The Band Perry took a break from promoting their current single, “Chainsaw,” to perform one of their biggest hits for the upcoming ACM Presents: All-Star Salute to the Troops special. They sang an unbelievable version of “If I Die Young” with Army Spc. Kelly A. Gregg. In fact, the performance was so incredible the first time they sang it that the audience cheered until they agreed to sing it a second time during the taping.
Neil says he and his siblings were thrilled to be part of the taping honoring our troops. “We actually had the first opportunity to play a USO show over in the UK in Lakenheath, and it was just a moving experience,” he says. “We got to talk to some of our service members and listen to what they go through. And the fact that they leave home, leave the place they’re actually protecting to protect us, that just meant a lot to us and after that it just became more important for us to give back to those people who give so much of themselves.”
Kimberly says being able to give back to the troops seems so small compared to all the sacrifices they make. She says, “They sacrifice time away from their families, away from the comforts of our country for those who are overseas and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, with their life. So we’re actually playing ‘If I Die Young’ in honor of those fallen soldiers, and it’s just a true honor to get to honor these guys for their ultimate sacrifice.”
ACM Presents: An All Star Salute to the Troops will air at 9pm ET/8pm CT on CBS on May 20th.
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The Band Perry – Salute to the Troops :50
Neil – “The three of us are thrilled to be a part of the military special. We actually had the first opportunity to play a USO show over in the UK in Lakenheath, and it was just a moving experience. We got to talk to some of our service members and listen to what they go through. And the fact that they leave home, leave the place they’re actually protecting to protect us, that just meant a lot to us and after that it just became more important for us to give back to those people who give so much of themselves.”
Kimberly – “That, and to truly honor their sacrifice. I mean, they sacrifice time away from their families, away from the comforts of our country for those who are overseas and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, with their life. So we’re actually playing ‘If I Die Young’ in honor of those fallen soldiers, and it’s just a true honor to get to honor these guys for their ultimate sacrifice.”