America has rolled out its initial summer and fall itinerary. The group will kick things off on August 13th in Swanzey, New Hampshire, with their band's 2021 dates wrapping on November 21st at Sarasota, Florida. Additional cities are expected to be announced soon.
America's co-founders Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell addressed their fans while announcing the new tour, with Beckley explaining, “I have never before in my professional life had this much time 'off.' A year-and-a-half. The word 'off' is misleading because I’ve remained quite busy with writing and recording, something that usually takes a back seat to our hectic travel and performing schedule.”
He went on to say, “I’d say that missing my band and team has been the hardest part. We are all looking forward to feeling that energy from our fans and friends again.There is always something on the horizon in our evolving schedule. I wouldn't be surprised if there's some new music in our future.”
Dewey Bunnell was also astounded that he and the band has spent sop much time off the road: “Most definitely this time between shows is unprecedented! We are now in our 51st year as a performing band with barely ever more than a month break a few times a year for holidays and vacations.”
He added: “If we knew it was going to be 14 months, it may have been harder to endure. As each month passed, my mindset changed, slowly realizing it was going to be more of a marathon than simply a long-distance run. Thoughts and projections of when touring might resume seemed to change weekly and I missed the travel/performance life more each month.”
Dewey Bunnell told us that above all else, America's harmonies remain their ultimate stock in trade: “We've always said, it doesn't matter what we're singing or recording, generally once Gerry and my vocal blend is on there with the harmonies and so on, that's kind of what we are. Maybe that's truth with everybody, 'cause everybody's voice is so unique, a blend is double unique.”
Way back in June 1975, “Sister Golden Hair” became America's second Number One hit. We asked writer Gerry Beckley what the story was behind the song: “'Sister Golden Hair' is one of those poetic license things where you combine a few stories in your life, so it's true in a sense that it all comes of and from me, but it isn't verbatim in particular about a person. I tend to do that — kind of combine a variety of emotional things going on and get a story going like a novelist, y'know?”
Recently released in celebration of America's 50th anniversary is Half Century, an eight-disc box set containing hours of rare archival studio recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos, and rehearsals, including several previously unreleased tracks ranging from 1970 to 2000.
JUST ANNOUNCED: America tour dates (subject to change):
August 13 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands
August 21 – Laughlin, NV – E Center at Edgewater Hotel
August 27 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 28 – Cohasset, MA – South Shore Music Circus
September 11 – Mulvane, KS – Kansas Star Arena
September 17 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre
September 25 – Lawrence, KS – Lied Center of Kansas
October 2 – Reno, NV – Grande Expo Hall at Silver Legacy Casino
October 20 Sioux Falls, SD – Washington Pavillion
October 22 – Mankato, MN – Grand Hall
October 28 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
October 30 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
November 6 – Queen Creek, AZ – Good Life Festival at Schnepf Farms
November 14 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center H-E-B Performance Hall
November 18 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
November 20 – Fort Pierce, FL – Sunrise Theatre
November 21 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
