After realizing his dreams of playing in the NHL might not happen, Troy Vollhoffer went from scrapping with the captain of the Boston Bruins to fighting to get his production company off the ground. After decades of putting on the largest country music festivals in the world, Troy Vollhoffer has no signs of slowing down.

It’s a special episode of On The Bus, as Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer hands the wheel over to his good friend Nick Meinema. Growing up in an entertainment household is how Troy got bit by the showbiz bug. Troy reveals to Nick how he went from poolside milkshakes with Redd Foxx to growing up and overseeing the longest-running country music festival in North America. Nick has Troy share some of his favorite Country Thunder moments and reflect on how special it is to work with megastars like Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Taylor Swift.

It’s a tale as old as time: Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk say that when they met through a mutual lawyer, it was “love at first sight.” Since co-founding The Core Entertainment in 2019, Simon and Chief continue to find new and innovative ways to discover and develop artists.

Simon and Chief join Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer to break down how their different career paths converged to create the hottest management company in Nashville. Simon details how growing up with immigrant parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Chief shares with Troy how getting started with Nickelback led to the creation of a whole new era of country music. The duo discuss how TikTok and the pandemic changed the way they scout and develop new talent. Simon and Chief reveal how artists like Nate Smith, Bailey Zimmerman, and Josh Ross prove there’s no one set path to “making it.”

After an injury ended any dreams of becoming a pro athlete, Jake Owen put down his golf clubs, picked up a guitar, and went on to create a brand-new era of country music. After two EPs, seven albums, and thirteen years as a household name, at 43 Jake Owen might have finally grown up, but he still isn’t slowing down.

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer welcomes Jake Owen On the Bus to dive into how he and his twin brother grew up motivated to succeed thanks to their dad. Troy and Jake detail what made 2011’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” so revolutionary, and why it’s limiting to be selfish as an artist. Jake discusses why it’s important to still make time for the “fun Jake” summer tours, creating an experience for fans, and “owning” the crowds. While collaborating with Shooter Jennings on a new album, Jake opens about making different music that speaks to this chapter of his life and why his daughters are his saving grace.

After taking a four year break on his Oklahoma ranch, Blake Shelton is back on the road and riding the high of his new album, For Recreational Use Only. After 29 number one hits, and a detour into Hollywood, Blake’s scorching hot single “Texas” proves he’s still got it.

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer recalls meeting Blake Shelton during a crazy storm that really put the “thunder” in Country Thunder. After 23 seasons on The Voice, Blake opens up about spreading himself thin and making the choice to be “a TV guy or a touring guy.” The two reminisce about Toby Keith and why being a road dog is the best way to learn how to entertain a crowd. Blake reveals how his worst on-stage “ass-kicking” taught him how to be himself in front of a crowd.  After taking so much time away from the spotlight, Blake shares that it was Post Malone who reminded him that he’s still a country singer at heart.

Even with 16 number one hits to his name, Hardy still feels like his career is just getting started. After his breakout album, The Mockingbird & the Crow, Hardy continues to light up the stage and the charts with his unique mix of metal and Mississippi country.

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is joined by his good friend and amateur arrowhead archaeologist Michael, who country music fans call Hardy. Hardy opens up about why country fans love seeing metal music live, writing songs for other artists, and the need for songwriters to earn a living wage. Hardy and Troy detail how someone can go from having “goose eggs” in their bank account, to searching a major music producer’s backyard for arrowheads. Troy shines the spotlight on one of his favorite new artists, Baker Blankenship.

Justin Moore lasted just two weeks of college before dropping out. He left his tiny, 300-person hometown in Arkansas in search of a career in Music City. After a few years of hard work, he finally made it big by leaning on his modest roots, releasing the mega hit single, “Small Town USA.”

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is thrilled to be joined by Justin Moore. Troy really gets Justin to open up as he reveals why the more personal a song is to him, the more likely it is to resonate with fans, and he tries to honor the legacy of his grandparents. Troy has a good laugh when Justin details his confrontation with Luke Bryan after recording, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” After touring for nearly two decades, Justin shares why he’ll never stop playing state fairs.

Having a hit-song writing uncle and a singer/songwriter older brother, Jordan Davis is living proof that some families have music in their DNA. With hits like “Singles You Up” and “Buy Dirt” and a new album out this summer, Jordan has country music running through his veins.
This week, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Jordan Davis to discuss why being on the road can make someone a more efficient songwriter, and why the best way to write a new song is to talk to as many people as possible. Even though touring can be a grind, Jordan tells Troy why he treats every night like it’s the Super Bowl. With the ACMs just a week away, Troy has his eye on Ella Langley as she continues to make a name for herself in country music.

Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in rural Georgia, Gavin Adcock dreamt of becoming a professional bull rider. But the universe had other plans. After suffering a knee injury playing football in college, Gavin turned his attention to playing guitar and songwriting, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with rising country music star Gavin Adcock. Together, they talk about how Gavin got his big break, life on the road, and how he puts himself in the emotional headspace to write his hit songs.

Plus, Troy shares a new single from Country Thunder Florida artist Blake Shelton in our Thunder Strike segment.

Many new artists these days get their big breaks on TikTok. But unlike many of those viral sensations, sister duo Tigirlily Gold had already proven their chops in the bar and club scene in Nashville before being discovered.

In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer talks with Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily Gold about their serendipitous discovery by songwriter/producer Shane McAnally, the female artists and duos they are inspired by, and how they balance their strengths and personalities working together as sisters.

Plus, stick around for our new segment, Bring the Thunder, where Troy features upcoming artist John Morgan talking about his favorite song lyric, festival moment, and tour bus must-haves.

Not many artists actually hail from Tennessee, but the scenic valleys and rolling hills of The Volunteer State are part of Dustin Lynch’s DNA. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Dustin to discuss his journey from playing fraternity parties and weddings across the southeast to being the first country artist with a club residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Plus, stick around for our new segment, Thunder Strike, where Troy features upcoming festival performer Riley Green’s hit song “Damn Good Day to Leave” to give you a taste of what’s to come at Country Thunder in 2025.