We spoke to our favorite Old Hippies, the Bellamy Brothers, about the new single from their latest album.
The Bellamy Brothers freely admit: “We’re too old to work, but too broke to quit.” At this point, “We’re holding it together with duct tape, reefer and prayer.”
But that doesn’t keep the indefatigable country-pop duo from continuing to make great music together. Those tongue-in-cheeky self-effacing lyrics come from “Crawl in a Hole,” the new single from their upcoming album Double Dog Dare. And while the words might indicate Howard and David Bellamy are slowing down a tad after more than 40 years of success, don’t be fooled: These self-described “Old Hippies” are still keeping busy.
“We’re old road hogs,” Howard proudly proclaims, referring to the grueling tour schedule they maintain — an average of 200 concert dates every year — while reconnecting with longtime fans and attracting new audiences.
“Our live draw is bigger than it was in the ‘80s,” David adds. “I think the same people that grew up with us and with our music in the ‘60s and ‘70s obviously have raised a whole new generation of Bellamy fans who started toddling to our music. Now they’re turning up at our concerts as college kids who are really turned on and tuned in to us and our music.
“It's a great feeling.”
During their off days, Howard and David return to their 150-acre family ranch in Darby, Florida just north of Tampa. It’s a real-deal working ranch, where they raise Purebred Brahman Cattle and quarter horses. And it’s also one of the locations for their hit reality show Honky Tonk Ranch, which streams weekly on Circle Country, and focuses on the unpredictable misadventures the Bellamys have while balancing their lives at home and on tour.
Howard and David Bellamy recently visited the C&I studio to talk about their new music — including “Crawl in a Hole” and their recent collaboration with Gene Watson, “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” — and the abiding appeal of their first big hit, “Let Your Love Flow.”
