Pictured (L-R): Rodney Clawson, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Tim Fink (SESAC), Dave Haywood, Michael Martin (ASCAP) and Mike Dungan (UMG).
Friends, family and music industry members gathered at Nashville hotspot City Winery on Wednesday (Oct. 29) to celebrate Rodney Clawson and Lady Antebellum members Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood on the recent chart-topping success of “Bartender.” The song is the lead single from the trio’s fifth studio album 747, and was recently certified platinum. It marks Lady Antebellum’s ninth No. 1 of their career, and Clawson’s 15th chart-topper.
Hosted by ASCAP’s Michael Martin, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, and SESAC’s Tim Fink, the trio was given various plaques and trophies to honor the song’s success.
Given the upcoming holiday, many guests got into the Halloween spirit for the occasion, including the three band members. Kelley and Haywood dressed as a human beer barrels, with Haywood completing his ensemble with a mullet wig and glasses. “We’re the most rock & roll band in the universe right now,” quipped Kelley. He later gave ample credit to Haywood for his work on the song. “We wanted to make this our most energetic record to date. He is a workaholic. He went home with a pregnant wife and found time between all this stuff to come up with these amazing riffs.”
Other adorable costumes included Scott’s young daughter Eisele in a pig costume, and Rodney Clawson’s daughter Charlie in a kitten costume.
The evening also featured Lady Antebellum in an intimate, acoustic performance of the song of the hour, “Bartender,” backed by Rodney and Charlie Clawson.
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
