1/24/2008 Stephen L. Betts Big & Rich’s John Rich has a little more time on his hands now that Fred Thompson, the presidential candidate for whom he was helping to raise funds, has dropped out of the race. But he’s staying busy with his gig as host of CMT’s Gone Country, and is also working on a solo album, a project for which he reportedly has the blessing of duo partner Big Kenny. John recently revealed that he's already recorded half the project, and a single is likely to hit radio in late spring or early summer. But the solo project doesn’t mean the duo has called it quits. Big Kenny is taking the year off to rehabilitate from a neck injury he suffered in a car accident seven years ago. But, John declares, “[In] 2009, Big Kenny should be completely rehabbed and ready to rock, and Big & Rich will tear back into it.” Of the music on his solo record, John says, “Not every song fits Big & Rich. It's gotta be a real specific thing for Kenny and I both to sign off on it, and for it to fit both of our voices and fit what our sound is about.” Big & Rich recently finished a series of sold-out shows in Canada. Gone Country premieres tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on CMT.
