Eric Church has focused a lot of energy on making sure his fans get their money's worth at his live shows, and it appears his hard work has paid off. The 35-year-old country star has earned a spot on the New York Times list of Best Concerts of 2012.

The only country act mentioned in the list of 30 shows, Eric joins an eclectic group of musicians that includes Nicki Minaj, Mumford & Sons, Jay-Z, the Rolling Stones, Fiona Apple and Mary J. Blige. (See the full New York Times list here.)

The "Drink in My Hand" singer gives partial credit to an iconic rocker for helping shape his performance style. Eric admits he took notes when opening for Bob Seger back in 2006.

"Bob came out there with sound and lights -- that's it, and when he walked out there the place went crazy," he tells the Detroit News. "It was about the music, it was about the energy in the room. Those were the loudest shows I played that year, and I played with everybody."

The North Carolina native hopes the energy from his concerts will be heard his upcoming CD. The singer will release a live album this year, recorded during two October concerts at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Eric has said he'd like to take time off in 2013 to focus on the follow up to his platinum-selling, CMA award-winning album, Chief, but he will spend part of the year on the road. He will head out for several shows with Kenny Chesney on the No Shoes Nation tour, as well as perform numerous solo dates, including a series of shows in Canada. See a list of Eric's upcoming concerts here.

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