‘Young & Crazy’ life imitates art for Frankie Ballard

February 25, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

The last thing country artist Frankie Ballard wants is to be known as a poser. There are plenty of musicians who may create a certain image to sell records, but in reality don’t partake in that lifestyle.

Take for instance the Michigan native’s latest single “Young & Crazy.”

The up-tempo rocker is about living life to the fullest, which is exactly what this young and crazy artist was doing recently when, while jumping off a concert stage, he ended up with a separated shoulder, a few mangled ligaments and an injured rib.

Now, if that’s not being “Young & Crazy,” nothing is.

“Yeah man, you know, I’ve always been a toes-over-the-edge-of-the-stage kind of guy, just jumping out into the crowd and climbing up and getting a better view and rocking,” said Ballard, calling from New Hampshire. “And that’s what happens. Sometimes you get a little busted up and that’s certainly what happened to me.

“I’m just trying to not be a poser and trying to live my song. I’ve got to be out there not just singing about it, I have to be living it.”

Ballard, who is still touring his latest effort “Sunshine & Whiskey,” said he’s trying to get as close to his audience as possible.

“Yeah, I got really close to the people this time,” he laughed.

Currently opening for Florida Georgia Line’s national tour, Ballard has booked a one-off show for Saturday at the Dusty Armadillo. The country artist, who scored two No. 1 hits with “Helluva Life” and his latest album’s title track, currently isn’t playing guitar on stage due to his injury. However, he’s hoping he’ll be strapping on his six-string for this weekend’s show.

“It’s hard for me because playing guitar is a big part of what I do, a big part of the brand,” said Ballard, who in 2008 won Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star competition for Michigan. “It’s really hard.”

Fighting through injury is nothing new to the former Western Michigan University baseball player, who is really excited about “Young &Crazy.” The current single is getting airplay at radio stations nationwide.

Ballard said the song has been a crowd-favorite for the past year. As for its meaning or message, the tune speaks to his non-poser view towards life.

“I’ve always had a hard time taking advice from people who I don’t feel earned it,” Ballard said. “That’s what this song is all about, and I’ve heard that people like the sentiment. Sometimes you need a little encouragement to live a little. It’s about taking chances in life.

“Maybe you’re unsure about whether to leave Youngstown and move to Cleveland and take this new job, but you just have to take chances. You just have to go out and make something of your life. The biggest thing is you don’t have to live safe. Yeah, you might get painted into a corner a couple of times, but that’s what life is all about. You also may create some of the greatest memories and experiences of your life that you can tell your kids and grandkids about.”

Perhaps one such story would be about the time you fell off a stage. As far as the upcoming Dusty Armadillo show, let’s hope Ballard doesn’t hit his head on the low ceiling, fall into the crowd and re-injure his shoulder.

“That ceiling is low, I remember that,” Ballard said. “I’ve bumped a few guitars on it. I have to be careful.”