Ronnie Dunn Laments ‘Playing by the Rules’

Ronnie Dunn has played the Grand Ole Opry plenty of times as one-half of the duo Brooks & Dunn. But this Saturday (October 8) marks the first time the singer-songwriter will perform on the historic stage as a solo act, and he admits he's struggling with his set-list for the gig.

"I'm singing on the Opry Saturday night," Ronnie shares on his Facebook page. "Someone called a few days ago and informed me that they prefer past radio 'hits.' I'm having a hard time playing by 'the rules,' these days. ... I really am! In fact, I'm over it. Think I'll sing what I feel like singing ... they can spank me and send me home."

The "hits" he's referring to, of course, include the more than 40 Top 10s the award-winning duo churned out during their 20-year career, including 'My Maria,' 'Red Dirt Road' and 'It's Getting Better All the Time.' But the 58-year-old, who has scored two hit singles on his own, 'Bleed Red' and 'Cost of Livin,' from his latest, self-titled CD, would prefer to focus on the present than the past.

"The stars for me have lined up for me, where I'm comfortable stepping on stage," Ronnie tells The Boot. "It took going through Brooks & Dunn for me to be comfortable to sell what I put on this record: to do what I'm doing today, to have the confidence and experience as a writer, a performer, a singer and an artist to do what I feel I need to do, and do it justice."

Joining Ronnie on the Opry stage this weekend will be Rascal Flatts, Craig Morgan and Charley Pride. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.