PHOTOS: Kenny Chesney Rings Bell At Gillette Stadium As New England Patriots’ ‘Keeper of the Light’
“What a blast,” Chesney wrote on social media.
Kenny Chesney; Photo Courtesy of the New England Patriots/Steve Spencer
Kenny Chesney returned to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts over the weekend, but this time it wasn’t for a massive, sold-out stadium concert. The country superstar was on hand to serve as the “keeper of the light” for the New England Patriots and rang the bell atop the lighthouse located in the North end zone ahead of the game against the Miami Dolphins.
“Keeper Of The Light”
Chesney’s appearance as the “keeper of the light” took place during the second home game of the season for the Patriots.
During week one, seven-time Super Bowl winner, Tom Brady became the first-ever “keeper of the light” when he started the new tradition at the iconic stadium’s new lighthouse.
Fans Were Going “Crazy”
The internet was abuzz after the eight-time Entertainer of the Year was spotted on the field with Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, ahead of the game.
Sporting a laid-back look with khakis, a green sweatshirt, and of course, a New England Patriots hat, Chesney was all smiles as he rang with bell with immense pride.
“What A Blast”
“Loved ringing the bell at Gillette Stadium. Thanks to the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft and Jonathan Kraft for having me back,” he shared on social media following the game. “I love you guys! What a blast.”
Love For Boston
Chesney has a long history with Gillette Stadium. According to Boston.com, the “Summertime” singer holds the record for the most concerts at the venue since it opened its doors in 2002 with 21 shows.
He’s also been a longtime supporter of the Patriots and has attended several training camps and practices through the years. Additionally, he’s been known to attend games on several occasions and even sits in Kraft’s box at the stadium.
In an interview with Haute Living, the East Tennessee native opened up about his admiration for Boston.
“The heart,” Chesney said. “Passionate people who really care, who really dig in. Everyone I’ve ever met works hard, takes real pride in what they do and plays with the same kind of passion. The Kraft family, right down to the people selling concessions at the shows: I’ve met so many really fine people. It’s a lot like where I come from, and that’s saying something.”
“The Boys Of Fall”
It’s no secret that Kenny Chesney is a football fan. In 2010 he released “The Boys Of Fall,” an ode to the sport. It was the first single from his Hemingway’s Whiskey album and is a song that he can relate to on a personal level.
“‘Boys Of Fall’ is a perfect description of how I grew up and where I grew up. That song meant so much to me and I thought, ‘Wow, there’s a lot of kids out there and a lot of people that have that feeling in their lives.’ There’s a line in the song that says, “In little towns like mine, that’s all we got.” And that’s the way it was in East Tennessee, and still is,” Chesney told Billboard of the track.
The music video debuted on ESPN and features several iconic football players and coaches.
Surprise Appearance
While in the North East over the weekend, Kenny Chesney made a surprise appearance in Vermont at a Grace Potter concert where they joined forces to sing their GRAMMY-nominated duet, “You and Tequila.”
The track appears on Kenny Chesney’s 2021 album, Welcome To The Fishbowl.
New Music?
Kenny Chesney has no tour dates on the books, but he appears to be working on new music. In recent Instagram posts, the award-winning singer/songwriter is pictured with a slew of lauded Nashville songwriters on what appears to be a writing retreat in the islands.
Fans holding out hope to get their hands on the follow-up to his 2020 project, Here and Now, may be in luck. Only time will tell.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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