Tune In, Turn On
Atlantic City is not New York City or Philadelphia when it comes to big-name music acts that tour in each of those cities on a regular basis. But, thanks to A.C.’s nine casinos – Hard Rock, Ocean and Borgata in particular – our small-but-mighty Jersey Shore sees its fair share of superstar performers.
One of them is country music icon Tim McGraw, who’s scheduled to perform at Hard Rock Live this Saturday, Nov. 1.
McGraw, 58, is one of country music’s most successful artists. His debut album, “Not a Moment Too Soon,” earned country album of the year honors when it debuted in 1994, and 10 of his 17 studio albums have reached No. 1 on the country music album charts.
McGraw’s releases have been consistent chart-toppers for decades. His 17th studio album, “Standing Room Only,” released in 2023, was another success, with the title track reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Country AirPlay chart.
But the past year has had its challenges. The Delhi, Louisiana, native underwent multiple back surgeries and knee replacements before returning to the stage in May.
“I’m on the upswing now,” McGraw said in a recent interview. “Some mornings are good, some take a little while, but it’s getting there.” He added that he’s done extensive rehab and physical therapy and is slowly easing back into a routine.
For his Saturday show at Hard Rock Live, expect McGraw (who’s married to another country music star, Faith Hill) to perform some of his signature hits including “Live Like You Were Dying,” “Southern Voice,” “I Like It, I Love It,” “Real Good Man,” “How Bad Do You Want It?” and “Something Like That,” while he’s also likely to perform his current single, “Paper Umbrella.”
As many readers know, McGraw has a strong connection to Philadelphia. His father was Phillies star relief pitcher, Tug McGraw, immortalized for throwing the final pitch in the Phillies’ 1980 World Series victory over the Kansas City Royals.
At the famed Field of Dreams baseball field in Dyersville, Iowa, Tim paid tribute to his late father with a deeply emotional performance this past August – the first-ever concert at the legendary movie location rom the 1989 “Field of Dreams” film.
What made the night profoundly personal was its alignment with what would have been the 81st birthday of his dad, who died of brain cancer at the young age of 59.
Organizers hailed the event as a celebration of “history, family, and the spirit of baseball,” with additional acts enhancing the all-day spectacle on the 193-acre farm.
Tim McGraw will perform at the Hard Rock Live Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $123. For more information, visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
Tune-Ups
Great weekend ahead for superstar acts at the casinos: On Friday, Oct. 31, rock legend John Fogerty, former frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival, will perform at Hard Rock Live, Etess Arena at 8 p.m…That same night, Southern California reggae-fusion band Dirty Heads, with opener HIRIE, will take the stage at Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort at 9 p.m… also Halloween night, at Borgata, a great double-bill of Bachman Turner Overdrive and special guests, Starship perform at 8 p.m…Saturday, Nov. 1, Grammy-winning singer and pianist John Legend will headline at Ovation Hall at 8 p.m. Finally, on Sunday, Nov. 2, award-winning blues rock guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks visits Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton, with doors open at 7 p.m. and showtime at 7:30 p.m.
’Til next week…
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
