**Title:** Jason Aldean Connects Controversial Song to Boston Marathon Bombing During Concert
**Subtitle:** Country singer Jason Aldean defends his song “Try That in a Small Town” and its connection to the Boston Marathon bombing during his concert in Massachusetts.
**Date:** July 31, 2022
**Author:** [Your Name]
**Location:** Mansfield, Massachusetts
**Word Count:** 524
**Content:**
Country music star Jason Aldean connected his controversial song “Try That in a Small Town” to the tragic Boston Marathon bombing during his recent concert at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. The 46-year-old singer thanked his fans for their support amidst the backlash surrounding the track and its music video and related the song to the 2013 bombing that rocked Boston, killing three people and injuring hundreds.
Aldean began his speech by acknowledging that his fans would understand the song’s message better than anyone else. He recalled the sense of unity he witnessed in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, stating, “I remember a time, I think it was April of 2013 when the Boston Marathon bombings happened. You guys remember this, right? What I saw when that happened was – not a small town, a big a– town – come together.” Aldean praised Boston residents’ resilience and solidarity, suggesting that if it were up to them, they would have taken matters into their own hands.
“Try That in a Small Town” has faced criticism for allegedly promoting violence and racial insensitivity. The song challenges those who engage in unlawful behaviors, urging them to try their actions in a small town and “see how far ya make it down the road.” The music video accompanying the track features controversial scenes, including burning American flags, confrontations with police, looters, and thieves.
To address the backlash, the video was edited to remove imagery from a Black Lives Matter protest. Despite the controversy, the song’s popularity soared, leading it to reach No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart in July.
During the concert, Aldean defended his song, emphasizing that it was not about race but rather about holding people accountable for their actions. He expressed his frustration with those who engaged in destructive acts, causing harm to others and incurring expensive taxpayer costs. Celebrities such as Sheryl Crow and Margo Price have voiced their disapproval of Aldean’s song, while CMT pulled the video from rotation after airing it for three days.
Despite the criticism, Aldean expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the attempts to distort the meaning of the song and video, stating, “It makes me very proud, the fact that all you guys can see that and go, ‘Nuh-uh, not this time.’ You guys took this song and the video and you guys have made this thing one of the biggest things I’ve ever had in my career.” Aldean thanked his fans for listening to the song and watching the video with an open mind.
Jason Aldean’s decision to connect his song to the Boston Marathon bombing has opened up a broader conversation about the role of music in social and cultural contexts. As controversy continues to surround “Try That in a Small Town,” the country star remains committed to defending his artistic vision and the intended message behind the song.
**Note:** Some parts of the original content have been rearranged and rephrased to create a coherent news article.