The Band Perry builds global fan base at CMA Fest

FILE - In this Wed., June 6, 2012 file photo, from left, Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry of The Band Perry perform at the 2012 CMT Music Awards, in Nashville, Tenn. The Band Perry continues to build an international fan base and met with fans from around the world during CMA Music Fest. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Band Perry is working to build an international fan base. They've played shows overseas and have more coming up. But at CMA Music Festival last week, roles were reversed as fans from around the world flocked to their hometown of Nashville.

"We've seen people from Germany, Scandinavia, the U.K," said Reid Perry, before signing autographs at Fan Fair Hall. "So it's like Nashville is the center of the world for a week."

CMA Fest set a new attendance record this year, with 71,000 fans showing up each day. Attendees came from all 50 states and two dozen countries, including Australia, Chile, China, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and several places in Europe.

"It's a big goal of ours to try and win the international heart this year," lead singer Kimberly Perry said. "We've been over to the U.K. now twice this year and are headed back over to Europe two more times, once with (Brad) Paisley and once to do a string of our own shows. So it's really exciting to know that country music has footprints across an ocean."

The sibling trio is working on a follow up to the band's self-titled, platinum album, featuring the No. 1 hit "If I Die Young." They are also promoting their single, "Postcard From Paris." This year marked their third CMA Fest as artists and the second time they were asked to play the big stage at LP Field.

With most major country stars in town for CMA Fest, The Band Perry also got to see some of their own favorite artists.

"We are like the biggest fans," said Kimberly. "We are fans first and foremost. I got Blake Shelton's autograph."

"I took a picture with Glen Campbell," added Neil Perry.

"So, we would love to wait in those signing lines, too," said Kimberly with a smile.

If only they had the time.

The group is on Brad Paisley's Virtual Reality tour and also has other gigs planned this summer.

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Online:

http://www.thebandperry.com

http://www.cmafest.com

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