Roger Alan Wade penned songs for country legends such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and Hank Williams, Jr. before embarking on a solo career with the promotional assistance of his cousin, actor Johnny Knoxville, who featured Mr. Wade's music on his TV show Jackass, as well as on movies Jackass and Jackass 2. Mr. Wade has also been featured on the TV show Wildboyz.
During an appearance on the Howard Stern radio show, Mr. Knoxville promoted his cousin's songs, which were favorably received by Mr. Stern and his audience and given frequent airplay thereafter. Mr. Knoxville and Mr. Wade currently host an hour-long weekly show, "Big Ass Happy Family Jubilee" (named after a Mr. Wade song), on Sirius XM's Outlaw Country channel.
Mr. Wade's lyrics satirically and detrimentally deal with topics and stereotypes relating to redneck and honky tonk culture. Before nearly every live song, Mr. Wade states, "this is a song about a girl". He co-wrote the hit song "Country State of Mind" with Hank Williams, Jr. His songs feature folky arrangements, with little or no accompaniment beyond acoustic guitar. His best known compositions include "BB Gun," "Butt Ugly Slut," "D-R-U-N-K," "Poontang," and "If You're Gonna Be Dumb."
Mr. Wade's lesser known works are less hysterical and carry a more lyrical tone including "The First Time I Saw Waylon," "Brainerd Road," and "Jingle Jangle". Mr. Wade wrote "The Light Outlives the Star" for a friend of his daughter who died in an automobile accident and was later a tribute to his friend and fan Ryan Dunn, who died in a car accident on June 20, 2011.
At Dalton Distillery, Mr. Wade will be joined by his band. Known as The Last Band, these musical misfits are Neal Nichols on bass and Bog Stagner on drums.
The Whiskey Shooters will get the evening started at 8 p.m. Comprised of Chuck Albertson, lead vocals, rhythm and acoustics; Brandon Townsend, lead guitar and vocals; David Hasty, bass; and Michael H. Brown, drums, with an assortment of country classics.
Mr. Wade and The Last Band will take the stage at 9 p.m.
Emcee duties will be performed by Eric Lones. Charbucks Mobile Food Truck will offer food. The event produced by Bohemian Entertainment and Dalton Distillery.
Dalton Distillery is located at 109 E. Morris St. in historic downtown Dalton, Ga. Tickets are priced at $20. For more information call 706-275-4416 or 706-483-2790.