Garth Brooks to Play Inauguralapalooza 2009
OK. Now I get it. In order to coax Garth Brooks out of his retirement, you have to, like, become president or something. Brooks is on the docket for this Sunday night's (Jan. 18) concert to celebrate the president-elect's new gig, along with Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Nettles and a slew of other rock, pop, hip-hop and R&B acts. It's all part of the days leading up to Barack Obama's inauguration on Jan. 20. And this show, officially known as the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, will not only be free if you happen to be in Washington, D.C., but it will be broadcast live HBO on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. No word on what Brooks will sing, but it would make sense if he did "Change" from his 2000 Fresh Horses album.
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Carol says:
I am so disapointed in Garth. He has alway stayed out of Politics, never siding with one party or the other. I respected him for that. I am not surprised Jennifer Nettles is going to be there, she has made it pretty clear she supported Obama. She played at the Dem Convention, and said a ‘Womens Right TO Choose’ was the important issue for her.
Barbara says:
I think it’s great Garth will be there. It’s a very diverse musical line up and I’m happy he’s representing country music. I don’t feel his appearing at the event is an endorsement of his politics, especially since he’s a Republican. I think he also played a concert for former President Bush (41); just being asked to play for a President is an honour. I’m sure Garth will do country music proud.
GarthBrooksfan says:
Garth has the right to play for anyone he chooses even the newly elected President’s inauguration. Garth is not doing this for political reason but to entertain people.
Jenny says:
Garth is an awesome performer, singer/songwriter. He is an excellent choice to represent Country Music.
Carol says:
I mean no disrespect to Garth, I love him. He is one of my favorites, I just am not a fan of Entertainers jumping on Political Bandwagons, no matter which party it is. Sorry, that just happens to be my opinion, don’t I also have a right to that.
Ham says:
You sure do have a right to that Carol, but making it into an us/them issue is the reason so many people have turned from the party of hate. You would think the election taught that inclusion and acceptance are the new norm here in the US and Garth is proving that despite his alleged political affiliation. Bless him for being able to be bigger than politics.
Carol says:
First, I am not sure what you mean by the ‘Party Of Hate’. I don’t think bitterness and hate comes only from one Political Party, and if you believe that, you are very naive.there is plenty of venom and hate to go around on both sides. Second, if you read my last comment, I said I don’t like Entertainers jumping on any bandwagons, no matter which POLITICAL PARTY!! I did not make it into an us them issue either, explain to me where I did that. I can’t believe everyone is getting so bent out of shape because I said I don’t like Entertainers taking sides. Toby Keith and Sara Evans are two of my favs, but I hate when they get Political.
Ms. Feathers says:
It probably has more to do with Garth looking for a world-wide stage to keep himself “in the loop”. No one can ever say that Garth isn’t the “master marketer” of his career (or his “retirement”).
Leeann says:
I don’t know where people are getting that Garth is a Republican.
In either case, however, this is a landmark inauguration, no matter what side of the political fence one may be on. It’s making history. Maybe that’s what Garth’s celebrating (see “”We Shall Be Free”), not political affiliation.
Jan says:
The Obama Presidency is the the most Historic of our lifetime. What a Celebration this will be. Garth will be a part of the spectacular event. I’m sure he wouldn’t pass this honor up.
Sammy says:
Was so sorry to see he would perform. Was a big fan but will no longer buy or listen to his music. And yes, it does make a political statement when he immediately agreed to perform. I thought he was a better man.
Hannah says:
It is great that Garth has the honor of performing in this event! I am sure he will represent country music well.
Brett Dale says:
Good on Garth for attending, it will be a wonderful show with beautiful music.
Dan says:
He isn’t supporting any one person. He is supporting OUR COUNTRY! It doesn’t matter who the President is, he is just supporting our country and how united we stand.
stephen frm australia says:
good on you garth i hope to see the event live and i’ll back you no matter what you sing and i know you’ll do your best cause thats what you do i hope to see you back on tour as i had found out a few years ago that you had retierd i was spewin that i never got to see you in consert but i’m makein up for it now with buyin every cd and dvd you have brought out my best mate even takes you cd’s to work on one of our navy frigets and has it turned up loud good on you mate your no 1 die hard fan.
pat corbat says:
Well I guess they all have favorites. Hank Jr. was for Sarah Palin. These so country gurus shot their mouth off about Bush (and I’m not a great Bush fan but he IS/WAS our commander in chief and deserves respect for that office).
I despise Mellancamp for his words about our troops in Iraq and what he said is not a rumor because I know the young soldier who told it.
Mellancamp called our soldiers there “baby killers” and refused an invitation by USO to entertain those troops who are fighting so that that SOB can all them baby killers and not loose his head liternally. If I ever get near him, I will throw my SHOE at him.
CJ says:
I think it is an honor to even be asked. Garth will do a great job representing Country Music. He always has. I can not wait to see all people that sing. It does not matter which side you are on this is our new President of the United States. We all need to support him.
ROSEBUD says:
Dan and CJ that’s exactly what I wanted to say. We definately need to support our President!! After all we are all American’s.
Pete says:
Regardless of any poltical views, the fact that he’ll performing is the thing to focus on……Great news! Let’s just hope that this is a sign that GB might do another tour!
Carol says:
This has got a bit of subject, but just one more comment, to those saying we should support him no matter what, where was this understanding and support for GB from the beginning. He has been hated by many from day one. I think it is naive to say we should support Obama no matter what our Politics. I happen to disagree with almost all his beliefs and policy’s. Why should I support something , or someone I don’t believe in, that to me would be Un-American.
Ham says:
Well we’re so glad that you cleared it up about the hate thing. Curious - did you object when the August 18th blog was posted about John Rich stumping for McCain? Do you only object to performers expressing their politics if it’s not the same as yours? Kinda seems that way which is really quite un-American.
CJ says:
Carol seems to me you need to give him a chance. I am a Republican but I am glad to suport him because he is our President. No President does it all by himself. They just get the blame for everything. I will be watching Obama and all of the singers at the Inaugural Celebration. I will be praying for him every night. Wheather I like it or not he is our President and I suport him.
J.R. Journey says:
‘Fresh Horses’ was released in 1995, as was the song ‘The Change’. Think: Oklahoma City.
sam says:
He will probably sing “we shall be free”. I think Garth’s appearance will be representative of America, not politics.
Another Trace Fan says:
I just wish you had all been so patriotic and supportive of THE President……. for the past eight years!
ann says:
Have you any plans to come pack to do a conert in northern Ireland again.
Debbie says:
I can’t wait to see Garth Brooks perform. I believe it is an honor not matter what your political views. We are all in this together and we should all pray for our president. This is our country and we need to all come together for a better tomorrow. I hope he sings We Shall be Free.
Carol says:
To….Another Trace Fan, Thank You!!! I am laughing at this NEW “we should all support the President no matter what” view.
CyberCowboy777 says:
Wow! I love all the “We are all Americans and should support OUR president”.
hypocrisy at its best (or worse)
dawn says:
good grief carol, the man is a performer and a conservative. I see you still want this country divided. Obama wants everyone there no matter what party. We need unity. If you notice the lineup includes all music. Way to Go Prez elect….
dawn says:
I see carol isn’t the only negative one. Well can’t make everyone unifide. Move in with Hannity and Ann Coulter. Now that attitude would be good for the country. Although I did not support Bush in the election. I supported him because he was my president to. I NEVER typed junk against him. The last thing we need right now is all this negativity. Get some prozak please lol This is for the left wing nuts to. Both parties have your attitudes. Funny thing is Obama is fighting more with the dems, and I predicted that. I didn’t care for Obama at first, didn’t vote for him and campaigned against him, BUT He is my president to. WOW what a landing by a hero huh, concentrate on good stuff like that. xoxo
keith says:
It’s called having the honor of performing at the request of the President of the United States. Do you think that Destiny’s Child supported George W Bush? I don’t, but they did perform at his inaugural in 2001 because they were asked to. Garth Brooks has never tipped his hand politically. His wife, Trisha Yearwood, is a strong Democrat. Garth, I’m not sure. I think this is just out of respect and the honor of playing in front of th President.
keith says:
If I stopped liking people, places and things over their political lanings, I think I’d have no life. Seeing as how I am a Democrat, I’d have to hate country music because most of their artists are Republicans. I’d have to stop watching baseball and football, because most profssional athletes who go public with their views are Republicans, and I’d have to be selective about what movies I watch, because contrary to popular opinion, there are a lot of Republicans in Hollywood. Jon Voight, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Tom Selleck, Bruce Willis, Mel Gobson, none of these guys have suffered because of their conservative views. Get over it. Garth Brooks, as any artist, is performing for the president. Had John McCain won, I doubt that any liberal artist would refuse an invitation to play. The election is over. Let it go.
steve says:
Keith,
“Had John McCain won, I doubt that any liberal artist would refuse an invitation to play”
Come on you have to be serious. So you are telling me that Barbar streisand and Bruce Sprinsteen would have performed for McCain? At least be honest here.
keith says:
Yeah, Steve, I am telling you that, considring Barbara Streisand performed at the first inauguration of George Bush. And she was most recently honored at the White House for her induction to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. I don’t think Bruce Springsteen would b invited to perform at any Republican presidential inaugural, considering that the US Senate in 2005 actually took a roll call vote to deny him a citation in honor of thn 30th anniversary of Born to Run. But he would do it if he were invited. Anybody would perform for the president if they were asked.
SKA says:
Garth just finished his performance. Awesome!! What a great line up of AMERICAN performers/entertainers. This is what a celebration of a united democracy should feel like!
lauren says:
Go Garth! What a guy. This is pretty ballsy of him, especially after what happened to the Dixie Chicks.
Rebecca says:
Leave all of those with old, tired views of division and fear behind while we make America a better place for them. They can join us later!
Bonnie says:
The concert was an incredible patriotic celebration! It had nothing to do with politics. On the eve of Martin Luther King’s Historic Speech, no one could be better chosen to bring people together, and bring them together he did, up on their feet! Oh MY! His version of “You Make me Want to Shout” had everyone rockin’ and yelling, “American Pie” was awesome and of course he sang “We Shall be Free”. Don’t forget Garth’s Sister Betsy is Gay. The election is over. Garth is a registered Republican, but this celebration was not about party lines, it was about reaching across lines for change. He brought the house down!
keith says:
I know Barbara Stresiand has performed at the White House under Bush and basically every other preisdent, I thought it was for Bush’s inaugural. I don’t care who performs either. At the end of the day, how many people get to say they performed for the President? Like I said, if I was worried about people’s politics, I’d hate country music. If I still have my Hank Williams Jr records, that shows that I don’t care about their political views. I still have CDs by Toby Keith and Travis Tritt, too.
Devin says:
Go Garth Go! It is an honor to participate in any Presidential Inaugural. If the Bush lovers that tried to ruin our country stop buying your records, I’ll buy extra and donate them. Actually, just to annoy the Christian Wrong, I think I’ll buy extra Dixie Chicks CD’s and donate them too.
BTW, Garth and Willie have been supportive of equality for the gay community….so Garth is not that conservative.
Carol, Steve, Trace, Sammy, etc… I am sure you’ll be busy reading Ann Coulter’s new hate book, instead of celebrating our new president….PS: Please try being nice for a change. Hate sucks.
Tricia says:
I never thought I could respect Garth any more than I already do, but he just earned a couple more points with me today. How wonderful for a country icon to show the world that not all of us are as narrow minded as others in the industry. I only wish he would have played one of his own songs, like the article suggested “Change”, or “We Shall Be Free.”
ee says:
as garth brooks himself stated… “Too many people go by label, Democrat or Republican. To me, the best guy for the job is the man or woman who is going to represent your voice the best, whether that be Democrat, Republican, white, black, straight, gay, whatever.”
Danigirl says:
To Tricia - Garth Brooks DID perform his song “We Shall Be Free” - obviously, you must have missed the concert.
Congratulations to Garth for still having style and showmanship.
Tom says:
LOL- Where were all you people who say we should support the president no matter what. Where was that support with Bush? Nothing but hate for him from the left. Now that B. Hussein Obama will be our president we are supposed to get behind him and support him? Are you kidding? The most liberal president ever. He will distroy this country.
To quote the liberals “He’s not my president”.
He’s not even half my president!
Garth sang “Shout” LOL not even a country song.
Where do I send my broken Garth Brooks CD’s?
brittney says:
I think its awesome that garth is doing this he shouldnt be criticized for it either it would be a great honor for any musician to be invited to perform at the inaguration no matter what political party
p.s. i love Garth Brooks music he rocks
Capten Xi says:
Garth Brooks ROCKS! This is the first time I’ve been exposed to country music in this way… His version of “Shout” absolutely stole the show, even amongst the other headliners. It was completely unexpected. I was there. The entire crowd was mostly like me, people who don’t have a particular appreciation for country musicians/fans due to their lack of diversity per say. But he had the entire crowd completely enthralled with him. I’m sure he’s got millions of new fans to make up for the small minority of small-down conservative diehards who are now smashing their Garth CDs.
Ants says:
I can’t believe what I read.
Why shouldn’t singers get into politics.
Yet others who shouldn’t, which begot the constitution do.
Small minds, fearful of sociological change, as our country gets more diversified and multi-ethnic.
I can say more, but it does come down to racism, but that is why this political ideology is now bankrupt. Both morally and financially. It always happens in history and now is no exception.
The Berlin wall came down and now just maybe this wall of political hatred will too. That is if the demographics pan out. And our belief in the greater good for all. This now will be attacked as socialism, probably from someone who doesn’t have a passport and has never been to Japan, Korea or Europe. Those who have know what I’m talking about.
BTW The whole world is watching
Garth says:
Reading through these comments, it appears that a lot of adults still have a lot of growing up to do. If you believed during the past eight years that liberals were wrong to not support President Bush, then you must logically believe that conservatives are wrong to not support Obama. Hold yourself to the same standards as you would hold others. And we must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.
jennybean says:
The U.S. President is both a person with a job and a symbol of our nation (because we have no Emperor or Queen or similar figurehead).
You can disagree vehemently with how the guy is doing the job, but still show respect for the symbolism of the position. Granted, not all Americans have been able to do so (and certainly not just in the past 8 years). But it *is* possible (and Obama hasn’t even started the job yet, so who’s to say whether he’ll do well or poorly at it…)
My niece is an ardent liberal and a Democrat, but she danced for President Bush with her dance troupe at the White House and she was proud to do it, as well she should have been.
Garth Brooks did a great job, singing for a big audience of his fellow Americans *and* the President-Elect of the United Statest. If that somehow makes you want to smash up his records, that’s clearly your problem and not his.
mike says:
I am not dissapointed at all. I think Garth Brooks is doing what every American should do and that is support our country no matter who is in control. The problem with our country is the seperatism that has plagued us for years. Go Garth!!!!
mike says:
Oh yeah and Tom, the country cannot get any worse off than it already is. I support OUR country no matter who is in office because i am an American. If you dont like it…..move!
Political junky Debbie says:
A shame for Garth Brooks but understandable where he comes from!!! Also do not have to support obama!! being in the military for 25 year and seeing under clinton the cut backs for the military and President Bush building the military up again and just to see next administration tear it down again!! As stated day one no respect for GB and calling him everything under the sun and no respect.. Obama has no experience, I do not support any of his policies and so we will see how much taxes go up!!
Bonnie says:
you haters just don’t get it do you? You are the ones who will prevent the future from getting better. You are bitter sad people. No matter who is in office, you will find someone to hate in govt., someone to blame, or someone else to go on about. Why don’t you put your minds into something positive. Today was about equality and democracy. About what we can achieve if we can all work together. The official name of this concert was the Concert of Hope. Garth is the last one to pick sides. That is most likely why he was INVITED to perform. Did you notice something common about all of the musicians, actors and other distinguished people chosen? Whether well known as liberal or conservative (or neither), not one is a hater. They are positive people and most, good role models. Did you notice you didn’t see Sean Penn reading anything? OH, the choir performing with Garth? They were the Boys Choir of Harlem. You should google it’s history. Amazing. Today was a wonderful celebration. Thank you Garth!
Bettie says:
Dear Garth, We have always loved you at our house and we feel it is because of your loving heart that shows in every thing you do. We were never more proud of you than today.You had the crowd rocking!
Joanna says:
Garth was awesome. He made the entire Washington Mall jump to their feet and sing along. I really enjoyed the entire concert. We are all Americans here celebrating a historic event. A big shout out to all fellow Army spouses:-)
Joyce says:
Thank you Garth Brooks for a magnificent performance! It was wonderful to see Americans performing for America and this American loved it.
Riz says:
As an African-American, Garth Brooks would traditionally not be an artist that I would listen to. But I must say HE DID A FANTASTIC JOB!!!!!!!!!!!. He showed such professionalism and respect for the moment, while performing very appropriate and rousing songs. It was obvious, everyone there, regardless of political persuasion loved it. Garth, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
Riz
Thomas52281 says:
It’s sad to see Political junky Debbie be so wrong about the military; my son served in Iraq and so many of his friends saw benefits cut and promises not kept. A good friend of his was involved in the issue two years ago where the military was misdiagnosing PTSD and instead diagnosing very ill veterans with “personality disorder” and denying them benefits. I’ve never been a Democrat and would never call myself one but Debby couldn’t be more wrong about Bush “building up the military.” Our boys and girls went over there and weren’t treated with respect; it’s no wonder that recruitment and military signups dropped so much under Bush.
keith says:
I almost cried when Garth took off his hat while singing We Shall Be Free and motioned to Barack and Michlle Obama, not to mention waving to Sasha and Malia. Garth Brooks is a class act.
Rachel says:
Oh, how easy it is for you to judge as you rise and sleep under the blanket of safety and freedom that our Military provide. Freedom… maybe some of you hould look up that definition. It’s not just for the people who have the same views as you do. To say that you will stop buying or listening to music simply because of who an artist supports in politics is ridiclous! Does that mean that if you end up in a hospital ER and your doctor supports Obama you will ask for a different doctor? I don’t think so. GROW UP. Our military men and women fight everyday for you to have the freedom to choose…your religion, where you live, who your life partner/spouse is, and who you support in politics.
mindful consumer says:
We loved every minute of it. Go Garth! I had my 72 year old Appalachian conservative Mommy up two-stepping and swinging. The kids were clapping, dancing, and our hands reaching up in the air to “SHOUT!” Garth Brooks is a thoughtful artist, and unique to country music. I like people for their music talent, regardless of their political assoc. Our country needed this. We keep on waiting for the world to change.
We must be the change we wish to see in the world. ~ghandi
Rachel says:
And I forgot to add that it was great Garth!!! Thank you for being you.
Peggy says:
Garth Brooks rocked this fabulous concert and redemmed Oklahoma in my eyes. He is a phenomonal performer and a real gentleman! Thank you, Mr. Brooks!
Bob in Texas says:
Guys and Gals - we are all United States Citizens and the election decided who would guide the Country and the world out of this fiasco - as a Republican and small business owner, I am praying for Obama and the people he chooses. As for Garth - he is a performer and what he and/or any other performer (republican or democrat) will not sway me one way or another, I have a mind of my own. It was an honor to be asked to perform or speak! Good Performance Garth!
John says:
It was a good performance. From the Boss to Brooks, what more could you ask for?
Brandi says:
First off, the song ‘The Change’ is about the Oklahoma City Bombing. And ANYONE who thinks that would be an appropriate song is CRAZY! Apparently the writer of this blog hasn’t ever heard the song. It is all about how the bad things in this world will not change who he is. You are a frigging idiot. You might wanna do some more research before throwing a comment like that out.
And about the inaguaration. I did not vote for Obama, but since he is going to be my president, I will stand behind him. I am an American above all else. Maybe Garth feels the same way since he is a Republican. I dunno but that is the beauty of this country. We can all vote for who we want without the fear of persecution. GO USA!
Caroline says:
Garth is my favorite artist and I have seen him in concert 4 times, but I have to disagree with him about supporting the new president. I can’t support a president that stands against everything that I believe in. I was a democrat years ago, but now I am a conservative Republican. I’m not saying that the liberials should have supported President Bush, but I think that their constant bashing and name calling in public was way over the line. I trust President Bush and he did a great job in keeping us safe, but now we are getting a president that is going to completely dismantal everything that is in place. I just don’t trust Obama, not to mention the fact that he is inexperienced. If Obama succeeds in his agenda then this will truly become a socialist country and that’s why I pray that he fails.
Caroline says:
Garth, I watched your performance on Youtube and you were great as always. You are still my favorite and always will be. Please go back on tour again.
Heidi Christensen says:
Does not matter WHO he prefers or supports for President - that is HIS business, and just because he sang at the inauguralapooza does not necessarily mean he supports Obama - it really ONLY means he is smart.
And BLAST IT! I only wish I had seen it.
I also wish he would, twice a year, go to a part of the US where many can come and see him perform, AND have it on either closed circuit TV or in the movies or whatever he did when he did the concerts they showed at walmart.
THEN he would still be with his family 8/10 ths of the year BUT we could still see him.
wade says:
Garth I paid to see you in Ocean City Md 20 years ago and many times sinse,but you gotta be kidding me.This guy is a joke.I hope for this country it works out,but for you I will never buy a CD or listen to your songs again.As always Hank is the man
Les says:
Garth was amazing!! Are you haters going to stop listening to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw too? They TOTALLY supported Obama. What about Toby Keith….he didn’t perform at the concert, but he is admittedly a Democrat. I thought Garth’s performance was awesome. I loved how he said God Bless America and God Bless the World! He is an ambassador for the world. Those of you judging him because he performed at an American concert are idiots. Get used to it people….Obama is here for the next 4 years and there will be A LOT of entertainers who perform for him regardless of whether they voted for him. Get over yourselves people.
Ed says:
I was at the concert yeasterday, Garth provided the best performance of all….by far. The crowd was most responsive when he was on, and he sounded great! I’ve missed Garth the past few years but he will always be one of my favorite music artists. He’s in The Beatles and Elvis leagues. He is a people’s artist. There were young and old and black and white singing right along with him. Everyone I spoke to said he was their favorite. Thanks for reading my opinion. Ed from Woodbridge, VA.
mindful consumer says:
Caroline- Bush was President when we were attacked on 9/11. So, he didn’t keep us safe in that moment. He’s one man. It takes more than a President to keep a country safe. The people who work behind the scenes to keep us safe everyday, many are liberal Democrats and many are conservative Republicans. President Obama does not stand against you or your beliefs. People in America are SELF determined. I am sure both of you share many common idea’s and hopes. We all do, if we look hard enough. He would defend your right to believe as you do. Pres.Obama is a Constitutional Scholar, 12 years as a Legislator, and 20 years as a community leader. Please give him a chance.
Not in Denial says:
You all just don’t get it. Great song, Garth. If you can’t understand the words (as I never did for over 30 plus years), then read them. It applies to this inauguration and times. While the King was looking down, the Jester “Obama Messiah” stole His thorny crown (no doubt as worshipped as Hilter) and America as we know it is no more. No not because he’s a black man, but a dishonest, deceitful man who has yet to provide us with his birth certificate! So, bye, bye, American Constitution. So, Obama be nimble, Obama be quick, because fire is the Devil’s only friend! And Satan laughs at us all.
nicole says:
Garth showed he is a thinking person. A person of either party who thinks that America is better because of the administration we have had in the last 8 years has got to be insane. Please, people let’s stop buying the obama is mc-socialist burgers that you are being sold by pundits who are only trying keep themselves and their cronies in play. he is a centrist much like Reagan, Clinton. Wake up, think. Please. Our future depends on a thinking populous.
mindful consumer says:
Not in Denial- but all fear is totally rational and petty ignorance is heavy bliss?
You get it- know everything! WE don’t- know nothing!
Hitler comparisons make you look serious!@o@! SoSuperior for latching on to some manufactured conspiracy from the 12%-20% of Americans who tend to view all life through one narrow self-serving lens. Then, you get angry cuz most people see beyond themselves to consider another’s p.o.v.
Guess this means all members of office, including Bush Admin., SCOTUS, Congress, DOJ, DOD, CIA, FBI, DHS, SofHI, and all Govt. Ags. are in on this. Are they Satan too?
Stop viewing politics as a game of winner takes all. This country was meant to be shared in the name of freedom.
Jon From STL says:
I find all of this fascinating. I’m a black man. I grew up with my Arkansas dad, my St. Louis mom, loving music from Johnny Horton to Frank Sinatra to Miles Davis (who my grandfather played music with in E. STL in their youth) to Rush (listen to The Spirit Of Radio. A transcendent piece of ideology). My point is whatever your political persuasion, art wins. Everyone is going back and forth about an artist and his political position. That’s what art is all about. What do you think Woody Gutrhie meant when he wrote This Land Is Your Land? Johnny Cash singing Folsom Prison Blues? Or Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On? My God, even Wagner inspired Hitler. Plato once said that the senate should first round up all the artists, because they have a political ideology as we do but they wrap theirs in attractive words and music. And that the people will truly hear their voices. So, this is not so much about Obama, as it is the discussion of the process of art and politics. It’s been around since before we were. And will be long after we’re gone. So, keep up the good work. WIthout conflict there can be no resolution. And one more thing… I think Garth Brooks is an amazing human being, his music notwithstanding. Take care all.
karen says:
I only got to see a few minutes of it on the news here in Ireland,it was great to see him back on stage as we have waited to long,also it was great that U2 also got to party.I dont think it was about taking sides but maybe just about everyone getting together and waiting for this new beginning.
Shannon says:
I know this is a historical event, however the shape our country is in at this time I feel events should have been toned down. Let’s get down to the business of saving our country! We can have a party later
Kyara says:
I think country music has this negetive shadow of it with having the tag of being “out of touch republicans”. I think it is great to see that stereotype being broken. Legendary country artist such as Garth, Yearwood and Keith are stepping beyond the marginality and showing country music can be more than just entertainment but also a movement.
Jim says:
I love how people’s childish attitudes are always backed up by “The other party did it, so why can’t I?” Does it make you feel better to be so bitter? Do you feel good about yourself saying “He’s not my president”?
To the Bush haters, move on, he’s gone. Let it go.
To the Obama haters, realize that this isn’t the 1940’s anymore, and its time to move forward. Most of the country is doing just that, including many Republicans. This isn’t just about what you want anymore, its about everyone.
katy says:
It’s not about politics–it’s the inauguration of the president of the United States. He’s the president of all of us now. I was thrilled to hear Garth Brooks. I hadn’t heard much about him and googled him and found this site.
It’s an honor to be asked to play for the president-Barbara Streisand didn’t turn down President Bush. The election’s over. Our country is in a world of hurt and we all need to pull together–every democrat, republican, libertarian, man, woman–to get out of the mess we’re in. We need to work together to make sure that every child gets a great FREE education so they can have a good job and participate in our great democracy. With Obama we have a chance to again be the country that other countries want to emulate.
betty says:
I was a huge Garth fan, but not anymore. His CD’s are in the trash now because they would remind me that he is not the man and musician I thought he was. Bye, Garth! Hopefully, the Obama kool-aid drinkers will buy your records when you come out of retirement.
Thanks to the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, and Rodney Atkins for being at President Bush’s Texas welcome yesterday! They are true country stars! We will remember.
Lalalalala says:
@Betty, you are so silly, you know good and well that Garth Brooks doesn’t need you to support him, he is already a legend and a millionaire, oh and trashing his records means nothing but you bought them for nothing at all!LOL, you are the one who lost in the end, not Garth. Oh and one more thing, President Obama is your President like it or not and speaking on behalf of more than half this nation, Good Ridance W!
Lalalalala says:
God Bless President Obama and ex-President Bush
Marie says:
I just watched Garth Brooks preformance. He had everyone in the crowd up and moving and singing!!! It doesn’t really matter what politcal party he supports, isn’t that the point! Garth Brooks is awesome and so were every single one of the performances!!!
Adam says:
It makes no difference to me. Country music is a way of life. It’s a mindset. An often under looked genre. But there are a lot of things that contribute to the fact that country music fans are republican. Look at how the south has voted the last few decades. As a Florida resident, I know that a big part of the reason why Obama won our state is the amount of minorities and people, especially around the I-4 area. If Florida would have only let the people who were born and raised here vote, McCain would have won. Bottom line is, country music is a beautiful thing and the lifestyle is nothing to be ashamed of. To me , the definition of being a country fan, and a “good old boy” is voting Republican, or at least Conservative Democrat, watching Nascar, drinking beer and not really giving a damn what label the media puts on the simple working hard class of America. God bless
Adam says:
And I didn’t mean for that to sound racist at all. I have many black friends and many hispanic friends. In fact I have more minority friends than white friends. Just tryin to let my opinion show.
Forex News Trader says:
Entertainers are constantly talking about a Republican and you’ll hear the good, bad and ugly about them all. That takes history, but you can still execute that Carol. It is always good you don’t start history on the loop or either case.
Another Trace Fan says:
IT’S MARCH NOW AND WHO REALLY CARES WHO SANG WHERE?
WHY IS IT MOST OF YA’LL ALWAYS SEE THE “HATERS” BEING ANYONE WHO IS OPPOSED TO YOUR THINKING? SOMEDAY I HOPE I WILL UNDERSTAND. JUST REMEMBER, I LIKE MY SIDE AS WELL AS YOU LIKE YOURS.
Mike says:
I am not a Democrat. I’m not a Republican. I am neither black nor white. I am neither old nor young, gay nor straight, tall nor short. I am neither a genius nor a slow-learner. I work, but neither as a professional nor a domestic.
I am not Christian. I am not an atheist.
Garth Brooks is a good man. Perhaps his “message” at the Obama inauguration was “We are all in this together. Stop worrying what other people are”.
Jesusj says:
Jesus was here!
Karen Hodges says:
Oh, Garth, you make me proud!!! I quit listening to Country Music for years after Bush got elected. Go Country Dems!!
Zak says:
Garth is a performer. He makes money, he plays music, good for him. I don’t like Obama, but I will still listen to Garth’s music.
However, to call the conservatives “haters” and “racists” is hypocritical to the extreme. It is the left that is intolerant of our views. For years the left protested Bush and his policies, the war, Christianity, hunting, guns, and the military. Hell, in Berkley CA they were protesting the city cutting down a couple of freaking TREES. Yet when conservatives get together and protest for the first time in years at the Tea Parties, the left discredits us and calls us “racist tea-bagging rednecks.” Seriously? We have to listen to their trash for years and they won’t tolerate our freedom of speech in return?
And I ask you, which side is more divided over race: the conservative Republicans who elected Michael Steele (a black man) to the chair because of his qualifications (not once have I heard one comment on the color of his skin), or the liberal democrats who elected Obama BECAUSE he’s black, disregarding his qualifications? (Or lack thereof, as you can see by his performance so far). To vote for a person because he or she is black is like saying, “You are poor because you are black and because I am better than you I will grant you a chance to be president.” This is racism of a different kind; there is hate towards skin color and there is elitism towards skin color.
I, like many other conservative, would have still voted for Bush or McCain if they were black, white, Chinese, whatever. They were the better men for the job. It saddens me to see racism still alive in this country, and more so by those who deny it and slap the term on those who pay absolutely no attention to race.
OK Military Mom says:
I grew up in the Brook’s home and assure you, Garth is no Republican, nor is he politically conservative. Quite the opposite. His parents were ultra-progressive and he took up the gay agenda when his lesbian sister joined his group. What do you think ‘We Shall Be Free’ was all about? I lived in Nashville during his rise to fame and have long suspected he was behind the extreme enforcement of royalties laws, which fined small churches $10k for singing religious songs and put many small neighborhood dance clubs out of business. He even pushed to put 2nd-hand music stores out of business, until Dolly Parton came to their defense. I’m convinced his actions (the record deal mentioned in his biography) decimated the unlimited pool of talent available to the music industry. Never again will raw talent like that of Elvis be discovered and enjoyed by Americans. Rigid royalties enforcement is also why you can’t find copies of songs you loved from your past. Brooks is lib - a ‘country music wolf in traditional values sheep clothing’; he’s all about the money - and you can take that to the bank!!