Tell all your “Friends In Low Places” that Garth Brooks has come back home- with a few minor details still to be worked out and announced that is.
Almost 14 years after he left the business to raise his three daughters, Brooks returned this morning with a press conference streamed on his website. And just like a Garth album, the hits came fast and furious.
First off was the announcement that he has a new label in Sony/RCA Nashville. Doug Morris, from Sony, flew out twice to talk to Garth and convince him where his new music home should be. This partnership will produce new music that should be available within the next two months. I say ‘should be’ as it was evident Sony wanted Garth to be vague but he kept letting information ‘slip.’
Next came the news that a new album, simply titled ‘Garth,’ will be released this year that will be produced by Mark Miller and feature Garth’s original band. No date was given as to when we can expect this but the goal is to have it out around Black Friday. This album will be available at all retail outlets, unlike the last music sets that were available only at Walmart. This new album will likely be a double album as Garth has a lot to say after being away so long.
Garth did take the time to address the situation with his concerts in Ireland… “If the Prime Minister wanted to speak to me, then I’d call, swim or fly to beg him on my knees to allow the 5 shows to go on.” It seems nothing would make him happier then to play those shows for Ireland’s 400,00 paying fans and kick off his comeback.
Of course there was mention of what everyone has been waiting for…a North American tour. Brooks plans to announce the opening city of his tour on July 14th. This is after he contacts a young man, named Andy, that attended one of his New Year’s day shows in las Vegas. It seems that he promised Andy that he’d be the first to know where and when the tour would open and Garth is a man of his word. He did reveal that ticket prices will be the same price no matter where you sit, which has always been the deal with his shows. Although he would not reveal what the price would be, he said that he is ‘proud’ of the ticket cost which leads us to believe that the cost will be reasonable to all.
The questions from those in attendance did veer towards Garth’s opinion on country music today, “Our job is to, whether you agree with ‘bro-country’ or ‘hick-hop’ or whatever, our job is to fly the flag for country music. I want people walking out of these arenas to go, ‘That’s the best show I’ve ever seen. That thumped harder than any rap show I’ve been to. It was louder and more chaotic, it was just stupid.’ That’s what I want to hear.” It’s obvious that Garth is returning with a vengeance and firing on all cylinders.
Last but not least was an announcement that all of Garth’s previous music will be available digitally for the first time. “People might think I’m giving it away, but I’m not.” But he says that it will be available ‘at a stupid price.’ In about 2-3 weeks the digital music will be available on his website, garthbrooks.com.
On a personal note, it was great to see Garth back in the spotlight, which is where he belongs. He was so cordial to everyone in attendance and obviously happy to be in touch with old friends. He recognized old faces and added in some personal interactions- wishing one woman a Happy Birthday and telling another that ‘Ms. Yearwood would like him to say hello.’ What other artist would take the time to thank fans for “giving me the greatest gift of letting me raise my kids” when referring to his sabbatical from country music.
Now the waiting game begins again for the announcement of tour dates, cities and ticket prices. But then again everyone seems to be getting used to countdowns on Garth’s website as a new one went up as soon as the press conference ended.
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