Cover star Riley Green sits down with Billboard to talk about life on and off the road, from selling out major venues to the unexpected hobby he can’t quit: buying classic cars on tour. He also opens up about his Alabama roots, family life, farm projects, love of cooking, and what keeps him grounded through a busy touring schedule. Plus, Riley shares stories about his homage to Toby Keith to touring internationally, why he avoids bringing politics into his shows, and how success still hasn’t changed who he is at home.

Riley Green:

Y’all, I’ve seen things grow quite a bit, and we’ve been able to accomplish some pretty amazing things, from playing really big venues to selling them out over the last few years. Even going into other countries, I’ve been surprised in such a good way everywhere we’ve been. I believed we could do it. Nashville’s different because, unlike most places, there aren’t a thousand other bars playing country music to compete with you. To sell out Bridgestone in Nashville, that’s a lot of folks, and you’ve got to bring them into a hard-ticket venue. So it was a big deal to do it, but again, I just believed we had enough fans and that we could accomplish it, and it certainly worked out. It was a really great night.

Melinda Newman:

Take me through show day and your routine.

I guess it depends on where we are. There’s some places that are a little more friendly to get out and travel and play golf or do certain things. I like to get on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and try to find old cars. Like to do a little bit of thrift shopping. Some antiquing a little bit, you know. I bought a lot of old vehicles on the road. You know, I bought a Chrysler LeBaron when I was on tour with Brad Paisley that broke down the day I bought it, and we had to push it outta the way to get Brad’s bus outta the way. So, uh, those are the adventures that stand out to me, you know, the ones that aren’t planned.

I think you’re up to 18 cars that you’ve purchased this way? 

Oh, gosh. 

How many are you up to?

That sounds right. Yeah. Now, I don’t have 18 that run, but I’ve got 18 that look cool.

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