Like many other artists, Kenny Chesney had a tough decision to make about his Chillaxification Tour, and thinking about the safety of his crew and fans, he made the decision to postpone tour plans until next year.
Many fans were bummed at the news, and so was his crew because that meant a lot of people were going to go without jobs. But Kenny, is making sure he takes care of his people, because they are like family.
Have you ever stopped to wonder how many people it takes to put on a Kenny Chesney stadium show? 120. Yes, 120 people make it all come together and happen, and they are the reason that touring is possibly for Kenny, and he knows that. So, he has to take care of his people and is committed to paying all his employees for the rest of the year.
That’s a LOT of money. Kenny wouldn’t say just how much, but that in his interview with the LA Times, he said it’s “overwhelming”.
How many folks are we talking in your band and crew?
I have 120 employees. Thank God I don’t have to let anybody go this year. Now, if we don’t play the next two or three years, it’s really gonna change the dynamic of my life. And I’m not gonna lie — it’s expensive.What’s it cost to keep everyone employed?
I don’t want to get into numbers. But it’s a lot of money. A lot of money. The initial shock of it, I looked at the numbers and went, Oh my God, this is overwhelming. And, look, it’s affecting my life — I’m not gonna say it’s not. But I had to make a decision if I was gonna keep my lifestyle the way it was or if I’m gonna take care of my people.
And that is why Kenny Chesney is one of the most respected artists in the business.
5-21-20
