MLS Team FC Cincinnati Taps Freekbass As Musical Guest For Hell Is Real Derby 2022

Freekbass will perform the national anthem at TQL Stadium in his hometown of Cincinnati before the Major League Soccer match between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew on Saturday, August 27. Additionally, the acclaimed bassist will lean into his funk-bass roots by playing original bass licks as each player is being introduced on the field.

Matches between Ohio’s two MLS squads are dubbed the “Hell Is Real Derby.” The rivalry dates back to 2017, when FC Cincinnati took on the Columbus Crew at the U.S. Open Cup two years before FC Cincinnati joined the MLS.

“It’s been a lifelong dream to perform the national anthem solo on bass,” noted Freekbass, who previously performed the national anthem with vocalist Sammi Garett during a Cincinnati Reds game in 2019. “This will be the first time I’m doing it solo on bass guitar, and I am just so thankful and humbled that FC Cincinnati invited me to be a part of this amazing day.”

Buy tickets for FC Cincinnati’s match on August 27 via Seatgeek.com.