Country star Justin Moore's tour bus catches fire

Rising country star Justin Moore, who performed at Joyland in Bradenton earlier this month, had a rough one last night.

"Around 4 a.m. yesterday the engine became engulfed in flames while Moore, his band and crew, as well as Valory’s VP of Field Promotion George Briner slept," reads the e-mail issued today by his record company Valory Music/Big Machine. "Moore and his team were en route to perform at WYCD’s Ten Man Jam last night –at the Royal Oaks Theatre."

One of the batteries connecting to the bus’ generator apparently started the fire. The smoke alarm sounded as the bus began to fill with smoke. Everyone evacuated the bus while Moore’s driver extinguished the fire, which lasted about 10 minutes.

“Well...we really love coming to the Detroit area. I just hope in the future it gets a little more simple, as far as our trips go!” Moore said in a statement. “In all seriousness, we're thankful that we're all safe, and feel blessed. It could've been a lot worse than it was.”

A replacement tour bus was sent to the Detroit area so that Justin can continue on his current tour.

The release concludes:

Speaking of scorching hot, Moore’s new single, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” is already a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart – six days before it officially goes for adds.  The single, which showcases a softer side of the Country rebel, is also receiving early national critical attention, including being highlighted in today’s The Miami Herald.

A special behind-the-scenes video of Moore recording, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” in the studio can currently be seen at CMT.com (see below). “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” is the lead single from Moore’s sophomore album which will be released on The Valory Music Co. later this year.

The Miami Herald story linked to above is the same one I did that ran on the Herald's Weekend section Feb. 3. It has appeared on numerous publications this week.

If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away (Studio Version) - Justin Moore - Justin Moore Videos

Justin Moore on new single 'If Heaven Wasn't so Far Away'

Justin Moore at Joyland in Bradenton on Friday/http://www.moorejustinmusic.com

Rising country star Justin Moore on his soon-to-be-released single "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" and new album that he wants to title "Outlaws Like Me." The singer/songwriter best known for the recent hit "Small Town U.S.A." performs at Joyland in Bradenton on Friday.

Moore interview running on Weekend cover of today's Herald:

Justin Moore’s homegrown hits “Small Town USA,” “Backwoods” and “How I Got to Be This Way” have made him one of country music’s most promising young stars.

But it’s another original from the singer/songwriter’s self-titled 2009 album that inspired his upcoming release.

“The song ‘Grandpa,’ about losing my hero, was one I wanted to be a single,” Moore said when he called last week from his tiny hometown of Poyen, Ark. “But when I found this song I wanted it to be the first single -- to fill that void.”

“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” will be released to country radio Feb. 22. It opens with the memories a rural boy makes in the company of a grandfather who owns a fruit stand and takes the youngin’ fishing.

Continue reading.

Justin Moore: "Outlaws Like Me"

Justin Moore: "Small Town U.S.A."