Hank Williams Jr. is Gettin' Rowdy with Florida Georgia Line and Jason Derulo...

Wednesday, June 07 2017 13:12

Hank Williams Jr. is Gettin' Rowdy with Florida Georgia Line and Jason Derulo...

Written by James Zahn

It's generally no secret around these parts that I'm not a football fan, but I am a Hank Jr. fan. That said, even though the event wasn't my bag, I was bummed to hear that his iconic theme song was nixed from Monday Night Football some years back. Now, confirming some rumors that were swirling, news just hit Rock Father HQ that ESPN’s Monday Night Football will feature the return of its iconic anthem this fall when Hank Williams Jr. kicks off the weekly Monday primetime game by asking NFL fans: “Are You Ready for Some Football?” Every Monday night during the 2017 NFL season, Williams will perform his hit song “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Monday Night” with Florida Georgia Line and Jason Derulo.

“I started in 1989 when ABC was celebrating the 20th season of Monday Night Football," said Hank Williams Jr. “It soon became a staple that fans grew to expect and wanted to see and hear. I am thrilled to be back and bring the fans such a new and dynamic rendition of this anthem. Are You Ready For Some Football? Cause I sure am!”

Each week, the MNF kickoff video will feature team-specific lyrics and visuals based on the 17 regular-season ESPN matchups. All three artists recorded audio tracks in May. They filmed the opening video together June 4 at the Marathon Music Works in Nashville.

"This is a huge honor to be a part of such a legendary song and night!" said Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard.

FGL’s Brian Kelley added: "We all grew up watching Monday Night Football and it's surreal to join Jason Derulo and Hank Williams Jr. on this new version that gives a nod back but also a step forward!"

Said Derulo: “It’s truly momentous to be featured in the Monday Night Football anthem for the upcoming season. I feel the opening song sets the tone and energizes the fans before kickoff, and this year I’m putting my swag on it.”

Monday Night Football’s 48th season kicks off with an ESPN doubleheader on Monday, Sept. 11 – New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (6:55 p.m. ET) and Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos (10:15 p.m.).

Pictured Top L-R: Robert Toms (ESPN), Michael "Spike" Szykowny (Habana Avenue), Lucas Nickerson (Habana Avenue), Steven J. Levy (Habana Avenue), Ken Levitan (Vector Management), Brian Kelley (Florida Georgia Line), Hank Williams Jr., Jason Derulo, Frank Harris (23 Management), Kirt Webster (Webster Public Relations), Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line), Seth England (Big Loud Mountain).

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James Zahn

James Zahn is best-known as The Rock Father™, a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur. In January, 2019, after nearly a decade as Publisher of The Rock Father Magazine, he joined Adventure Publishing Group as Senior Editor of The Toy Book—the leading trade publication for the toy industry since 1984, as well as The Pop Insider—a destination for all things pop culture. He is also editor of The Toy Report, a weekly newsletter published by The Toy Book each Thursday. Zahn has over 25 years of experience in the entertainment, retail and publishing industries.

He regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global. A new album has been completed and is set for release this year.

James and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, WGN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, BusinessWire, Babble, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

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