Anytime a new head coach is hired, their progra is bound to undergo a few aesthetic changes; Will Stein's move to Kentucky is no different. Mark Stoops not only adopted Grove Street Party following an upset against Steve Spurrier's South Carolina, but he brought in a third down coal whistle to try to get fans involved with a tribute to the state's history. Those were both popular additions in spite of his regime taking a tumble in its later years.
Now, Coach Stein is ready to bring a new identity to Kentucky Football, and that includes ramping up the gameday experience:
“I’m in the mix of working through with our marketing team. How do we get this thing rocking? So, I got a couple ideas for a walkout song,” he told Kentucky Sports Radio. “For third down, I’m thinking like the Purge Siren. It’s kinda creepy, something different.”
In case you haven't seen the Purge, it's a horror movie where all crime is legal for 24 hours. We won't swell on that premise, but the siren is the movie's hallmark. It's eerie, and could certainly sputter opposing offenses in crucial moments. Kids at Kroger Field may have to brace, though.
I don't know what Stein is planning for either Grove Street or the Coal Whistle, but if he needs ideas for a walkout song, I've got a few ideas.
Five Kentucky Football WalkOut Songs
A good walkout song has to be something to get the crowd rocking, as Stein said. But it also has to be unique to the program, too. As much as I hate Sandstorm, you hear it, and you think of South Carolina Football. They've got that nailed down.
5. Forrest Frank - Drop!
Forrest Frank is selling out stadiums in seconds. ESPN featured this tune in a highlight reel. It's got a nice groove, and everyone could get in on it. Not my favorite pick, but it'd be an interesting modern spin on the usual walkout song.
4. God's Gonna Cut You Down - Johnny Cash
The Man in Black in Kroger Field, at night with the lights going, and Kentucky walking out in the black uniforms? Come on, that's perfect. Throw in the Power K logo and that place's nonexistent roof might blow right off,
3. Headstrong - Trapt
This is a little bit of a curveball, but folks of a certain age should recognize Headstrong immediately. It's a little cheesy, but it's still a banger... besides, who doesn't like a little Trapt now and again?
2. Ain't No Grave - Any Artist
Johnny Cash sang a great version of Ain't No Grave, and Molly Skaggs (Ricky Skaggs' daughter) also has an electric iteration. This is an iconic song regardless of the version, and its bluegrass-like sound would, I believe, sit well with the Big Blue Nation.
1. You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive - Ruby Friedman & Nick Page
I love Patty Loveless, but this version of Trent Noah's song in a stadium with that clapping back track is a chef's kiss. You could even throw that iconic Loveless opening on this just for the sake of it. Either way, the stadium is guaranteed to go wild.
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