A few years ago, being Steve Earle must have sucked. In 2002, the singer-songwriter’s name was synonymous with controversy after he released Jerusalem, which featured a song from the perspective of John Walker Lindh (a young American who fought for the Taliban). At that time, anyone who sang about the War on Terror in tones any less patriotic than those of our Great American Hero Toby Keith were labeled evil, so Earle likely had to convince more than one crazy that he wasn’t a terrorist.
But now, it’s a different world. Ideas and power are shifting, and you can't help but feel like maybe a brighter future is right around the corner. In these times, it seems like being Steve Earle would be totally awesome.
Just how awesome? Well, let’s take a look at the evidence. This year, Earle released a new album, Washington Square Serenade, dedicated to his new neighborhood: Greenwich Village. Then, he received two Grammy nominations—one for Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album, and one for a collaboration with his wife called “Days Aren’t Long Enough,” also off Serenade. There’s also his recurring role on HBO’s The Wire, the final season of which begins in January. There's also The Steve Earle Show, his program on Sirius Radio.
Did you get all that? Do you agree that it would be awesome to be Steve Earle? Well, tell him in person during his upcoming tour, and forget that 2002 ever happened.
The multitalented Steve Earle on the road:
February
28 - Northampton, Mass. @ Calvin Theatre
29 - Somerville, Mass. @ Somerville Theatre
March
1 - Montreal, Quebec @ Outremont Theatre
3 - Ottawa, Ontario @ Bronson Centre
4 - Toronto, Ontario @ Massey Hall
7 - Chicago, Ill. @ Vic Theatre
8 - Madison, Wis. @ Barymore Theatre
9 - Minneapolis, Minn. @ Historic Pantages Theatre
10 - Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Burton Cummings Theatre
12 - Edmonton, Alberta @ Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
13 - Banff, Alberta @ Eric Harvie Theatre
15 - Vancouver, British Columbia @ The Centre In Vancouver
16 - Victoria, British Columbia @ Royal Theatre
18 - Seattle, Wash. @ Moore Theatre
19 - Portland, Ore. @ Aladdin Theater
21 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Palace of Fine Arts
25 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Royce Hall
Related links:
SteveEarle.com
Steve Earle on MySpace
Paste’s 100 best living songwriters: Steve Earle
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