Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Lonestar

As GNA prepares for the much anticipated Lonestar Reunion at Upstate Concert Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, we've compiled a list of 5 facts you may not know about Lonestar.

5. How Lonestar Came Together

Opryalnd Theme Park was a training ground for many country singers. Dean Sams and Richie McDonald met at an audition for Opryland theme park. After moving to Nashville the band was pieced together.

4. Lonestar's First Hit

Lonestar's first hit was not 'Amazed' or 'I'm Already There.' The first single came in 1995 on BNA records titled 'Tequila Talkin'.' The song peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Country singles chart.

3. Why Richie McDonald Left Lonestar

Richie McDonald decided to leave Lonestar after the band lost it's major record deal with BNA. There were no major disagreements within the band, he simply wanted to be there for his son as he grew up and experiment with different sounds as a solo artist.

2. What Was Lonestar's Original Name

When the band came together in Tennessee, it was ironic that all the members were from Texas. Therefore, they had the idea to use the name 'Texasee.' However, after several mispronunciations and misspellings, they decided on the much easier 'Lonestar.'

1. John Rich's Lonestar Connection

The five original members of Lonestar included John Rich. After Richie McDonald gained the reputation as the vocalist in the band, Rich left to pursue his own act where he would be heard a little bit more. John Rich joined Big Kenny Alphin to form 'Big and Rich.'

1077 ‘GNA will be holding a one night only Lonestar Reunion acoustic concert at Upstate Concert Hall (formerly Northern Lights) in Clifton Park on Tuesday evening November 13, 2012. Doors will open at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance at the Upstate Concert Hall Box Office on Route 146 in Clifton Park, all Ticketmaster Locations, The Northern Lights Smoke Shop on Fuller Road and by phone charge at 518-371-0012.