Our First Weekend With King George
We just finished the first three nights on the George Strait tour, and it was amazing. We started in Austin, then went to Oklahoma City and finished in Little Rock. It was a great first run on the tour, and we are looking forward to all the shows to come.
We had a challenge on this tour of singing in the round for the first time. We had never performed that way so we had to really think through not running into each other, as well as covering the audience on every side during the set. As if it is not enough to open for George Strait in front of 18,000 people, and seeing yourself on the jumbo high-def screens, now you have to worry about running into a bandmate and what your hair looks like from behind. For that matter, what your behind looks like from behind. The girls understand what I’m talking about. Anyhow, everything went great and we really enjoyed the different set-up. It makes 18,000 people feel as intimate as 18,000 people could possibly feel.
I guess these were all the reasons for the unusual nervousness from all of us. It was like we had never opened up for anyone before. It was bizarre in a way. I suppose it was the intensity of opening for a guy that is an icon and wanting to do really well. Not just for him, but for his loyal fans. The great thing about his show is that when you are out there on that stage you really have to earn the crowd. People want to come and see him sing all 57 number one songs, and you have to convince them to not go for a beer during your set. I was really proud of how well it went. Nobody decked anybody on stage, we hit all of our marks for lighting, and the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves. So all’s well that ends well.
We will keep you posted on the tripping, the crowds and what we know will be a career changing tour. We are grateful to George for asking us to be out there, it truly is an honor. I mean it’s not every day you get to open up for a King. – Karen Fairchild
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Donna says:
Karen,
Have enjoyed hearing all the good reviews from your tour with King George. We are all looking forward to seeing you in Jacksonville.
Blessings,
Donna
Delightfully Spirited Dolly Parton Will Grace SXSW Audience — The 9513 says:
[...] Fairchild of Little Big Town says the intensity the band felt opening for George Strait in Austin made them feel like they had never opened for anyone [...]
Paula D - Lafayette Hill says:
My tickets are ordered…see you all in Philadelphia on February 16th. This is my 2nd GS concert and I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. He’s a true gentleman and great country singer. Looking forward to seeing LBT too…. love their music as well; good luck on the GS tour this year. See y’all in Philly…
idealistrob says:
Hi Karen: I think I was your English teacher in high school at good ‘ole LHS trojans!(either in media class or creative writing). I was a teacher-friend of Jeff B and Kim N. Do you remember me? Ironically, my first cousin Bethany was Jimmy’s prom date in HS.
Needless-to-say, how about those 6 degrees of separation? :) Our whole family loves Little Big Town and since we were born “in the boondocks” too, just across the river from Jimmy, we can identify with your music. Peace, “Mr. R”
idealistrob says:
PS: Tell Jimmy that Shelby O. says hi, and that she likes those grammy’s hanging in his Mom’s living room!
Barbara says:
You guys were great!!
Come back to Arkansas real soon. I would like ya’ll to play longer. I pouted after the concert, because I was hoping by some small miracle ya’ll would come back out a play a few more songs.
By the way I love your new CD!
Love LBT!
Penny says:
I just wanna say Little Big Town is a great group and wish you a great future. I have seen them in concert 3 times and each time I enjoy it as much as the first. 1st time was Bay Fest(Mobile Al) 2nd with Sugarland (Biloxi Ms) and 3rd with George Strait (Birmingham Al). Enjoying your music very much. I grew up just across the river from Jimmy in Jasper, Al. I will love to see you guys in your own head lining tour.
Kelli says:
Congrats on getting to open for George! I just want to say that I wish you were coming close to Wyoming on your tour. I really love your music, as well as George’s.
Laura says:
well done, ya’ll! we just got back from friday’s concert in atlanta. i was totally blown away. thank you for all you’ve done for country music and can’t wait to see what big things come from LBT next!
Grace says:
Hi Karen,
Two friends and I were with you guys for all 3 shows that first weekend - and we loved it!!! We first heard LBT when you came to Houston for the St. Jude’s appreciation concert for KILT - and we were really impressed by all of you. I must say I was even more impressed in Austin, OKC and Little Rock!
I am so glad our King George asked you to open for him.
We will be seeing you again - on this tour - and if you ever come to Houston again.
Good luck and God Bless all of you.
Grace
JDPsmiley says:
Hey guys how are U?
Miss you and hope to see you again soon– I missed recent Tampa show due to the Rodeo thang in Lakeland. Cowboy UP!
Saw you guys last March, on St. Patty’s Day in Winter Haven. Now I figured out why folks were looking at me so funny that day, LOL! The sun was baring down all day and I forgot my sunscreen…..Uh-oh!! Took 3 whole weeks for my face and forearms to slough all that burnt skin. OUCH!Lesson learned!! ;)
Take care! XOXOXO
Erin says:
Karen,
I know what it’ slike to trip on stage! Chorus dresses, heels, and risers don’t mix with a clumsy teenager very well. I’ve tripped at almost EVERY concert I’ve been in…and on a daily basis. You get used to it.
luv,erin