Multiplatinum singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw sits down with Troy Vollhoffer for an at-home episode of "On the Bus" for an in-depth conversation about growing up in the Catskills, his family’s passion for music, and how Patrick Swayze’s character in Dirty Dancing was (allegedly) based on his grandfather!

Gavin opens up about why supporting the troops is so personal to him and how the fear of regret motivates him as an artist. Gavin shares stories about being broke in New York (including the time he might have eaten a finger!), working with Colbie Callait, and details how the real Joe Davola–yes, THAT Joe Davola from Seinfeld–convinced him to use his hit single “I Don’t Want To Be” as the theme for One Tree Hill.

Then, Troy looks back on his favorite interviews of 2025 with Blake Shelton, Billy Bob Thornton, Gavin Adcock, and Old Dominion!

In 2026, Gavin hits the road with O.A.R. for the Three Decades Tour, which will also feature musical artists Lisa Loeb, KT Tunstall, and Phantom Planet. 

After realizing he wasn’t destined to be a guitar player, Tom Mayhue found his true calling behind the scenes—solving problems on the road. Four decades later, he’s still living the dream, managing tours for some of the biggest names in rock.

In this episode, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with his longtime friend Tom Mayhue to talk about a life spent on tour buses and stages around the world. Tom shares how his 21-year friendship with Billy Bob Thornton began, what it’s like balancing tour managing for The Boxmasters and Guns N’ Roses, and how the touring business has evolved since the ’60s.

Plus, hear how The Trailer Park Boys sparked Tom’s unexpected acting career—and why getting booed in real life was one of his favorite moments.

After growing up watching The Who on the Ed Sullivan Show, the members of The Boxmasters never dreamed of having the chance to tour with one of the greatest bands in the world, but here they are.

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes Billy Bob Thornton and JD Andrew of The Boxmasters to On The Bus. The duo walks Troy through their happenstance meeting and how the British Invasion and “hillbilly music” are such major influences in their work. Billy Bob reveals why, despite all of the major successes he’s had in TV and film, his greatest passion will always be music. JD and Billy Bob explain how they went from appearing in The Trailer Park Boys to singing at Abbey Road, and how their music often reflects on missing the simple things in life, like putting a quarter in a payphone.

Cody Johnson grew up hunting and fishing in rural Texas with two dreams: to be a singer and a cowboy. Not only does CoJo continue to sell out stadiums, but he has his own ranch filled with horses, cows, and pastures. If only young Cody could see him now!

Troy Vollhoffer, CEO of Country Thunder, is thrilled to welcome Cody Johnson on the bus this week. Cody explains how he started bull riding in high school and what it’s like having his own official roping event. Troy and Cody discuss the ups and downs of pursuing music without a backup. Cody details why letting the band rip during recording sessions and improvising on stage allowed him to find his authentic artistic voice.

The members of Old Dominion spent years in Nashville crafting a sound and trying to break through. After another label passed, their manager asked if they wanted to keep going. The guys had one answer: “If they don’t like it, that’s fine.”

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes one of his favorite country bands, Old Dominion, to the show. The members of Old Dominion detail their origin story and how they played in different bands on the same circuit before teaming up. Troy recalls the first time he booked them for a festival and how tenacious OD was from the start. The bandmates share how shocking it was to discover so many fans in Canada, and reveal how Barbra came to be.

Larry Fleet’s father told him that if he learned a skill, he’d always have a job, which is how he made a living pouring concrete. After playing a bar for tip money, Larry learned that he might be able to pave a path into the music industry.

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes the world-traveling Larry Fleet to On The Bus. Larry and Troy discuss the nuances of building a fanbase and how capturing the attention at a crowded bar is great training for a music career. Larry reveals how fame snuck up on him at a hardware store, that time he grilled 300 burgers, and how Jake Owen got him to quit his day job and join him on the road. 

Cole Swindell was drinking beer on the porch at his college fraternity when an alum by the name of Luke Bryan stopped by to change his guitar strings. After moving to Nashville a few years later, Cole got his first job in the music business, selling t-shirts for his new favorite frat brother, Luke Bryan. 

Cole Swindell takes a break from the incredible crowd at Country Thunder Wisconsin to join CEO Troy Vollhoffer On The Bus. Cole talks about his early “only in Nashville” moments and writing three number one hits for Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Florida Georgia Line, which were all out at the same time The two discuss the collaborative nature of writing country songs in Nashville, and how the song Cole wishes he never had to write, “You Should Be Here” came together. 

In 2012, Tyler Hubbard burst onto the music scene as one-half of the Florida Georgia Line duo. After pioneering a new wave of country music, over 20 hit singles, and selling out shows as a member of “the biggest band in the world,” Tyler knows what it’s like to reach the mountain top. And now Tyler’s on a new journey back to the top but solo.  

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer invites Tyler Hubbard On The Bus to dive into what it’s like starting from scratch as a solo artist. Tyler walks through his journey of being intimidated by other musicians at Belmont University to getting that first publishing deal, and how he still carries the high standards set by Joey Moi with him today. Troy and Tyler get into the differences between country fans in the US, Canada, and Australia. Then, Tyler reflects on his biggest personal and musical influences, and how going solo is turning into a family affair. 

After realizing his dreams of playing in the NHL might not happen, Troy Vollhoffer went from scrapping with the captain of the Boston Bruins to fighting to get his production company off the ground. After decades of putting on the largest country music festivals in the world, Troy Vollhoffer has no signs of slowing down.

It’s a special episode of On The Bus, as Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer hands the wheel over to his good friend Nick Meinema. Growing up in an entertainment household is how Troy got bit by the showbiz bug. Troy reveals to Nick how he went from poolside milkshakes with Redd Foxx to growing up and overseeing the longest-running country music festival in North America. Nick has Troy share some of his favorite Country Thunder moments and reflect on how special it is to work with megastars like Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Taylor Swift.

It’s a tale as old as time: Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk say that when they met through a mutual lawyer, it was “love at first sight.” Since co-founding The Core Entertainment in 2019, Simon and Chief continue to find new and innovative ways to discover and develop artists.

Simon and Chief join Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer to break down how their different career paths converged to create the hottest management company in Nashville. Simon details how growing up with immigrant parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Chief shares with Troy how getting started with Nickelback led to the creation of a whole new era of country music. The duo discuss how TikTok and the pandemic changed the way they scout and develop new talent. Simon and Chief reveal how artists like Nate Smith, Bailey Zimmerman, and Josh Ross prove there’s no one set path to “making it.”

After an injury ended any dreams of becoming a pro athlete, Jake Owen put down his golf clubs, picked up a guitar, and went on to create a brand-new era of country music. After two EPs, seven albums, and thirteen years as a household name, at 43 Jake Owen might have finally grown up, but he still isn’t slowing down.

Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer welcomes Jake Owen On the Bus to dive into how he and his twin brother grew up motivated to succeed thanks to their dad. Troy and Jake detail what made 2011’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” so revolutionary, and why it’s limiting to be selfish as an artist. Jake discusses why it’s important to still make time for the “fun Jake” summer tours, creating an experience for fans, and “owning” the crowds. While collaborating with Shooter Jennings on a new album, Jake opens about making different music that speaks to this chapter of his life and why his daughters are his saving grace.