Knoxville will be feeling some “Hard Love” this weekend; Needtobreathe, a well-known American Christian rock band, is scheduled to perform at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum on Sunday, Sept. 25.
“Hard Love” is the title of their sixth studio album, released on July 15, 2016 through Atlantic Records. However, this record has a much different sound than their previous releases. The band decided to try something new and move in a different direction combining their country-pop roots with more produced, synth-heavy tracks. Even with a different sound, long-time fans will still recognize lead singer Bear Rinehart’s hearty vocals and soulful lyrics.
“I’m really excited about this concert because their new album just came out, and I can’t wait to hear their new songs played live,” Lisa Bolton, a UT graduate student, said about the upcoming show.
She first heard a song by Needtobreathe in 2008 and has been hooked ever since.
“I’ve loved following them for all of these years and seeing them grow. In the beginning, I saw them play in bars. Now, they’re selling out venues bigger than the Civic Coliseum,” Bolton said.
The South Carolina natives have seen their fair share of crowds, touring all over the globe since their first album, “Daylight,” was released in 2006. Just last week, they played a sold out show at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Arizona. In addition to an extensive tour history, Needtobreathe has scored over seven Billboard top 200 hits, ten different Gospel Music Awards, and were nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for their song “Multiplied” at the 2015 Grammys.
This tour, entitled “Tour de Compadres,” was launched by Needtobreathe back in 2015, taking them to over 40 cities across the United States. However, each leg of the tour brings new special guests along the way. Last year’s “compadres” were Switchfoot, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Ben Rector and Colony House.
According to the band’s website, Tour de Compadres 2016 will bring together Needtobreathe and a collection of new “compadres,” including Mat Kearney, John Mark McMillan, Parachute and Welshly Arms. VIP packages, which include early entry to the venue, exclusive merchandise, photos with the band and attendance to a special song performed by the accompanying band, are being offered for select tour dates — which the Knoxville date is included.
Tickets are still available for the upcoming show, ranging anywhere from $24-$44 per ticket. To purchase one, you can visit knoxvilletickets.com or tourdecompadres.com.
