Aaron Watson Fever Builds In Europe

Having set music industry records in 2015, "Proud Country Traditionalist" (New York Times) Aaron Watson kicks off 2016 with high-profile performances in Europe and the U.K. -- including the first event co-sponsored by Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk.

Watson started 2015 with a bang, becoming the only solo male country artist to loft a self-released and independently distributed/promoted studio album to No. 1 in its first week on the Nielsen-era Billboard Country Albums chart. That album, The Underdog, lofted the Texas favorite into the national spotlight and provided the momentum that lifts him toward new heights abroad.

Watson has already toured Europe five times over the past six years, where he has built a loyal and passionate fan base.

In 2016 he steps up his success as headliner at two major music festivals in France and Italy, where he takes the top spot at the request of Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk. Based in Fort Worth, the fabled venue debuts as an overseas festival co-sponsor at the Padova Fiere on Jan. 30.

"The Underdog" will be honored on his European visit with a Gold record to be presented in London for his recording of Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues" with Universal Belgium recording artist Robby Longo.

A show in the U.S. will springboard Watson into his European trek:

01/21: Boston, MA, USA, at Brighton Music Hall

01/23: ICE Festival, Toulon, France, at Salle Zenith Omega

01/26: Manchester, U.K., at Ruby Lounge

01/27: Birmingham, U.K., at Glee Club

01/28: London, U.K., at Borderline

01/30: Padova Fiere, Padova, Italy - padovacountryfair.com/en

Watson's 15-year career, yielding 12 albums and more than 2,000 live shows, makes him "that rare kind of artist that builds up enough notoriety as an independent entity that the public is forced to take notice" (The Guardian). Taking his tour to new markets and bigger venues, this "outlaw-country cult favorite" (Country Weekly), continues to make good on this promise of taking his music straight to the people who have fueled his carter. Looking to 2016, it seems clear that Watson will continue to "put the bite back into traditional country" (Rolling Stone Country) and "win in country music" (NPR's Morning Edition).

Follow Aaron Watson:

Official Website: aaronwatson.com

Facebook: facebook.com/aaronwatsonmusic

Twitter: twitter.com/aaron_watson

Instagram: instagram.com/aaronwatsonmusic