Brad Paisley gives his audience its money's worth

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Brad Paisley says he loves Virginia Beach.

"It's a really beautiful part of America. I've always enjoyed being around there."

The country star will get a 757 fix on Sunday when his tour stops at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater with Jewel, Julianne Hough and Chuck Wicks.

Paisley took a writing break to chat up his latest projects and share his funniest memories about Virginia Beach.

Paisley's latest music video, "Waitin' on a Woman," features Andy Griffith, the TV star who resides on Roanoke Island, N.C., as a wise, older gentleman.

"He was great to do this part in the video, and I'm so excited. I think he's coming to our show in Virginia Beach."

Paisley plans to use clips from the video on Sunday.

"I know my entire band and crew are beside themselves at the possibility of getting to put this show on for Andy Griffith. He's such a humble and wonderful man."

Paisley loves to use lights and huge video screens in his shows.

"It's very important that I give people their money's worth - especially this day in time. People don't have a lot of loose change."

Paisley plans to use an extended stage to get into the thick of the crowd. "We spare no expense to entertain people," he said.

One of Paisley's first gigs was an early spring show with Alan Jackson at the Beach amphitheater.

"That was the first amphitheater I ever played, and I remember the wind going about 90 miles an hour whipping by there."

The region's spring weather was a bit much for Paisley. "It was way too early to be outside out there. That amphitheater is real near the water."

Paisley came back a few years later for another spring show with Reba McEntire. Still no luck with the weather.

"Too cold and too windy. I had to duct tape my hat to my head. There was no way it was going to stay on."

Good thing it's August. Maybe Paisley will get to enjoy some Virginia Beach summer weather this weekend.

His album "5th Gear" remains on the Billboard country album chart at No. 18, having sold more than a million units since its release in June 2007. His next album, "Play," is due in stores Nov. 4, but don't look for the usual country crooning.

"It's really a showcase of guitar-driven music," Paisley said.

He sings on four of the 14 tracks. "There's a lot of fast playing up there, but a lot of people like that kind of thing."

Paisley, known as one of country music's outstanding guitar players, collaborates with B.B. King, Keith Urban, Vince Gill and others. One track features the late Buck Owens.

"He is a major musical influence on me. The guitar-driven orientation of his music - that really was a defining factor for me and my artistry."

The album is "unrestricted by things such as worrying about hit songs," Paisley said. "It's fun."

 DeAnne Bradley, (757) 222-3897, deanne.bradley@link757.com