The “Rock & Worship Roadshow” embarks on its fifth annual tour this spring with a new group of all-star musicians including MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Tedashii, Kutless, Family Force 5, Luminate, Adam Cappa, Rhett Walker Band and Tim Timmons. This tour follows the very successful 2012 "Roadshow" which was named one of Pollstar's Top 50 Tours for Mid-Year 2012.
Compassion International and Grand Canyon University will serve as this year's sponsors for the tour. Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization and is returning after sponsoring the 2012 "Rock & Worship Roadshow." Also returning as a sponsor is Grand Canyon University. The university was founded in 1949 and is Arizona’s premier private Christian university.
Launching Feb. 7 in Madison, WI, the tour will make stops in markets including Indianapolis, Dallas, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle and Sacramento, before concluding Mar. 10 in Fresno, CA.
Admission for the show will remain, as in years past, at just $10.00 and will be available for at-the-door purchase. See the full list of markets the "Rock & Worship Roadshow" will visit listed below, and be sure to stay tuned to www.rockandworshiproadshow.com for the latest tour information.
2013 Rock & Worship Roadshow Tour Dates
(*Dates Subject to Change)
Feb 7 - Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI
Feb 8 - Van Andle Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
Feb 9 - Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Feb 10 - Von Braun Arena, Huntsville, AL
Feb 14 - JQH Arena, Springfield, MO
Feb 15 - American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Feb 16 - Mobile Civic Center, Mobile, AL
Feb 17 - River Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Feb 21 - World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Feb 22 - Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
Feb 23 - US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
Feb 24 - Citizens Bank Arena, Ontario, CA
Feb 28 - Taco Bell Arena, Boise, ID
Mar 1 - Rose Garden Arena, Portland, OR
Mar 2 - Key Arena, Seattle, WA
Mar 3 - Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
Mar 8 - HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA
Mar 9 - Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA
Mar 10 - Savemart Center, Fresno, CA
Proving their unparalleled ability to connect with listeners, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have been standing tall in the top spot on the Christian AC chart for a solid month now, with their multi-week No. 1 smash "The Hurt & The Healer."
As the lead single from the studio album of the same name--the band's seventh project--the song has also snagged the No. 1 position for multiple weeks on other charts including AC Indicator, National Christian Audience and the Soft/AC Inspo chart. In addition, MercyMe have released a live performance video of the track, filmed during a recent tour stop.
This success at radio caps off the month following the release of their newest album via Fair Trade Services, which was met with overwhelming critical praise, including the following:
"With all of their success, MercyMe might have thought getting ‘comfortable’ would be the easy route. But this latest album shows that the band continues to push itself to greatness. They tackle difficult subjects and stretch themselves musically…this is their best project to date." - CCM Magazine
"All the way around, Healer is sure to please, with enough diversity and pathos to continue to provide encouragement and inspiration to the fans who have made MercyMe one of the most beloved acts in Christian music." - Crosswalk
"Full of heart, melody, and sure to find a massive radio time, The Hurt and the Healer stays the course. The strength of one of the most eminent bands in Christian music has always been their ability to have fun. MercyMe don’t take themselves too seriously, leaving them able to provide musical insight for full radio-friendly impact." - Worship Leader
As the band celebrates their new album, MercyMe will visit markets across the country throughout the summer. More information about tour dates can be found on MercyMe’s official site.
For more information on MercyMe and The Hurt & The Healer, please go to www.mercyme.org.
Underscoring their long-standing popularity and appeal, the seventh studio album from multi-platinum and award-winning band MercyMe, The Hurt & The Healer, has hit the Billboard 200 top albums chart in a big way, landing at No. 7. The album charted at just below Lionel Richie’s newest release and above Sara Bareilles and Norah Jones’ latest. The Hurt & The Healer entered at No. 1 on the Christian SoundScan chart. During its debut week, the album reached No. 10 on iTunes’® Overall Albums Chart and has crowned the iTunes® Christian Albums chart at No. 1 since its release on May 22.
In addition to their success at retail and stellar critical acclaim (Christianity Today, New Release Tuesday, Crosswalk /TheFish.com), MercyMe is also currently dominating at radio. The album’s title-track lead single is sitting high at No. 1 this week on two charts: Billboard Christian AC Indicator and Soft AC/Inspo, and rose to No. 2 at AC Monitored. “The Hurt & The Healer” also continues to climb quickly upward at CHR, spending this week at No. 11.
As the Grammy-nominated band celebrates their new album, MercyMe will visit markets across the country throughout the summer. More information about tour dates can be found on MercyMe’s official site.
For more information on MercyMe and The Hurt & The Healer, please go to www.mercyme.org.
One of Christian music’s biggest and most beloved acts, MercyMe bowed their brand-new project, The Hurt & The Healer, yesterday to a No. 1 debut on the iTunes® Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 10 (at No. 10) on its overall album chart. Furthermore, The Hurt & The Healer is getting a lot of love from all who listen, including critics from Christianity Today, Crosswalk, New Release Tuesday and more:
“The band's latest full length is just as excellent as anything they've released. With a foundation of uplifting melodies and lyrics grounded in biblical themes, there's hardly a down moment. Singer Bart Millard's voice sounds as rich and strong as it ever has. MercyMe is clearly a band intent on making music to and for God, and for that their work will never return void.” – Christianity Today
“…the album hits its AC radio sweet spot head-on, while still attempting to take unexpected turns here and there. All the way around, Healer is sure to please, with enough diversity and pathos to continue to provide encouragement and inspiration to the fans who have made MercyMe one of the most beloved acts in Christian music.” – Crosswalk / TheFish.com
“The Hurt & The Healer knocks it out of the park…This incredible band has once again released their newest best album. It has a very warm musical style that will immediately soothe your soul and cause you to worship and sing along with these ultra-talented musicians. Don’t miss out on the compelling sonic musical feel of this stellar five star album.” - NewReleaseTuesday.com
“MercyMe [has] created one of their most mature and lyrically profound of their career… [They] have crafted 10 tracks that take us on a musical journey that is one of the most rewarding of 2012. With plenty of rock songs to please the alternative genre, The Hurt and the Healer stretches musical boundaries to boldly assert its authority as one of this year’s standout albums…this album is not to be missed. Well done, MercyMe for such a captivating musical experience!” – Indie Vision Music
In addition to a stellar reception from the press, the title track continues to climb at a furious pace on the radio charts, claiming No. 1 on Soft AC/Inspo Indicator, and it’s also in the Top 5 at AC Monitored (No. 4) and NCA Monitored (No. 4).
As the Grammy-nominated band celebrates their new album, MercyMe will visit markets across the country throughout the summer. More information about tour dates can be found on MercyMe’s official site.
For more information on MercyMe and The Hurt & The Healer, please go to www.mercyme.org.
With the most-added Billboard Christian AC single this week as well as the No. 2 Christian song on iTunes, the buzz for MercyMe's May 22nd release, The Hurt and The Healer, is rapidly escalating.
With an uninterrupted string of 23 #1 career singles, the award-winning and multi-platinum selling band sure seems to have another hit on their hands with the title track garnering a whopping 61 adds from AC, CHR and Inspo formats combined. In addition, the single even debuted at No. 28 on the AC-Monitored and No. 29 on the AC-Indicator charts its first week out.
"The Hurt & The Healer is a celebration of that moment when these two worlds collide.... the deep need for healing and the God who provides it, " remarks lead vocalist Bart Millard.
Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, The Hurt & The Healer features signature MercyMe anthems, engaging pop songs and worshipful and intimate moments.
"For whatever reason, God has called us to help people through the healing process, so as we began this project, we thought, 'do we even try to fight it, this is kind of who we are,' " said Millard recalling songs like their worldwide hit "I Can Only Imagine," "Homesick," "Bring the Rain," "Finally Home" and more. "The idea is to create an album to help bring healing to people, but not just healing; even in the midst of life's worst moments, there's this irony of feeling more alive than anytime before; that moment when we embrace our kids a little tighter and we reevaluate what's important in life," he continues. "The whole album revolves around this common theme, but it's not all really heavy. We hope it helps people get to a better place in these moments that seem to cripple us at times."
On April 19, just after closing out another successful Rock and Worship Roadshow tour, MercyMe will embark on a headline tour also featuring Chris August and Moriah Peters. More dates are currently being added, and current shows can be seen below or by visiting MercyMe's website.
WHAT: USO Tour to Middle East Featuring MercyMe
WHEN: Summer 2011
WHERE: Middle East
Note. Due to security reasons, the countries and tour dates cannot be released at this time.
WHY: Jim Bryson, Nathan Cochran, Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Michael Scheuchzer and Robby Shaffer of MercyMe will soon depart on their first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour. The band is scheduled to visit two countries and perform three shows as part of their eight-day USO experience. In addition to delivering their uplifting performances to troops, the band will sign autographs, pose for photos and extend America’s gratitude to our service men and women serving abroad.
Avid supporters of the U.S. armed forces the band routinely donates concert tickets to troops and their families and have invited fans to leave words of encouragement for service men and women on their website. Additionally, their 2009 release “Finally Home” was dedicated to our nation’s heroes.
"The
Rock and Worship Roadshow” will venture into their second leg of the
tour hitting 12 markets this November with a stellar cast including
MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Disciple, Hawk Nelson, Matt Maher and Group 1
Crew. Talented rapper Trip Lee along with other artists will serve as
the pre-showentertainment. This will mark the first time "The Rock and
Worship Roadshow" will tour in the fall in addition to their annual
spring trek.
Admission prices will be the traditional $10
at-the-door, making it an affordable event for the whole family.
Compassion International will once again serve as a tour sponsor.
Compassion International is a Christian child advocacy ministry that
releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty
and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. For
more information on Compassion International go to
http://www.compassion.com.
Kicking off Nov. 4 in Grand Rapids,
MI, the tour will stop in cities such as Cleveland, OH, Atlanta, GA,
Columbia, SC, Oklahoma City, OK, and Kansas City, MO before wrapping on
Nov. 20 in Memphis, TN.
See full list of markets are listed below, but stay tuned to www.rockandworshiproadshow.com for the latest tour information.
This spring multi-platinum selling band MercyMe will embark on the second leg of the Lovewell Live tour. Accompanying them on the stage will be award-winning female vocalist Natalie Grant and GRAMMY® nominated artist Brandon Heath. The tour will launch on April 7 in Beaumont, TX and entertain audiences through the season. For a full list of tour dates, please visit www.mercyme.org.
In the midst of Lovewell Live, on April 9th in Dallas, TX MercyMe will wrap up the 2011 Rock & Worship Roadshow with The Afters, Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath and special guest Jeff Johnson. Then the GRAMMY ® nominated band will plunge back into Lovewell Live and finish out the tour.
Lovewell Live is inspired by their latest album, The Generous Mr. Lovewell (INO Records), which revolves around a fictional character the band created who reminds people that they simply need to love others well. It is from this idea that has generated a domino effect around America of people taking that extra step to lend a helping hand to their neighbor. The band has also been continuously living out the message throughout the year by serving at Rescue Missions, assisting with can food drives, assisting with disaster relief and more.
Featured on The Generous Mr. Lovewell is the No. 1 hit “All of Creation,” nominated for “Song of the Year” and “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year” for the 42nd Annual Dove Awards. They are also nominated for “Group of the Year” making this their 12th Dove nomination. The record also includes their most recent chart-topper “Beautiful,” which dominated the Billboard Christian AC Monitored, Indicator and Inspo charts taking the No. 1 spot.
For more information on MercyMe and the Lovewell Live tour, please visit www.mercyme.org.
On the heels of their second American Music Award win for Contemporary Inspirational Artist, MercyMe recently garnered the National Christian Audience Song of the Year and Christian AC Song of the Year with “All of Creation” according to Billboard magazine. The track dominated Billboard’s AC Monitored chart for 11 weeks, the longest run at No. 1 in the band’s career.
Along with the Song of the Year nod, MercyMe is closing out 2010 with a bang in other ways as well. Having wrapped their successful “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” tour, the Dallas-area locals had a dream come true when they were recently asked to open a Dallas Cowboys Football game by singing the National Anthem for Sunday night football.
“2010 has been an amazing year for this band,” remarked lead vocalist Bart Millard. “Christian radio, fans, etc have just been so good to us, and this year was no exception - it’s just beyond incredible. Of course standing on the football field before the Cowboys fans and such was mind blowing – what a thrill for all of us! We’re a blessed group of guys for sure.”
The multi-platinum selling band was also invited to visit Sam’s Club associates in Bentonville, AR for their quarterly business review and holiday party. With nearly 1000 in attendance, MercyMe charmed the crowd with their humor and gave an intimate stripped down performance of some of their greatest hits, along with a selection of new favorites off of their latest best-selling album The Generous Mr. Lovewell (INO Records).
MercyMe will kick off 2011 on January 28th when they hit the road for the third annual Rock and Worship Roadshow. Compassion International will serve as the executive producer and along with MercyMe the tour will also feature Jars of Clay, Thousand Foot Krutch, Matt Maher, The Afters and LeCrae.
For more information on MercyMe please visit www.mercyme.org.
November 22, 2010…Nashville, TN…Multi-platinum selling band MercyMe was named America’s Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist at last night’s 2010 American Music Awards. The ceremony aired on ABC and was held at the NOKIA Theater in Los Angeles.
Winning by fan vote for their latest album The Generous Mr. Lovewell (INO Records), the GRAMMY ® nominated band previously took home the title in 2004. Since then, they have sold nearly 6 million records with all of their albums being certified Gold or Platinum. MercyMe has also made appearances on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’ The Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more.
The band thanked their fans on their blog last night saying, “It makes sense that we’d win a ‘Fan Voted’ award because you guys are amazing. Seriously we couldn’t ask for a better community that surrounds us and our music. Thank you so much for being involved in our ministry. We can’t thank you enough.”
Currently, MercyMe is wrapping up their Lovewell Live tour performing songs off their latest project The Generous Mr. Lovewell (INO Records) where they have been singing songs off the new album including their recent single “Beautiful.” “Beautiful” has been heard on radio stations across the country and is continuing to climb the radio charts taking the No. 6 spot on AC Indicator and No. 10 on AC Monitored.
Multi-platinum selling band MercyMe garners their third American Music Award nomination for Favorite Artist in Contemporary Inspirational Category. Previously winning the title in 2004, MercyMe is one of three nominees in the genre. Produced by dick clark productions, the live broadcast will take place at the NOKIA Theater L.A. on Sunday, November 21 at 8pm (EST/PST) on ABC.
For the fourth year, winners will be determined by online voting at the official Coca-Cola voting location www.amavote.com as well as ama.abc.com. Artists will be honored in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin, Soundtracks and Contemporary Inspirational. Fans can go to the official homepage of the "2010 American Music Awards," ama.abc.com, to find performer and presenter announcements, artist information, and more. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or fans can call 1-877-AEG-TICKETS.
MercyMe’s success continues to blossom as the band is performing to packed out houses on their Lovewell Live tour performing songs off their latest project The Generous Mr. Lovewell (INO Records) which debuted last spring at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top 200 selling over 80,000 units its first week. The project's debut single “All of Creation” held the No. 1 spot for multiple weeks after its launch, while their current single “Beautiful” is climbing several charts, presently at No. 17 on Billboard’s Christian AC Chart, after landing in the Top 10 at Soft AC/Inspo as well as the Top 10 on iTunes ® Christian Singles Sales Chart.
Additionally, the Grammy nominated band made history this year as their mega hit “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. They also have been seen on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’ The Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more.
For more information on MercyMe please visit www.mercyme.org.
MercyMe’s latest album The Generous Mr. Lovewell sold nearly 90k copies its first week, debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart and No. 1 Christian SoundScan, and has already garnered the band a No. 1 single with “All of Creation.” Throughout the summer the GRAMMY ® nominated band has brought the music from the chart-topping album to life in front of thousands at state fairs and concerts across the country. As summer comes to a close, the fair dates will lead the band into their highly anticipated fall tour Lovewell Live, with special guest Phil Wickham. The tour will kick off September 24 in Medford, OR and visit fans in 27 cities. For a list of full tour dates please see tour listing below.
On Lovewell Live the multi-platinum selling band will be performing some of their biggest hits in addition to new material from The Generous Mr. Lovewell including their new single “Beautiful,” which goes to radio September 17th and speaks of how the world says we are never good enough, yet Christ saw something beautiful in us worth dying for.
Throughout the year MercyMe has put their message to love well into action by helping those in need by serving at Rescue Missions along the west coast, helping build a home in Danville, VA, assisting in a can food drive and helpeing restore a jobless woman’s car in Las Vegas.
Believing that sharing these stories can help create a movement that literally could change the world, the band is asking fans to share their lovewell moments at www.mrlovewell.com. Here are just a few testimonies of how love is being spread around the globe:
“I have been Loved Well today. I am recovering from knee surgery, at home and alone. My colleague and friend drove 60 miles to visit and even brought lunch. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to feel your love, today through my special friend and this MercyMe Movement.”
“Today I went out to eat with my mom and daughter. The waitress was really sweet and made a point to connect with us…I was compelled to leave a tip, but not just a tip. I paid it forward by giving a $10 Wal-Mart gift card I had and made it a point to put her name on it. I hope it made her day.”
“My boss knew that I was hurting about my troubled adult son, so he shared with me his story about his adult son committing suicide. He cried, and then gave me a NIV Study Bible and told me he loved me and said God is waiting for me to ask Him for help. This has changed my life and now my younger children are interested in what is making me so happy. I am going to print some Lovewell cards and will take every chance I get to pass on the love.”
To read more inspiring testimonies please visit www.mrlovewell.com, and for more information on MercyMe please go to www.mercyme.org.
###
Lovewell Live Tour Dates (*Dates Subject to Change)
September
24-Sep Medford, OR Craterian Ginger Rogers Theatre
25-Sep Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
26-Sep San Bernardino, CA California Theatre
October
2-Oct Baltimore, MD Hippodrome Theatre*
7-Oct Sioux City, IA Orpheum Theatre
8-Oct Appleton, WI Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
9-Oct Naperville, IL North Central College
10-Oct Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center
14-Oct New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre
15-Oct Reading, PA Sovereign Performing Arts Center
16-Oct Johnstown, PA War Memorial Arena
17-Oct Wheeling, WV The Capitol Theatre
21-Oct Greenville, SC Peace Center for Performing Arts*
23-Oct Mountain Home, AR AR State University / Vada Shied Center *
24-Oct Lincoln, NE LIED Center for Performing Arts*
28-Oct Artesia, NM Artesia Auditorium*
30-Oct Belton, TX Bell County Expo Center
November
4-Nov Paducah, KY Carson Center
5-Nov Cordova, TN Bellevue Baptist Church
6-Nov Joplin, MO Joplin Memorial Hall
11-Nov Barre, VT Barre Municipal Auditorium
12-Nov Lowell, MA Lowell Memorial Auditorium
13-Nov Fredericton, NB, Canada Sunset Church
14-Nov Portland, ME Portland Civic Center
18-Nov Ocala, FL First Baptist Church Ocala
19-Nov Clearwater, FL Countryside Christian Center
20-Nov Lakeland, FL Victory Church
*Dave Barnes performs in place of Phil Wickham
The MercyMe ‘lovewell streak’ continues for the multi-platinum selling band who reaches another career high as their current single “All of Creation,” holds its spot at No. 1 on the AC radio chart for its 11th consecutive week, making it the longest run at radio in their career. The chart-topping track is the first single from the band’s latest album The Generous Mr. Lovewell, which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, making it their highest sales debut ever. In addition to selling nearly 90k units in its first week, the album has remained the No. 1 selling album in its genre for an uninterrupted seven weeks.
Recently seen on the cover of the June issue of CCM’s Digital Issue, CNN.com and Billboard also spoke with MercyMe about the lovewellI phenomenon. It is a movement that the band is not just talking about, but living out.
Following recent visits to the West Coast partnering with local radio stations and serving at Rescue Missions, assisting with can food drives and helping restore a car in Vegas, the Grammy nominated band partnered with God’s Pit Crew, a non-profit disaster relief organization, and WPAR-FM in Danville, VA to help rebuild a home for local resident Ms. Jewel and her family. After a surgery in 2002 that caused trauma to Ms. Jewel brain, she is unable to walk without assistance and lives in an unstable home caring for her three children. MercyMe, God’s Pit Crew volunteers and WPAR-FM invited the community to get involved as they kicked off a summer long project to rebuild the house in its entirety making it it handicap accessible while also leaving the family mortgage free.
While the band is encouraging all to lend a helping hand, the raving reviews continue to pour in showing support for the new record including from The Hollywood Reporter, Breathecast.com, HollywoodJesus.com and more:
“MercyMe's sixth studio album, ‘The Generous Mr. Lovewell,’ is a beautifully executed set that celebrates how the power of love can change the world.”-TheHollywoodReporter.com
“The music through whole project 'The Generous Mr. Lovewell' is dynamic and upbeat drums make you move along with the tracks. Well done MercyMe!” -Breathecast.com
“The Generous Mr. Lovewell, continues the band’s trend of focused lyrics, Christ-centered themes, and infectious music.”-HollywoodJesus.com
MercyMe will be performing some of their new material from The Generous Mr.Lovewell at various summer festivals and fairs including the Life & Faith Tour, Harvest Crusade, NewSong Festival and more. For more information on MercyMe and their summer dates please visit www.mercyme.org.
Last week, INO Records’ multi-platinum and award-winning band MercyMe unleashed The Generous Mr. Lovewell, giving the band the highest chart debut of their career, bowing in at No. 3 in the nation on Billboard’s Top 200 SoundScan Chart, and No. 1 on the overall Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart. The album is the No. 1 selling record at Family Christian Stores, Lifeway, Mardel, Berean and most other Christian bookstores, has already hit No. 1 on iTunes® Christian Albums chart (No. 5 overall), and boasts the No. 1 single “All of Creation,” which continues to hold the top spot on both the Christian AC and Inspo charts after six weeks.
“I am excited about this sales debut by MercyMe,” remarked INO Records’ President Jeff Moseley. “To continually outdo themselves on each release is rare. In this business environment, a No. 3 debut by an artist is outstanding. We think it shows that the power of a song and a creative album still moves people and enhances their lives.”
The excitement about The Generous Mr. Lovewell began with great reviews from USA Today, Billboard, Christianity Today and more, and then ignited a massive twitter groundswell as artists such as Chris Daughtry, The Jonas Brothers, Mandisa, TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and more tweeted their support for MercyMe and The Generous Mr. Lovewell. In addition, fans all across the country have been sharing their stories of seeing Mr. Lovewell in action as they experience and watch good deeds take place all across the world.
“We have just been blown away by all the support from everyone for this album,” commented lead vocalist Bart Millard. “But more than that, it’s incredibly humbling to see the “love well” idea take flight – there are so many people out there living for Christ and truly living His love in the lives of others. I am in awe and incredibly thankful for the opportunity to witness it all!”
Named Billboard magazine’s “Christian Song Artist of the Decade,” MercyMe has been putting their message from The Generous Mr. Lovewell into action themselves over the past few weeks. Partnering with radio stations nationwide, they have made stops at Rescue Missions, serving food, washing dishes, and more, while also making personal visits to music fans, giving them intimate acoustic performances, fellowship and financial contributions to those in need. What is becoming known as the “lovewell phenomenon” will continue on throughout the year as the band moves forward in their efforts and tours the country.
Billboard magazine’s “Christian Song Artist of the Decade,” MercyMe’s brand new project, The Generous Mr. Lovewell, available now, has already peaked at No.1 on iTunes ® Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 5 on its overall album chart. Additionally, the album is currently the No.1 selling record at Family Christian Stores, Lifeway, Mardel, Berean and most other Christian bookstores. Furthermore, The Generous Mr. Lovewell is getting a lot of love from all who listen, including critics from Billboard, USA Today, Christianity Today, New Release Tuesday and more:
“MercyMe’s sixth studio album is a well conceived and beautifully executed record that celebrates the power of love to change the world. Frontman Bart Millard and the band have crafted a set of tunes that are sonically engaging and musically substantive. Music with a message has never sounded more lovely.”-Billboard
“MercyMe ups the musical ante with a whimsy-filled concept album about a balloon-carrying character who encourages people to, well, "love well," using everything from random acts of kindness to intentional, determined commitment. The title track recalls Mr. Blue Sky-era Electric Light Orchestra, and the rest ranges from inspirational ballads to synth-pulsing anthems.”
- USA Today
“MercyMe remains a lyrical fortress for an inspired constituency looking for straightforward spiritual encouragement. And with Lovewell, MercyMe's message remains a serious asset to this industry.”-Christianitytoday.com
“The Generous Mr. Lovewell is RIDICULOUS!! This album truly establishes MercyMe as the premier artist in all of Christian music. I didn't think MercyMe could top All That Is Within Me but The Generous Mr. Lovewell rocks, has some incredible new musical twists and Bart's vocals have never sounded better.”-NewReleaseTuesday.com
“The band has never sounded better, nor [Bart] Millard more soulful and confident, than on The Generous Mr. Lovewell, easily one of MercyMe’s best efforts in their incredible string of success.”-NoisyWhisper.com
In addition to a stellar reception from the press, every single Christian AC station in the country is playing the chart topping single “All of Creation,” as the hit track continues to dominate the charts holding its place at No. 1 on AC Monitored and Soft AC/Inspo for more than 7 weeks total and is currently in the Top 10 at CHR.
This week as the Grammy nominated band celebrates their new album, they stopped by Good Day Dallas (FOX) and performed their hit single, while also speaking to over 100 different radio stations over the past two days. After their stop at Good Day, they made a special appearance at a Chick-fil-a in Dallas meeting fans for a fun and personal event hosted by KTLY in partnership with Lifeway Christian stores.
In addition to the meet and greet, the band continues to live out their message of loving well as the band broke out their bowling shoes and played with select winners from a radio promotion with KTLA. MercyMe also recently served at Rescue Missions in California where they served food, washed dishes and loved on the residents and also assisted radio listeners in Portland, Seattle and Las Vegas by providing contributions to the winners that went towards meeting their needs.
For more information on MercyMe and the album please go to www.mercyme.org.
MercyMe continues to live out their message of “loving well” as they move forward in their journey across America, recently serving at Rescue Missions in California and assisting radio listeners in Nevada. The Grammy® nominated band is preparing for the release of their upcoming album with INO Records The Generous Mr. Lovewell, available nationwide next Tuesday, May 4th.
With a desire to ‘love well’ and also honor those who do so every day, the band recently paid visits to both the Fresno Rescue Mission and the Orange County Rescue Mission in California. In Fresno, the band met with the men from the Recovery Program and heard the inspiring testimonies of how God has changed their lives. In addition, they visited the Orange County Rescue Mission in conjunction with the Fish radio station LA. The station asked for listeners to nominate family and friends who they felt were ‘loving others well.’ As a result, The Fish brought in the people whom they felt had the most compelling stories to witness a special acoustic performance by MercyMe at Rockwell’s Bakery and be on the air with band members and morning show co-host Reba Toney. While some of MercyMe were co-hosting the radio program, the others were helping with the station’s food drive by collecting cans in the parking lot. Later on in the day, the Fish LA and the band took the donations to the Orange Country Rescue Mission and served food, washed dishes and loved on the residents. To view the efforts done in California, watch the video clip here: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=a63983a3a6f3e393ef13
“Loving well is what it’s all about and this day really captured the essence of why we do, what we do," says Chuck Tyler, program director of The Fish. “I know the band has to be crazy busy when a new record is launching, so how cool is it that they are spending entire days helping folks out…it says a lot about their priorities. We truly saw some lives changed. We were just privileged to be a part of it.”
The band carried on through to Las Vegas where SOS Radio asked listeners to “Lovewell” and nominate friends or family in need. Listeners nominated a woman who had lost her job last year, was still unemployed and had a car that was barely functioning. Without the woman’s knowledge, SOS Radio arranged for her 14-year-old car to be repaired. MercyMe helped surprise the woman by driving her newly revamped car to her doorstep. All expenses for the car repairs were covered by Meyer’s Autoparts and MercyMe provided an additional donation to assist with her bills. Watch the events in Vegas up close and personal here: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=7395dec40be1121d5dc3
"It was fun to see how guys from Mercy Me gave Glenda James such a personal connection! She's going to remember what the Love of Christ is all about every time she starts her car now!" says SOS Program Director, Scott Herrold.
In the midst of their travels, the multi-platinum selling band was able to stop through Nashville to appear on the 41st Annual Dove Awards and performed their No. 1 hit “All of Creation” alongside David Crowder. Frontman Bart Millard co-hosted the award ceremony with Natalie Grant. “All of Creation” maintains its position at No. 1 at radio.
For more information about MercyMe, please visit www.mercyme.org.
Once again MercyMe has made history as their massive multi-format single “I Can Only Imagine” recently surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. Simultaneously, their last studio record, All That Is Within Me, received RIAA Gold certification, continuing to place MercyMe in the unique position of having had all of their studio recordings receive gold or platinum status. MercyMe will release The Generous Mr. Lovewell on May 4th.
Jeff Moseley, president of INO Records, surprised MercyMe on the Rock & Worship Roadshow last week with plaques commemorating both honors (see photo), saying, “This award is a testament to the fact that a song can change the world. Selling one million downloads is an achievement that is unprecedented in Christian music and I couldn't be happier for the guys.”
Written by lead singer Bart Millard as his father was suffering from terminal cancer, MercyMe had what seemed like overnight success with "I Can Only Imagine,” when after topping the Christian radio charts, hit #4 on the mainstream Adult Contemporary charts and top 25 on Pop/CHR and Hot AC charts. The success of the song created a nationwide groundswell, as the American public called in to radio stations all across the country requesting stations play the song.
"Once again it is overwhelming to see the success that a song which is so personal to me has touched so many lives,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We are honored that our fans continue to buy our records and support our ministry. God has been way too good to us!"
The award-winning and multi-platinum selling band will also perform on the GMA Dove Awards this week, for which Millard is co-hosting, while they prepare for the launch of their seventh album The Generous Mr. Lovewell. Their current single “All Of Creation” continues to dominate the radio charts continuing it’s reign at No. 1 on Billboard's Christian AC Monitored and Indicator charts, while landing at No. 2 on Soft AC/Inspo and No. 11 on CHR.
For more information on MercyMe please visit www.mercyme.org.
On May 4th, the multi-platinum selling, Grammy®-nominated & American Music Award winning band MercyMe will release “The Generous Mr. Lovewell.” The album has already garnered a No.1 Billboard Christian AC and No.1 iTunes® Top Christian Song with “All of Creation,” almost four weeks before the release date.
“He’s like Buddy the Elf meets Forrest Gump,” says MercyMe singer Bart Millard of the fictitious namesake behind the band’s sixth studio album. “He sees the good in everyone and knows his neighbors enough to know their needs. Mr. Lovewell may not be the next Billy Graham, but he’s changing the world each day in every little word and deed.”
The fabricated philanthropist has a Twitter following and Facebook friends galore. His advisory board—Millard, guitarists Mike Scheuchzer and Barry Graul, bassist Nathan Cochran, drummer Robby Shaffer, and keyboard player Jim Bryson—equips the red balloon-toting make-believer with airy ideas (“Pay for a stranger’s lunch today”) that were already being embraced by MercyMe fans before this batch of songs left the studio.
“It’s working the way we hoped it would,” Bart admits. “People are taking the concept ten miles further down the road, trying to top each other’s random acts of generosity toward strangers, and leaving notes behind that say ‘courtesy of Mr. Lovewell.’ We want to see this become a movement that’s bigger than the record itself.”
To continue to put this message in to action, MercyMe is helping people all across the U.S. “love well” as they partner with radio stations in 8 markets across the nation while on the Rock & Worship Road Show to run “lovewell” campaigns. In the campaign, listeners nominate a family or individual who is in need of a little extra love during this season of their life. The radio station chooses the winner, and along with a personal meeting with the band where they play a special acoustic set and offer free concert tickets, MercyMe provides contributions to the winner that go towards meeting their needs.
So far the band has met with and awarded winners including the Scott family in conjunction with KDUV in Visalia, CA, where Mom Lori Scott prepares many meals a week for people who are sick and hurting, and also works overtime to prepare food for mission teams from her church. In addition, Korinna Barth and her daughters were winners with KCMS in Seattle. Each Sunday, she and her daughters go for breakfast/lunch at a local restaurant and choose a random family in the restaurant and pay their ticket for them without them knowing. The Steve Jensen Family, a beloved principal in Vancouver, BC were awarded money to help them cover expenses due to their son’s battle with AML Leukemia for the past 2 years.
Plans for the record first took shape last year after MercyMe returned from a poverty-stricken province in the Dominican Republic where the guys met the child, that they as a band sponsor through Compassion International. The band was also recently honored by the organization for helping to get over 17,000 children sponsored throughout the world (see attached photo).
“We always heard ‘you come back different’ from a trip like that, and sure enough, it turned our world upside down,” Millard explains. “We came back disgusted with ourselves and what we had considered important in life. It was time to relate this to our audience—the church—and figure out how we might all do something about improving the way we love each other, at home or halfway around the globe.”
MercyMe framed out the songs for The Generous Mr. Lovewell during a week’s stay at a cheap rental house in Lake Tahoe along the California/Nevada border and then met up with two producers, Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, for tracking in El Paso, Texas. While Bannister has guided the band on many prior hits, the addition of Muckala was a new twist for the band.
The message of committing to extravagant selflessness and faithful optimism threads its way through every song, and while “It’s one thing to be kind to someone, to be decent,” Millard concludes, “ if we really believe we have this hope, then to stop short—to not be the hands and feet of Jesus—seems almost offensive. Our dream is for this album to inspire others to ‘pay it forward’ to the cross. It doesn’t have to be about major sacrifices. Just let your life become such that people know what you stand for.”
www.mercyme.org
Multi-platinum and award-winning band MercyMe is encouraging “All Of Creation” to “love well” with their upcoming studio album “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” (INO Records), scheduled to arrive May 4th nationwide.
“The album, “The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” revolves around a fictional character we created who reminds us that we simply need to love others well,” explains MercyMe frontman Bart Millard. “For some of us, it means that we need to put hands and feet on our ideology and rhetoric. For others, it means that we need to continue in doing well, but to not stop there. We need to let people know why we are called to make a difference. Our prayer is that this album would mobilize the body of Christ to encourage people in word and deed.”
MercyMe recently had the opportunity to share this concept as they personally premiered their first single, “All of Creation” to radio stations across the U.S. The band split up into three teams of two, making stops at major market stations such as K-LOVE, Z88 in Orlando, The Fish Los Angeles, KCMS in Seattle, WCSG in Grand Rapids and dozens more.
Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, the project features 11 tracks, and with each member sending regular tweets throughout the recording, photo shoots and more, fans have been able to stay connected to the process. The band plans to continue this process, and has already posted YouTube videos talking about the idea behind Mr. Lovewell and the new single:
Millard Describes the idea behind “The Generous Mr. Lovewell”-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS4Q8xiP6N8
Millard Introduces “All Of Creation”-
http://www.youtube.com/user/INORecords#p/a/u/0/q-tywXLREik <http://www.youtube.com/user/INORecords#p/a/u/0/q-tywXLREik>
“We as a band are all very excited about “The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” continues Millard. “And hopefully it will create a movement of encouraging people to make a difference in the world whether it’s helping your neighbor or just loving each other.”
Also this spring, fans can catch MercyMe on the Rock And Worship Roadshow as they travel across the country alongside fellow acts David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Remedy Drive and Sidewalk Prophets. To see if the tour is coming to a city nearby please visit: www.rockandworshiproadshow.com.
For more information on MercyMe and “The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” please go to www.mercyme.org or www.mrlovewell.com, or via Twitter @MrLovewell.
Nashville, TN (January 13, 2010) – Dove Award-nominated rock band Remedy Drive is gearing up for a busy spring with a slot on the popular Rock and Worship Roadshow Tour, along with one of Christian music’s biggest names, MercyMe.
“We are thrilled to be on the Roadshow with Remedy Drive this spring,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “They bring so much energy and passion to the stage; it’s going to be a great show.”
Other special guests include David Crowder Band, Family Force 5, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, and Sidewalk Prophets. The tour kicks off March 18 in Indianapolis, IN and wraps up April 25.
Remedy Drive is currently in the studio with producers Ian Eskelin and Otto Price, wrapping up some new songs that will be available soon. If you haven’t yet seen the most buzzed-about live show of the year, catch a sneak peek from the guys’ Lifelight Festival performance here http://budurl.com/HopeEPK.
For more information, please visit www.remedydrive.com.
NASHVILLE, TN….12/17/09….With their year-end and decade charts out this week, BILLBOARD has named MERCYME's "Word Of God Speak" the #1 Song of The Decade and the group the #1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade. MercyMe earns an additional #1 in the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade category.
“MercyMe’s career has always been about writing songs that we believe will share the love of Christ and make him known,” commented lead vocalist Bart Millard. ”We continue to be blown away by the support radio and fans give us, and strive to continue to write music that can move your heart toward God. Here’s to the next decade!”
MercyMe has garnered an astonishing 22 #1songs in their career, six of which are reflected on the Billboard radio charts for this decade, continuing to show the impact their songs have on listeners across the country:
#1 Christian songs artist of the DECADE
#1 Christian AC song artist of the DECADE
#1 Christian song of the DECADE with “Word of God speak” as well as:
#16 “Here With Me”
#19 “God With Us”
#35 “You Reign”
#48 “In the Blink of an Eye”
#49 “Bring the Rain”
In addition to their radio singles, MercyMe's debut album, “Almost There” captured the 4th Christian Album of the Decade slot, as well as placing MercyMe as the #4 Christian Album artist of the Decade. Also, their 2004 release,“Undone” took #38 on the Christian Album of the Decade chart, with “Spoken For”(2002) not far behind at #46.
MercyMe is currently in the studio with producers Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala recording their sixth studio project, scheduled to release May 4th, 2010.
October 2, 2009…Nashville, TN… Multi-platinum and GRAMMY® nominated band MercyMe is inviting fans to spend “An Evening with MercyMe” this fall, as they visit auditoriums and churches across America.
For each night of the tour, audiences will be entertained not only by the award-winning band as they perform hits to include “Finally Home,” “You Reign,” “Word of God Speak,” “Homesick,” and of course “I Can Only Imagine,” but some special guests as well. Worship band FEE and new artist Jonny Diaz will be taking the opening spots for the month of October, while GMA’s New Artist of the Year Tenth Avenue North and Jonny Diaz will join forces to open the shows in November. The tour begins October 9 in Jackson, MS and concludes November 22 in Johnson City, TN.
UPDATE:
Click here to visit the auction!
Porter’s Call, the Franklin, TN organization that offers free counsel, support and encouragement to recording artists and their families, has partnered with the premier celebrity auction website, www.clothesoffourback.org, to host an online celebrity auction September 14th – 30th. The auction’s direct link is www.clothesoffourback.org/porterscall.
The auction is an effort to sustain the organization’s long-term financial health and to continue to offer free services to the community of recording artists. More than 30 music and sports stars, television personalities and best-selling authors have donated several one-of-a-kind, autographed items for this auction. Some highlights include:
- Autographed Guitars from Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Gene Simmons, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mercy Me, and Paramore
- Autographed wardrobe items from Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, Big Kenny, Michael W. Smith and tobyMac
- Concert and meet & greet packages from Casting Crowns, Diamond Rio and Mandisa
- Titans and Predators tickets with special passes
- Framed autographed handwritten lyrics from Vince Gill and Amy Grant
- Autographed books from Mike Huckabee, Steve Harvey and Rick & Bubba
- Other autographed items from Jonas Brothers, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Billy Bob Thornton, Alison Krauss, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans and Josh Turner
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming show of support we’ve received from the participating artists-many of whom we’ve never met,” said Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews. “This auction collection holds a diverse and unique array of items that is sure to excite and delight their fans. While we know these items will raise significant funds to further the work of Porter’s Call, we hope that awareness for the service we provide is already rising significantly within the music community and that we will be able to serve more artists in the months to come.”
Started 9 years ago with an initial grant, Porter’s Call was created to meet a need to come alongside artists in their pilgrimage of life and music and faith. Because of this, many artists are able to avoid the pitfalls so common in the industry. Since its doors opened, Porter’s Call has offered its service at no charge to artists. This has been made possible through the generous support of record labels, artists and those working throughout various facets of the music industry.
Located in an historic home in Franklin, TN, it’s a safe and confidential place for artists where questions can be asked and explored; where broken lives can be restored and healed; where God can be encountered and discovered; where creative gifts can be deepened and enhanced.
Counselors Al and Nita Andrews have welcomed almost 500 artists through their doors since its inception.
The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today's hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm In The Middle," "Raising the Bar") and Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe. For more information and to bid, log onto www.clothesoffourback.org.
August
12, 2009
Along with many of you, we have learned of the passing of the driver of the car
from the accident on Saturday. Our hearts continue to break for these
families and all those who knew them. We continue to pray and ask your prayers
for everyone affected by this accident, that God would bring healing, comfort,
peace and understanding at a time when they are desperately needed.
Bart, Mike, Jim, Nathan, Barry & Robby
MercyMe
Late last night MercyMe posted an updated statement about the
accident their bus was involved in this past Saturday morning in Ft Wayne, IN. We are passing along this statement at the band’s request, and also due to the numerous inquiries we have received for the band:
MercyMe would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support and prayers that have been said not only for them, but for the families affected by this tragic accident. We have been in continued communication with the chaplaincy program at the Ft. Wayne Police Department, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone affected by this situation.
Every night on stage when we introduce our song, “Bring the Rain”, we talk about God being in control. If we believe what we say, then we must continue to look at how He will get the glory through this, and bring healing to so many.
We resumed our touring schedule in Milwaukee Monday evening. Before beginning the concert Bart addressed the crowd for all of us, expressing our heartbreak for the families in Ft. Wayne and our desire to pray for the families and for the young lady who still remains hospitalized. The crowd joined us in prayer specifically praying for healing, comfort, peace and understanding. We thank all of you for continuing to pray.
Bart, Mike, Jim, Nathan, Barry & Robby
MercyMe
BREAKING NEWS: STATEMENT FROM MERCYME:
Source: Velvet Kelm; Media Collective
MERCYME EXPRESSES HEARTACHE OVER ACCIDENT
Following the accident
earlier this morning involving their tour bus, popular contemporary
Christian Music band MercyMe gave the following statement:
"MercyMe
would like to express their incredible heartache over this horrible
accident. They are praying for the families of all who this will
affect, and are asking others to please pray as well. The band and crew
sustained minor bumps and bruises, however their hearts are heavy. They
appreciate the concern they have received from people all over the
world."
www.mercyme.org
by Natalie Hess
source:
MercyMe.org
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana’s NewsCenter) - Two passengers in a car that
turned into the path of a tour bus on Lima Road this morning have died,
while the driver remains in critical condition.
Police say a tour bus was traveling north through a green light at the
intersection of Lima and Coliseum Boulevard around 1:15 a.m. this
morning when a black car turned abruptly into its path. The car, a
black Chevy Corsica, was heading south on Lima but turned suddenly
eastbound onto Coliseum, says Public Information Officer Liza Thomas.
The car drove directly into the path of the bus.
According to police, a female passenger and a male passenger in that
car were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken to a local
hospital in critical condition. No one on the bus was injured.
The identities of the victims are still unknown. The Fort Wayne and
Allen County FACT team, Allen County Prosecutor and Allen County
Coroner’s office are assisting the Fort Wayne Police department with
the investigation.
RELATED LINKS:
http://www.mercyme.org/blog
http://www.wfaa.com
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=8284279
Multi-platinum Christian rock band P.O.D., currently on hiatus following a lengthy world tour, will make its 2009 concert debut as part of a 14-act lineup announced today for Disney’s Night of Joy Sept. 11-12 at Walt Disney World Resort. The musically diverse event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park also will feature MercyMe, newsboys, Skillet, Flyleaf, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Jars of Clay, Grits, Leeland, NEEDTOBREATHE, Superchick, Mandisa and Family Force 5.
Seven acts will perform each evening between 7 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. at stage locations throughout the park. Night of Joy begins after regular park operating hours, with concerts and select park attractions available exclusively for the enjoyment of event ticket holders.
P.O.D. is among four acts new to Night of Joy (along with Grits, NEEDTOBREATHE and Family Force 5), joining a legacy of 134 Christian music acts that have played Night of Joy since 1983. While a Disney “newbie,” the southern California-based band that fuses hard rock with hip-hop, reggae and Latin music is well known in music circles. They’ve been a hit on MTV, won two GMA Dove Awards, been Grammy-nominated, had two platinum-certified albums – one triple platinum – and in past summers played some of the north’s biggest Christian festivals.
But in spring/summer 2009, P.O.D. is chillin’: Vocalist Sonny Sandoval and the rest of the band are home in SoCal enjoying family life following a seven-month world tour that wound up in South America in December, making their Sept. 11 date at Disney P.O.D.’s first gig of the year.
“In the past year we’ve been blessed to play all around the globe but performing at Disney World excites me most of all,” Sandoval said.
The complete Sept. 11 Night of Joy lineup: P.O.D., newsboys, Kutless, Tomlin, NEEDTOBREATHE, Leeland and Superchick.
On Sept. 12, the Studios’ stages will present: Skillet, MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Flyleaf, Family Force 5, Grits and Mandisa.
Eight of the acts are nominated for Gospel Music Association Dove Awards in 2009, topped by Tomlin with seven nominations including artist of the year. Other nominees are Kutless, Leeland, NEEDTOBREATHE, Skillet, MercyMe, Mandisa and Grits.
For Mandisa, Night of Joy will mark her second “guest appearance” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009. On Feb. 12, she was among an unprecedented gathering of 27 “American Idol” finalists – including the winners from each of the show’s first seven seasons – who participated in a Hollywood gala-style event to premiere “The American Idol Experience.” The new attraction immerses guests in the excitement of the hit TV show “American Idol,” with some guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results.
With an innovative ticket – exclusively for groups of 10 or more – that combines a “day” visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Night of Joy admission that evening, guests will have a chance to participate in “The American Idol Experience.” And by booking on or before Aug. 12, the Studios day/Night of Joy group ticket costs just $44.95 plus tax (beginning Aug. 13, it costs $49.95).
There’s also a two-day ticket exclusively for groups of 10 or more that combines Night of Joy admission on both evenings (Sept. 11 and Sept. 12) with two “day visits” to the guest’s choice of Walt Disney World theme parks (one per day) on Night of Joy weekend (Sept. 11-13). Booked on/before Aug. 12, that ticket costs just $89.95 plus tax (beginning Aug. 13, it costs $99.95).
Night of Joy tickets for individuals also are available. One-night tickets purchased in advance (up to the day prior to the event) are $49.95 plus tax (on event day, if available, tickets are $54.95). Two-night tickets (providing admission to Night of Joy on both Sept. 11 and 12) are $84.95 plus tax.
All the details about tickets for groups and individuals are available online at www.nightofjoy.com.
**MercyMe’s latest release “10” sold almost 30,000 units its first week of release. The "best of" disc enters Billboards Top 200 Chart at No. 18 while topping the Christian Soundscan Chart at No. 1. “10” includes a new recording of the band's multi-format career hit I Can Only Imagine, featuring the London Session Orchestra.
**“10” also includes their current hit single, “Finally Home,” which remains No. 1 at Christian AC radio (*Mediabase & CRW), spent over a month at Soft/AC #1 and recently entered mediabases' Top 20 mainstream AC Chart and climbed four positions to 21 at R&R's mainstream AC chart.
**The Rock & Worship Roadshow headlined by MercyMe continues to build, bringing tens of thousands of concert-goers to venues across the U.S. The Roadshow recently visited Denver, CO, Wichita, KS and Springfield, MO and has sold out shows across the U.S., including venues seating up to 18,000. The Roadshow wraps up next week on April 19 in Springfield, IL. MercyMe has been broadcasting the tour on MercyMeTV at www.mogulus.com/mercymetv. Since the beginning of the tour, the concert has been broadcast to over 37,000 unique viewers resulting in over 50,000 total views. For more details about the tour please visit www.therockandworshiproadshow.com.
April 7, 2009…Nashville, TN…Today MercyMe releases their latest project “10," celebrating the 10th anniversary of the band's career hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” penned by frontman Bart Millard in memory of his father. The single sold nearly 3 million units, and became a multi format smash at Top 40, AC, Country and Christian charts alike.
The new album features 12 of MercyMe’s number one radio hits that span their five studio releases, from 2001’s Almost There to their 2007 release All That Is Within Me. The disc also features three bonus tracks including a new recording of “I Can Only Imagine” with the famed London Session Orchestra, “10” also includes a companion DVD, featuring a diverse mix of concept videos and live performances showcasing the bands unique brand of music. In addition, fans can view an inside glimpse of the story behind “I Can Only Imagine” and get up close and personal with the band through their appearance on Gospel Music Channel’s “Faith & Fame” feature.
"10" releases amid yet another successful tour for MercyMe. The Rock & Worship Roadshow, sponsored by Compassion International in partnership with Imagine A Cure, is averaging crowds of 10,000 per date, playing major markets across the U.S., including Portland, OR, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, and Baton Rouge, LA. In their hometown of Dallas, TX, the band filled American Airlines Center’s 18,000 seats, while thousands of other concert-goers were not able to enter, because the venue had reached maximum capacity.
Joining headliner MercyMe on the Roadshow are Gold-selling artist and reigning GMA Male Vocalist of the Year Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, as well as burgeoning bands Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road.
“The response to the Rock and Worship Roadshow has been incredible,” said Cliff Reiser, concert promoter at Rush Concerts. “Over 120,000 people have come to shows in 13 cities so far, including 18,000 in Dallas on April 3. This a great testament to MercyMe's continued ability to impact our culture in a positive way.”
Watch MercyMe’s frontman Bart Millard’s response after their sold out show of more than13,000 people in Fresno, CA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZwI9wys_oA.
In addition, MercyMe's current single, "Finally Home" is No. 1 at Christian AC and Soft AC radio and is climbing the mainstream AC chart presently at No. 24. "Finally Home" has entered the iTunes ® top 10 Christian singles chart at No. 8 today.
For more information on MercyMe and the tour please visit www.mercyme.org or www.rockandworshiproadshow.com .
It’s been 10 years since MercyMe frontman Bart Millard penned “I Can Only Imagine,” a touchingly personal song about his father’s early death that catapulted the group to nothing short of superstardom. The down-to-earth Texas-based band’s breakthrough hit would sell almost 3 million units, race up the charts on Top 40, AC, Christian and Country charts alike, and be adopted as an anthem by hurting people around the world. In a testament to “I Can Only Imagine’s” timelessness, it remains a favorite on radio playlists nationwide today.
To mark this epic anniversary, and to celebrate one of the most powerful songs and popular groups in Christian music history, MercyMe is releasing “10,” on April 7th. “10” is a new CD/DVD set that showcases twelve number one singles and videos that span the artists career (see full track listing below).
The “10” audio CD features all eleven of MercyMe’s number one radio hits that span their five studio releases, from 2001’s Almost There to their 2007 release All That Is Within Me. The disc also features three bonus tracks including a new recording of “I Can Only Imagine” with the famed London Symphony Orchestra, the never-before-released track “Only Temporary,” as well as the live show cult hit, “10 Simple Rules,” originally featured on the kids video “Hoop Dogz.”
The companion DVD brings the music to life, featuring a diverse mix of concept videos and live performances that showcase how the bands unique brand of music has won hearts in local venues and around the world. In addition to the eleven live and concept videos, fans can view an inside glimpse of the story behind “I Can Only Imagine” and get up close and personal with the band through their appearance on Gospel Music Channel’s “Faith & Fame” feature.
For listeners who first met MercyMe through the story of Millard’s father, which inspired “I Can Only Imagine,” “10” will be a musical marker of a career that has changed lives and continues to inspire. For others, it may be an introduction to a group that has scaled great heights and yet remains firmly grounded by their faith and their families.
MercyMe is also conducting a special edition, exclusive pre-sale offer for fans, details of which can be found at: http://www.mercyme.org.
To hear Millard talk more about “I Can Only Imagine,” please go to: http://www.inorecords.com/mercyme/downloads/mp3download.php?file=imagine10years.mp3
MercyMe will be performing and bowing the new project at the NRB Convention in Nashville as presented by The Christian Music Broadcasters' "The Perfect 10" Night Of Music on Monday February 9th.
Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 6 million units in CD and DVD sales, including “Almost There”, nearly triple platinum, “Spoken For,” which is approaching platinum sales, and the RIAA Gold certification for “Undone,” the MercyMe Live DVD, and “Coming Up to Breathe”. Their latest, “All That Is Within Me,” entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at No. 15 and sold an impressive 83,626 units, the most they’ve ever sold in a project’s first week.
MercyMe is one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum, as well as garner 19 multi-format #1 Christian radio singles, and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” In 2008 the band was named R&R’s Christian AC Artist of the Year, and as one of the industry's most notable talents, MercyMe has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and has been seen on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’ Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more.
December 4, 2008
*It’s a good week to be MercyMe:
-MercyMe has been nominated for their second GRAMMY® Award with their #1 Single, “You Reign” for Best Gospel Song, which was also co-written by
Steven Curtis Chapman. The band was first nominated in 2007 for their COMING UP TO BREATHE recording.
- In addition, Millard’s second solo offering, HYNMED AGAIN was nominated for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album.
“In response to the nominations, Millard commented, “I am so excited for my brothers in MercyMe and Steven Curtis Chapman! Apparently scrambling to get "You Reign" on the album, at the last minute, was the right decision! To perform at the Grand 'Ole Opry, and then to have HYMNED AGAIN receive a GRAMMY® nod has made the past two weeks a dream come true!
Pardon me while I go buy some cowboy boots.”
- In addition to the GRAMMY® nominations, the band has also been named R&R’s Christian AC Artist of the Year, a result of their two long-standing #1
singles, “God With Us” and “You Reign”
-This March MercyMe will launch their national “Rock & Worship Road Show” tour, which will also feature Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, Tenth Avenue
North and Addison Road. More tour details to come in January.
-On a fun side note, be sure to check out the “Casting Pounds” weight loss competition between Millard and Casting Crown’s lead vocalist Mark Hall
at: http://mercyme.org/blog/2008/12/01/casting-pounds/
** It’s been called the “home of American music” and “country’s most famous stage,” and this Friday, November 21st, MercyMe’s BART MILLARD will make his Grand Ole’ Opry Debut at the famed Ryman Auditorium. Friday’s Opry may be heard on AM650-WSM, XM channel 11 and on the internet at www.wsmonline.com. MercyMe will be backing up Millard as he sings “Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus” from the critically-acclaimed HYMNED AGAIN project, as well as the band’s upcoming single “Finally Home,” from their best-selling CD, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME.
**What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925, is today a live-entertainment phenomenon. Dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history
and dynamic present, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart- toppers who have followed in
their footsteps. The Opry, an American icon and Nashville’s number-one attraction, is world- famous for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages. For more information go to: http://www.opry.com
** MercyMe has been broadcasting all of their fall tour shows online on MercyMe TV! Fans can tune in to watch MercyMe's shows live on their computer, where they can also chat with other fans that are watching. MercyMeTV can be launched at http://mercyme.org/blog/mmtv/, which also features a full tour schedule.
**Having recently launched their fall tour with special guest Bebo Norman, and fresh off their recent (and third!) American Music Award nomination, MercyMe has some news to share this week:
**Bart Millard and MercyMe on Gospel Music Channel TODAY:
-MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard's national broadcast on GMC show "The Kitchen Sink" will re-air Thursday October 23rd – 7pm and 11pm Eastern. Millard performs 3 songs from his latest solo effort, "Hymned Again" - including his hit INSPO single "I Stand Amazed."
-With two number one singles from their latest hit project, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, the band’s third single “Finally Home” will go for adds December 26th. Their second single , *"You Reign" (INO) became their eighth chart topper on the Nielsen BDS-driven Christian AC list in late August 2008, givng MercyMe the most No. 1 singles by any artist on that chart since it was launched in July 2003.
-Before you can hear the new single on the radio you can see the music video when you catch Millard on the Gospel Music Channel as they broadcast the music video for “Finally Home” Thursday October 23rd.
Reunion Records artist Tenth
Avenue North will be busy in the next few weeks. Starting this
Sunday, the band will be heading to Orlando, Flor., for a performance at the International
Christian Retail Show (ICRS). After that, the guys
are flying out for a visit with Focus On the Family in Colorado Springs, Colo.,
to perform at the Focus on the Family Chapel on Friday morning. Then, the
four-piece will be playing alongside MercyMe and David Crowder Band, before
heading to Creation West and Soul Fest for a few main stage performances. Tenth
Avenue North’s second single, “By Your Side,” from its current album Over
and Underneath will be released to radio on July 11th.
For more info on Tenth Avenue North, please visit www.tenthavenuenorth.com.
NASHVILLE, TN....June 19, 2008.....In follow up to HYMNED, MercyMe frontman Bart Millard’s 2005 solo project, named one of Billboard and ChristianMusicToday.com’s Top Ten albums of 2005, comes his second effort, HYMNED AGAIN, which will hit nationwide on August 19th. The first single to be serviced to AC and Inspo radio formats will be “I Stand Amazed,” on July 4th, which features guest vocals by Christy Nockels.
Taking the production helm once again is Brown Bannister, who along with Millard’s passionate vocals and a famed line up of studio musicians, has created an impressive and diversified musical landscape on HYMNED AGAIN. Raised in East Texas relatively close to where many musical styles originated, Millard wanted to create an authentic sound with these old hymns, most of which date back to the 1800s and talk about sharing one’s faith during this era when evangelism was on the rise. Therefore, HYMNED AGAIN runs the stylistic gamut from New Orleans style horn-driven jazz to Texas blues-rock guitar, and country/bluegrass to banjo-featuring Dixieland, '70s soul/gospel flavor, and one song centered on nothing more than a ukulele.
To top it off, the sole original track on the CD, written by Millard and Thad Cockrell, “Jesus Cares for Me,” features a duet with country superstar Vince Gill. "The one thing I've been looking to do is sing with Bart and check that off my Bucket List.” laughed Gill, who had some fun with Millard in the recording studio with his ‘Bucket List,’ video from which is featured on MercyMe’s blog page at http://www.mercyme/org/blog. All kidding aside, the duet is surely a dream come true for Millard, who states, “I never imagined I would sing a duet with Vince Gill, and especially that it would be on one of my records. It was truly an incredible ‘pinch myself’ moment.”
While HYMNED was inspired by Millard’s grandmother, and the hymns she used to sing, HYMNED AGAIN was inspired moreso by his three kids. "My three kids know every word of the first hymns record I did,” he says. “These are songs that were a huge part of my upbringing, and now they are a part of my kids’ as well, so I had to do another one! And, true to form, they already have the new album memorized too."
Millard is currently touring a full summer schedule with MercyMe supporting their latest hit project, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME. The band will be touring this fall as well, dates for which are available on http://www.mercyme.org. Millard also just taped a special HYMNED AGAIN episode of the Gospel Music Channel’s Kitchen Sink program which is scheduled to air on September 27th.
On December 21st, MercyMe will perform "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" from their recent Christmas CD titled The Christmas Sessions on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." The Tonight Show airs nationwide at 11:30 PM ET on NBC.
