Brad Paisley and Keith Urban perform "Start a Band" at "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards," on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on the ABC Television Network. Photographer: John Russell / Provided by Country Music Association.
Nov. 17, 2008 — Brad Paisley’s partnership with fellow artist and guitarist Keith Urban on "Start A Band" has moved from the realms of stellar audio work to an intriguing visual collaboration.
The two opened last week’s 42nd Annual CMA Awards with a live performance of the song. That came just days after they finished editing a video for the single that has an Xbox feel.
"It’s [set] in an arcade with a bunch of kids playing Guitar Hero to us, with us on the screens, and they’re having this duel," Brad said after finishing his CMA hosting duties. "It’s to sort of make the point of a new generation [getting] into [playing] a little better — and not just Guitar Hero, but pick up the real thing eventually, too. Chicks dig real guitar from what I can tell."
In addition to the single and the video, there’s some talk of Brad and Keith doing a mini-tour as well. The song is currently at No. 8 on the Country Aircheck singles chart, and the Play album debuted last week at No. 1 on the Billboard country album list. Other guests on the CD include Steve Wariner, B.B. King, Vince Gill, Little Jimmy Dickens, former Elvis Presley sideman James Burton and the late Buck Owens.