Brantley Gilbert with John Morgan and Altus

While on the road the past several years, Gilbert has built his brand through his compelling lyrics and dynamic live show - a combination that attracted a strong underground band of believers who shared Gilbert's passion for life and music, not to mention a good portion of female fans with a strong appreciation for his bad boy looks.

Although it's tempting to call Brantley Gilbert a country artist - he certainly embraces the outlaw country side of things - in many ways his music is closer to the heartland sentiments of artists like John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and perhaps most apt, Steve Earle.