Here's another reason to like Steve Earle, recently reported on MaplePost (the Canadian roots music listserv): how he treats those who are booked as his opening act.

Young Serena Ryder had a breakthrough chance to tour Australia opening for Mr Earle. She played her first opening set with jetlag and associated physical complications, to 5,000 hyped-up Aussies screaming for "Copperhead Road". After that, Steve Earle took the following steps:

1. Personally introduced her at the beginning of each show, and in his lovable way, told the crowd to "shut the f"ck up and listen!"
   
2. gave her some lyrics to learn and had her sing backup with him on several numbers in his set.
   
3. told her to return her rental minivan and get on the damn tourbus with them!
   

Well, he's always been known as a supporter of the underdog.
Not only is he a genuine patriot with the courage to speak up, and a great songwriter, he's a guy with real class. All attributes that those blowhards wouldn't have on the best day of their lives. (And Serena has been back to Australia and is now doing real well there).