Dierks Bentley Having the ‘Best Summer of My Life’ on Riser Tour

Dierks Bentley isn't getting to spend much time at home this summer, but he wouldn't have it any other way. The singer, who is currently crossing the road on his Riser Tour with Jon Pardi, Chris Young and Chase Rice serving as his opening acts, says he can't remember when he's had this much fun.

“I just love it, man; it’s the best summer of my life,” he admits to Taste of Country. “Just getting out there and getting a chance to be in that Kenny Chesney role . . . you know, where you’ve got the younger guys underneath you, and you get the chance to kind of show them how you do the road, and try to be as accommodating, and make sure they’re having a great time and they’re having fun out there -- I just love being in that position.”

The married father of three says he doesn't feel any competition with his up-and-coming opening acts.

“I want them to go out there and try to kick my butt every night,” he admits. “The more they do that, the more I’m going to go out there and come out swinging, and try to make sure that I keep the top spot.”

Bentley's Riser Tour, which kicked off on May 9 in Charlotte, N.C., already earned him the top spot on Taste of Country's Hot Summer Tours 2014. It's just part of his ongoing success, including his 'Riser' album also earning the No. 1 slot on the charts.

“It’s been awhile since everything kinda lined up like that, and with the tour happening, it’s been a really great year,” he states.

Bentley's tour will head to Rhode Island, New York and Pennsylvania this week. See all of his upcoming shows here.