Garth Brooks announced last year that he would be returning to the road after not touring since 2000 when he took a hiatus to raise his kids. Immediately the anticipation hit fever heights for all country music fans who have been waiting for the day. This is the man who has sold 123 million records and won 2 Grammy awards, 15 American Music Awards, 11 CMA Awards and performed sold out Vegas shows on a nightly basis for 3 years.
The first tour dates announced were 5 shows for Dublin’s Croke Park in Ireland that will take place this month. These upcoming shows have already sold more than 400,000 tickets! Unfortunately it’s now being reported that 2 of the shows have been cancelled due to permit issues. Now the country music industry and fans await the long anticipated announcement of his North American tour dates. This week Garth’s website was updated with the mysterious message, “The wait is over…7/7.” One can only assume that this is finally the day we get tour dates or could be another huge project that Garth hints at here….“There is something that could be happening between now and the tour that might be the biggest thing I’ve ever tried to take on.”
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Garth perform in concert years ago at the Hollywood Bowl and the brief 4 song set was better than some 2-3 hour concerts I’ve attended. Count me as one of the first fans in line once tickets go on-sale as can’t wait to sing that mysterious third verse that goes on the end of the live version of “Friends In Low Places.”
Fans have waited 14 years and counting for the chance to see the top selling country artist of all time return to the stage where he belongs. I guess we can survive a few more days as sure as hell will be worth the wait. So let’s hope that the wait is indeed over.
This was written by Mike Sullivan, contributing writer for NECM. Follow me on Twitter- @MSullivan2199