patron at these local spots in Nashville, you stand a chance of potentially catching a performance or spotting Gilbert out and about.
Consider regularly visiting iconic Nashville country venues like:
– Ryman Auditorium
– Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
– The Bluebird Cafe
– Robert’s Western World
– Lower Broadway Honky Tonks
Gilbert also has roots in Georgia, so when visiting keep an eye out around Atlanta or Jefferson haunts like:
– Georgia National Fairgrounds
– Southern Ground Amphitheater
– Atlanta Honky Tonks
Supporting live music and getting to know staff at places Gilbert frequents improves your odds. You may even ask bartenders or servers to contact you if they ever know he’ll be there. Tip well and become a valued, trusted patron.
Attend Hometown Events
Given Gilbert’s roots in Georgia, he occasionally makes appearances or performs at hometown events near where he grew up.
Keep your eye open for any schedule announcements of Gilbert attending or performing at:
Jefferson River Jam – Jefferson, GA
Athens Country Showcase – Athens, GA
Georgia National Fair – Perry, GA
These provide rare opportunities to potentially see Gilbert in a local setting away from the big tours and venues. Hometown events often have a more relaxed vibe where you may be able to interact. Introduce yourself as a fellow Georgian proud of his success.
Be Patient and Flexible!
Like with any celebrity encounter, ultimately meeting Brantley Gilbert also requires patience, persistence, and flexibility. It may take attending numerous shows, events, or appearances over a long period before you finally get your chance.
Stay positive through any setbacks or disappointments along the way. Continue being an active supporter – buying merch, streaming new music, and promoting Gilbert on social media. Consider joining his official fan club for access to presales and exclusive content.
Most importantly, always respect Gilbert’s boundaries and personal time. If an appropriate situation to politely introduce yourself arises, seize it! Otherwise simply enjoy the thrill of being in his presence. Remember he is human just like anyone else. Treat any encounter with class if you are lucky enough to finally meet your favorite country star!
Conclusion
While not easy, it is possible for dedicated Brantley Gilbert fans to meet the country music star in person. Your best chances come through attending his live shows, album events, and making use of any meet and greet opportunities. Gilbert also makes public appearances at country festivals, charity events, and hometown functions you can check out. Consider getting involved locally in the country music scene wherever Gilbert frequents. Networking with industry insiders and radio contacts can help too. Ultimately you need patience, respect, and some good fortune on your side when trying to meet celebrities. But the hard work and persistence pays off for those who support artists like Brantley Gilbert in genuine ways over time. Keep positive and enjoy the excitement of the journey – whether you end up meeting Gilbert or simply gaining a greater appreciation for his music and career.