Josh Ross – “Kicked Out of Bars”

Country star Josh Ross is closing out the summer with new music, releasing the upbeat “Kicked Out Of Bars” as he prepares for a run of UK headline shows and an appearance at The Long Road Festival.

Written by Ross alongside frequent collaborators Matt Geroux, Mason Thronley, Joe Fox and Brad Rempel, the track was produced by Geroux in Nashville and sees Ross embracing the high energy sound that has become a hallmark of his live performances.

He said: “Kicked Out Of Bars felt like me from the minute we wrote it. It’s one of those songs almost everyone can relate to, whether you’ve been the one getting kicked out or you’ve got a buddy who has.

“I wanted to give fans something fun and upbeat to close out the summer. We’ve been playing it live and seeing everyone already singing along has been pretty incredible. I’m excited for fans to finally have it.”

Ross has now surpassed 1.5 billion global streams and enters his latest chapter following the success of “Single Again” and “Hate How You Look”.

Both songs reached No. 1 at Canadian and US Country Radio, making Ross the first solo male Canadian country artist in nearly 50 years to achieve consecutive US Country Radio No. 1 singles.

Following a summer filled with festival appearances across Canada and the US, Ross will bring that momentum to the UK for a series of headline dates.

Ross will also perform on the main stage at The Long Road Festival in Leicestershire at the end of August, joining a line up featuring Ronnie Wood, Emmylou Harris, The Shires and his personal hero, Steve Earle.

Review

“Kicked Out Of Bars” puts a lively spin on heartbreak, turning a painful breakup into an upbest country drinking song. Josh Ross uses the barroom setting effectively, contrasting memories of the night a relationship began with the reckless nights that follow its end. The central hook is clever and memorable, as his former partner continues to get him “kicked out of bars” despite no longer being there. References to last calls, cop cars and attempts to drink away heartache give the lyrics a contemporary country feel. Beneath the humour and swagger, however, there is genuine vulnerability, making the song both entertaining and relatable.