Photo by Judy Seale
Country music’s legendary duo the Bellamy Brothers are back stateside this week following an extensive tour of India and Sri Lanka. Upon arriving in the region, the brothers learned they were actually making history by becoming the first country music act to tour in those Asian countries.
“When we arrived, they told us no other country act had ever toured in these countries, which came as a bit of a surprise,” notes David Bellamy. “Collectively, the populations of India and Sri Lanka total about 1.3 billion and we learned that these people are huge fans of our music. We sold out every show and there are already other offers on the table for us to go back and tour again soon. It was a very rewarding experience for us.”
Howard Bellamy adds, “It was rejuvenating to tour two countries that we have never been to. It made me think back to the beginning of our career and the excitement of a new experience. Nothing gives you a broader outlook on the rest of the world than touring in countries like India and Sri Lanka. The fact that we appealed to a broad demographic in both countries and that these folks knew all the words to our songs was very special for us.”
While touring the region, the Bellamys sold out three shows, performing before thousands in venues that were filled well beyond their capacities.
In addition to their usual 100+ US dates, the duo will continue to tour internationally throughout the year with stops in Brazil, Australia, New Caledonia, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Canada. The Bellamy Brothers’ international tour dates are booked exclusively by Judy Seale / JSI International.
The Bellamys plan to release new music in conjunction with several of the international tour stops. Recording plans are already in the works for collaborations with Brazilian rock star Eduardo Araújo and Swiss rock sensation Gölä. The brothers’ first album with Gölä (BB&G: The Greatest Hits Sessions – released in 2010) debuted at #1 on the Swiss Music Chart and soon thereafter reached double-platinum sales.
In addition, the Bellamys are planning for a three-song EP and music video currently scheduled for a late May / early June release. The EP and video will serve as a teaser for the brothers’ 40th anniversary album which is set for a spring 2015 release. The two-disc set will feature 15 new songs and 15 #1 hits.
Throughout their nearly four decade career, the multi-platinum selling Bellamy Brothers have charted 15 #1 hits on the US country and pop music charts. Hits like “Let Your Love Flow,” “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me),” “Redneck Girl,” and “Old Hippie” helped to make the brothers household names. Today, their seamless harmonies remain perfectly intact as they continue to travel the United States and European tour circuits, performing over 150 dates each year.
For US and international tour date listings and for additional information on the Bellamy Brothers, visit www.bellamybrothers.com.
