Lady Antebellum is having a good week. On Tuesday, the young Nashville band released its second studio album, Need You Now, which looks set to debut on top of the pop charts. The title track from the record spent five weeks in the number one position on Billboard's Hot Country Song chart, and its current single, “American Honey,” seems destined to repeat the trick.
The trio is also up for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best Country Song prizes at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards, which take place live on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
As if that wasn’t enough, Lady Antebellum also managed to sell out a pair of March headlining shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium in their hometown. In between rehearsals for the big night, we checked in with guitarist Dave Haywood.
How did it feel when you found out the Ryman shows sold out in under 30 minutes?
It was very exciting. We're about to hit the road with Tim McGraw for about 60 shows, but this is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to headline anywhere. All the shows we've been doing for the past year have been opening up for other people and none of the tours we were on went through Nashville. We haven't played here in two years. My friends have been waiting for these concerts.
So that’s who got all the tickets. You’re also going back to the Grand Ole Opry.
It's one of those sacred places. Whenever they ask, you play.
What has been your favorite part of the last two years?
For me, just because I come from the guitar world, it was when I had a chance to talk to Dave Matthews backstage. I told him, "Thanks for influencing me and a bunch of other guitarists."
You play a Gibson J-200 and a J-45. Is it convenient having the showroom so close?
It's funny, I spent my whole life saving up money for a guitar and now I’ve gotten to the point where people will just give me one. They'll let me borrow anything I want. It's just kind of cool. I go down to the showroom and I'll say, “I'm going to be on this TV show on Monday and I want to use a Les Paul.” And they'll be like. "OK, just bring it back next Wednesday." It's a dream come true for me. It feels a little wrong.
Watch: Dave Haywood illustrates how to play Lady Antebellum's single, "Need You Now," on guitar.