Trace Adkins released his 11th studio album, ‘Cowboy’s Back in Town,’ on August 17, debuting at No. 1 on the country albums chart. The first single from the project, ‘This Ain’t No Love Song,’ is also burning up the charts, while Trace adds even more heat to his resume. In between touring with Toby Keith and promoting his new music, he’s also somehow found time to take on a role in the Matthew McConaughey flick, ‘The Lincoln Lawyer.’
After our chat with Trace about everything going on in his career, The Boot stole a few extra minutes with the outspoken cowboy to throw 11 rapid-fire questions his way.
What’s the best piece of advice given to you that you’ve actually followed?
Don’t spend your own money.
What is the last piece of advice that you gave someone?
I told somebody the other day, “Don’t thump a free melon.” That’s the same thing as “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” If somebody’s giving you a free watermelon, don’t thump it to see if it’s ripe … it’s free!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Tractors. I’ve got three, and I can’t justify having three. I guess that’s a guilty pleasure.
What is one habit you have that you’d like to break?
I wish I could wean myself off of nicotine. I haven’t been able to do that yet. I have quit smoking, but I still use tobacco. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to give it up.
What is one thing that stresses you out?
People who drive too slow. I have a pretty bad problem with road rage. I stay hoarse from staying in the dang truck too long.
What is your worst phobia?
I don’t like any kind of snake. I grew up in Louisiana where there were a lot of snakes, and they were all dangerous it seemed like. I just never have liked them.
Do you have a favorite perk that comes from being a celebrity?
Wow … there are a lot of them. I like riding around on a bus. It’s a good way to travel.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Hidden talent? Wow … I don’t even know if I have any open talents, much less hidden ones. [laughs] I’m doing the best I can with the ones that people can see.
What is the last compliment you’ve received?
Somebody told me that I had a nice pond yesterday.
When was the last time that you lied about something?
You know what … I can’t even really remember that. I don’t do that anymore. I just don’t have to.
When was the last time you laughed?
This morning on the golf course. I can’t even remember now why I laughed, but I laugh every day I play golf. I don’t remember what it was, but when you go out and play golf with a guitar player, a keyboard player and a road manager, somebody’s going to do something that’s going to be funny! [laughs]
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:27 am
Trace, I share your road rage. Have no tolerance for slow drivers, especially in the left lane.
I bet your golf games are quite interesting. Can I tag along and watch?? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
See ya in Omaha in a couple weeks. Travel safe. Luv ya, Riley
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:53 am
I’m glad your golf games are funny for you and the guys. I bet they laughed over a certain accessory to carry your golf balls in!!!!!
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:54 am
Since you’re in a movie with Matthew McConaughey, will you be asking him for a cameo in the video for “Hell,I Can Do That”?
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:31 am
Take Care,
“Wisdom is realizing there is a gift or lesson in everything that life brings…….every experience can help us grow and become wiser….Wisdom is also about honoring people and caring about their rights, and it is reflected in the courtesy with which we treat others.”
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:33 am
your simply the best and enjoy listening to your music, all the best to you and your family…
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:43 am
Trace, You will be able to kick the nicotine habit…I did. You just have to put your mind to it. You just have to think of your girls and tell yourself it can be done.
Loved seeing you in Ft. Wayne, IN last March. Can’t wait to see you again….will have to bring someone else’s money to buy a shirt this time…LOL!!!
have a great year…LOVE YOU
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Trace….Will you ever come play a concert in NY? Long Island perhaps? And if not, will you simply accept an invite to our home for dinner maybe??? Thanks
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Hey Trace, everyone has to have one vice and it seems all you have left is doing a dip of chew.
I’ll agree with the snake one too. YIKES, I was messing in my flower beds the other day and a snake came slithering out.
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 am
Trace, no wonder you find so much joy and laughter…living a life where you don’t have to lie is reward enough.
Your ability to express yourself through music and the extremely thoughtful way you demonstrate your attitude towards your fans brings joy into my life, and I most sincerely thank you.
I have numerous bad habits that I’m continually working to eliminate, along with the negative ramifications. I admit to worrying about the horrifying effects of nicotine and hope that you will not face either the disfiguring effects of mouth cancer or losing the ability to communicate vocally.
I adore Cowboy’s Back in Town! Very powerful album – each song is a strong one.
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:00 am
Hey Trace ~ Loved seeing you at the Rockingham County Fair in Harrisonburg, VA. Your CD was released the previous day, and I had played it so much that I had learned most every word of every song! You’re the best and I enjoy your sense of humor (which you probably don’t realize you have)! Take care and be safe on the roads! My best to you and the family! Helen from LEX, VA
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:09 am
Thought you would have laughed at me after I left the Jefferson Inn and still didn’t know who you were — until last weekend. I like your sound, just ordered your new cd.
September 4th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Loved your honest answers. Just saw you last night in Tampa, hell of a show!!! We are hoarse from yelling when you were “shaking your money maker”!!!
September 6th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Trace next time your in Boise, Idaho and its summer time lets go rattlesnake huntin out in the desert. By the way it was awesome to meet you and your show kicked azz, hope you make it back soon.
September 9th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
LOL – “Don’t thump a free melon” – That makes me laugh.
September 11th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Hi sexy, when are you coming to australia? I will be the first to get a ticket, and would love to get back stage tickets.
You definatly have talent!
Keep country music alive, unlike some of todays country music singers.
Lots of love Stacey.
September 11th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Trace i’ve enjoyed you all of the numerous times i’ve seen you,you don’t come to Savannah Ga very much so i travel when i can to cath your show.I was in Nashville this past week and was going to stop by and say hello to you and family,but ran out of time and you were on the road anyway:)Maybe nxt time:)You can kick the nicotine,i know you can,you just have to make up your mind and just do it and oh yeah i can’t stand for people to go slow in the passing lane either and whats worse are those who spped up when you are trying to pass them..You talk about some road rage!!How you say it?!!you gotta kica a mans — sometimes!!!Lol Love you Trace and would someday like to sing a tune with you.You are awsome!!Don’t ever change.If you have any suggestions,my husband and i are looking for property in the Nashville,surrounding area and not quite sure of the good and bad areas.Open for ideas and suggestions..Thanks
September 11th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Lets see…spend someone elses money,receive with gratitude!!It’s free..try not to yell at the fool doing 40mph in the fast lane,(it’ll make you hoarse)and make you wanaa whoop a mans —,if you have talents,throw them out there for the world to see(they do no good stuffed in a box)take lots of road trips and if you come across any snakes run like —-or kill it,don’t lie,theres no need,laugh alot,live alot and enjoy life and have fun doing it!!! Now all thats the best advice i’ve heard in along time:)A man after my own heart,thats what im talking about!!!Thanks Trace,i like the concept and i won’t be thumping no free watermelons:)LMAO..it’s the truth but it was funny at the same time cause i could actually hear you saying that:)!!Awsome
September 19th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Hi Trace,
I too used to be just as impatient with slow drivers or having someone pullout in front of me then go 20 mph in a 40 but to two things helped me changed my attitude. The first was when I started teaching my sons to drive and realized they needed a better example of how to handle themselves behind the wheel AND I began to notice how many speeding tickets, accidents or potential accidents/tickets were avoided. It may not be a usual reaction but now a slow driver a reminder for me to slow down and I’m thankful.
September 24th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
i love the new album evry song. i had the chance to meet you in wendover nev. once, thanks for the hug . i was hoping for dirty white boy…what’s up? i have been a fan since 1994 . please…….do not stop coming to wendover nev. i will see you next may .love ya cowboy cin
September 24th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
I so agree there are good snakes and bad snakes. Bad snakes are alive all good snakes are DEAD! They are creepy!