This coming week Garth Brooks’ “Blame it On My Roots” concert tour comes to the Allstate Arena for four shows. (Thursday through Sunday) It’s a big deal and social media will be loaded with lots of coverage not to mention numerous video clips of Garth’s concerts will be posted on YouTube. I’ve seen this country mega-star’s live show several times so I won’t be attending this week. However, anyone who gets to these shows is guaranteed a fun time.
Thanks to my years of working at US*99 I got to meet Garth twice as he recorded stations promos for us. He was nothing less than outgoing and helpful and fun to be around. Much has been said about Brooks’ smart marketing strategies since his early days in Nashville which is true. However, if you don’t have the music to back up your business plan, then forget becoming an icon. Country music fans are not easily fooled.
Great songs and high energy is what you’ll get at a Garth Brooks concert.
Over 35 years ago, Garth was part of the so-called Class of 1989. It was him, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt and Mary Chapin Carpenter. These artists all broke out that year and proved to have staying power through many years of music releases and sell-out tours. I loved and still love all those stars, met them often and they brought me endless memories.
Can I pick a favorite of the Class of 89? Ehh,.it’s a tough call but it would probably be Alan Jackson. I choose A.J. because up until his recent retirement from touring due to health issues, he has been the most prolific producer of great country songs. Alan Jackson in my mind and ears is the closest we have to a modern-day Hank Williams Sr. Clint, Travis, Mary Chapin and Garth Brooks run a tie for my second favorite from that Class of 1989.
Garth & me in Nashville 1995. Met up with him a couple of times and he was cool as can be.
One point about Garth’s current tour. I’ve seen live clips of it on You Tube; but I think he overdoes the “What a surprise, aw shucks you all still love me?” expressions and comments made from the stage. G.B., you are and always will be a beloved star so maybe cool off the ‘overly humble’ approach to the fans’ adoration.
I don’t mean to make this post a put Garth Brooks down message. Besides his music there are other good points about the native Oklahoman. First, there’s his lovely wife Trisha Yearwood. Great singer and another fun star to be around. I always found Trisha to be the cool cousin in your family and when she treats you as an equal, it’s so warm and wonderful. Trisha is a “bonus mom” to her husband’s three daughters and is a great match for Garth. (Damn, I’m jealous of that union. LOL)
Garth and Trisha are a fine match. Great both in music and in their marriage.
Also, Garth is a man of his word. In 2001, he announced his retirement from live performing so he could do his part in raising his three daughters. I figured that time off would last a year or two then he’d hit the road again. Nope! Garth really did spend constant time with all three girls, cooked for them, went to their sports and school events and came up with projects for them to do with him during their summer vacations. One time they even spent a summer constructing a large bridge over a stream on Garth’s land. He did not get back on a live stage until his youngest daughter Allie finished high school. Being a dad meant more to Garth Brooks than selling out stadiums of adoring fans. Well done, sir!
One more fine point. Garth is faithful to the Allstate Arena, once known as the Rosemont Horizon. Brooks could easily sell out concerts at the bigger United Center but he often notes that it was in Rosemont where some of his most vital and memorable shows happened. He remains loyal to that venue when playing this area. In his mid-60’s Garth Brooks is still a major concert draw and I expect his four shows at the Allstate Arena will be met with rave reviews.
You might be wondering what’s my favorite Garth song. So many to pick from, “The Dance”, “Friends in Low Places”, “Rodeo”, “That Summer”, “Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House,” “Shameless”, “The Thunder Rolls”, etc. But for me, it’s hands down, “Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old.” Just a timeless song. Every time Garth sings that song live he hits a peak with the line, “A worn out tape of Chris Ledoux, lonely women and bad booze seem to be the only friends I’ve left at all.” Then he shouts out “God bless Chris Ledoux!” A tribute to a departed star and pal of his. God bless Chris Ledoux, and God bless you too, Garth!”
Well played every night!
Next blog- When I know, you’ll know.