They’re siblings, they’re young, and they’ve made their mark on country music.
Wielding a rocking swagger, The Band Perry is a Grammy Award-winning trio that is set for a 9 p.m. Eastern time April 15 concert at Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich.
The three Perry family members — Kimberly, Reid and Neil — snared a Grammy last year in the category of Best Country Duo/Group Performance. The honor was for their buoyant rendition of “Gentle On My Mind,” a folk-country gem that was a Top 40 pop-chart hit for Glen Campbell in 1968.
“It is probably the highest honor you can get, being a musician and a singer,” Neil Perry said in a recent phone interview. “It’s sitting on my desk as we speak.”
The success of Neil and company during the past few years does not stop with the Grammy.
According to The Band Perry’s promotional material, the band has served up no less than five singles that either attained multiplatinum or platinum status.
That list of million-sellers includes the gritty grave-digging narrative of “Better Dig Two.”
Additionally, the clan’s self-titled debut album — released in 2010 — hit the vaunted million level in sales.
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It all adds up to heady fame, but Neil Perry projects an air of level headedness.
“To be honest with you, I don’t think the three of us really recognize, or think of ourselves, as famous,” he said. “We just love to work. We take a lot of pride in the quality of our show. But as far as, like, thinking of ourselves as famous, I don’t think we ever will.”
However, the poignant and hauntingly beautiful “If I Die Young” managed to shoot The Band Perry into the stratosphere of popularity.
Aside from surpassing the five-million mark in sales, the video for the song is Vevo certified as having been viewed tens of millions of times. The lyrics tug at emotions. People related big time.
“It was very special to the three of us,” Neil, 25, said. “For some people, it’s a reminder to live life every single day as big and as large as you can. And for others, it was used as a memorial for loved ones passed.”
Released as a single in 2010, “If I Die Young” still remains a memorable part of concerts performed by The Band Perry.
“It was really cool to have a song that meant so much to so many people, and it’s still one of the most special moments of the show,” Neil said.
Older sister Kimberly, who is lead vocalist/guitarist, fronts The Band Perry, which entertains the public with the help of Neil’s virtuosity on various instruments.
“I started out as the drummer, actually,” he noted.
But things changed.
“I jumped out front and started singing more, and playing mandolin and bouzouki, and pretty much anything else that needed to be played,” said Neil, who also plays banjo — and more.
“I even, for a little while, played accordion,” the musician said.
His brother Reid, a 27-year-old bassist, provides backing vocals.
With roots in Alabama, the trio of siblings has managed to prosper despite the obligatory tensions that family members often deal with.
“We do have the fiery moments where we argue about the absolute dumbest stuff,” Neil assured.
However, cooperation is evident.
“We love being on stage with each other,” Neil said. “We know how to read each other while we’re performing. So at this point, I think we’ve got it covered.”
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
The Band Perry
Where: Silver Creek Event Center, 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich.
When: 9 p.m. (EST) April 15
Tickets: $75, $85, $100, $150; minors must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older
Information: 866-494-6371, fourwindscasino.com
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