Kenny Chesney has a new exhibit, Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward, open now at the Country Music Hall of Fame. At a reception celebrating its opening, Chesney shared his thoughts on having his life and career on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“It’s really wonderful to be back in this room,” Chesney said. “Nine months ago, I had the thrill of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. A couple of months ago, they let me come in here and kind of decide and look around where I wanted my plaque to be, and that’s really hard, right? I actually thought about, okay, where does the sun set in the room? I kind of wanted the sun to one day be on my face, when I’m no longer here. I was in here by myself. It’s a unique feeling to be in this room by yourself. You look at all the faces, and the names on the wall.
“To be back in here today is an absolute thrill, and an honor. I gotta tell you, when [Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young] said they wanted to do this exhibit, I didn’t want to do it if I couldn’t give it everything,” Chesney adds. “I think that everybody in my life will tell you that if I can’t give it everything, then I don’t do it. But when I walked in that room today, I was really thrilled that we did this together.”
What Kenny Chesney Says About Having ‘Living in Fast Forward’ At the Country Music Hall of Fame
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Chesney went on to thank Young and everyone at the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with those who helped with the exhibit.
“It’s really interesting to see your life laid out like this, because I lived it once,” Chesney reflects. “To see it again is really strange. But I’m very proud of it. The thing that I saw when I first walked in … is the amount of fun that we had. I went on the road the first time in November of 1993. It’s crazy to think about. And we are having just as much fun today as we did then. Just ask my band. We all went to Maui last week for a video shoot, and that was a lot of fun. I’m really proud of that, because music is supposed to be fun, and I truly believe that to go out there on stage every night and give energy, and get that energy back is one of the most amazing feelings in the world.
“And the fact that we get to do that at the level that we’re doing that is one that, I think I speak for all my band and crew here, it is the highlight of my life,” he continued. “And to stand here, in front of you guys tonight, and to see all of that displayed, all the color, all the energy, all the love that you’re going to see in this exhibit, is everything that we have lived for 30-something years, and I’m very proud of it.”
For decades, Chesney’s concerts have been regarded as one of the best live music experiences, of any genre. Selling out stadiums for years, the 58-year-old says the joy he shares with his fans at his live shows is among the most significant hallmarks of his country music career.
“You get to see exactly how much fun we have had over the years on the road, and that is a lot of fun. Back before phones. It was great,” Chesney says with a laugh. “We’ve still found a way to have an absolute blast out there. And to take what God has given us, which is the gift of music and creativity, and spread that, and share that with the world, that has been one of the biggest gifts of my life.”
Living in Fast Forward includes everything from high school memorabilia to some of his many, many awards, all in one exhibit.
“It’s weird seeing your life behind glass like that,” he concludes. “It’s really cool.”
Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward will be open through June 2027.
Photo Credit: Country Music Hall of Fame