Say It Ain't So, Kenny Chesney
Sigh. It's official. Next summer will suck.
I know we will still have baseball and barbecues and pool parties and all that. But how summery is summer going to feel without Kenny Chesney? Not very, I'm afraid.
He's taking a break from his gigantic stadium shows to reconnect with family, make a record, see other parts of the world, write some more songs and just do things that feed his soul. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he talks about what pushed him over the edge to make this decision: "Last night in Charleston, S.C., my mom came, and a lot of my family came to the show. And after the show, I realized it's been a long time since I've actually had a real conversation with any of those people. I am so zoned in and so gone all the time. That's tough, when you've gotta get reconnected with the people that you're not supposed to have to get reconnected to."
All of this makes me want to jump in my convertible and go see his second to last show in Bloomington, Ill., tomorrow (Sept. 17). I feel like if I'd known that his show in Chicago this summer was going to be his last one for a while, I would have paid way more attention, had a few more beers, darkened my tan lines and tailgated longer.
Chesney shows have become such a summertime staple for millions of fans for the past five years or so. A staple that people didn't just add to their schedules but literally scheduled their summers around. So this news is going to leave a lot of empty spaces on a lot of calendars across the country. He promises he's not quitting, that this is just a short pause. Too long livin' in fast forward, I guess. Now the hillbilly rock star needs to rewind real slow.
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mahalia says:
I sure don’t care he is so overrated, and honestly I will glad to see him out of the spotlight.
Dennis Kern says:
I am sorry to hear the news of Kenny taking some time off,but is well deserved! Me and my wife(Lori)are going to the show at Lucas Oil Stadium this coming Saturday the 19th .We were at the show last year and this one will be even more special for those of us that love his music!!He always has something up his sleeve for the last show of the tour and i am positive this one will be one for the record books.So,to Kenny enjoy your time off that gigantic stage and I will see you Saturday from Section 143.
Amy Jones says:
Kenny deserves it!!!! I don’t know how he did it as long as he did. I will miss seeing him next year. Enjoy!!!!!!!!
Hootie says:
I am also saddened that Kenny will not be touring. I saw him in Detroit a couple weeks ago and was AMAZING! But I can see where he’s coming from. He’s played to over a million people for the past 8 summers!!! that’s kind of overwhelming to me! I would need a break too. Hopefully he will get recharged and come back better than ever in 2011!!!!
jenni says:
i love you and will miss you,,,,,,,,,,,hope to see ya 2011…. it won’t be summer till you return
countryiscool says:
I like most of Kenny’s stuff, and although I don’t attend many concerts, I think the man DESERVES a break to be with those he loves. Life is too short to put it all out there, even for fans, and not expect him to want to be with his own family and friends for a change. It’ll do him good, and I’m sure it will for them too.
kcsgirl27 says:
summer wont be the same this year. we already miss you kenny… we’ll be here when you return.
karyn says:
I too will miss you Kenny alot this next summer. I have seen you four times,2004,2005,2007 and 2009 and they were all great! I never have seen any other singer more then 3times before!! However you deserve a break time.Yes I’m preaty bummed and little sad about next summer but sometimes you need a break.I admire you going this long without one.So enjoy your summer off and I hope you come to Syracuse in 2011.Also tell your drummer that Im from Watertown Ny also!
Enjoy the time off and until then I have your cds to listen too!
karyn
Amanda says:
I agree with every Kenny Chesney fan, the summer won’t be the same without you Kenny. I know my friends and I plan our summers around your show in pittsburgh and we’ve all had weddings during the summer and prayed they weren’t the same day, luckily they weren’t. I’m so glad I got to see you this past year and all the prior years. you defiantly know how to throw a party and make everybody forget about their problems for those hours when the sun goes down.
After all you have given your fans you deserve some time off and will be GREATLY missed. Rest up, enjoy the family and plan one helluva welcome back party!!! Miss you already xoxoxoxo
Matt says:
Thank God, maybe the Entertainer of the Year award will go to the man who truly deserves it and is the most underrated entertainer this decade, Keith Urban.
SandBetweenMyToes says:
Unfortunately I haven’t attended a KC concert because I don’t have the money (husband is laid off since last December).I am a fan, and those I know who have attended shared what a great show he gives. I’ve seen him on the award shows and other tv specials and of course listen to 94.9 the Bull radio. He deserves to take a break. You only pass through this life once…enjoy yourself, your family and friends and make memorable moments. When you come back, I am looking forward to hearing all the fresh material. Enjoy your five o’clock somewhere!
Kathy Staph says:
We love you kenny, Heartbroken but we all know you need time in that blue rocking chair.
Sun Goddess says:
I have taken my son to his concerts since he was 3 he is now 11! He was so sad. We understand the Hillbilly Rock Star needs a break. I wondered how he did it year after year. Look forward to his return.
Gwen T. says:
Mr.Chesney, hope you’re doing well. This is in regards to asking you if you would help sponsor my grand-daughter to go on a trip of a life time to New York City. If you could pray about it and find it in your heart to help us out,let me know and I will need some info to send you the itinerary
and any info you need about the trip. This trip is really important to her and all of us. Actually,if you can persuade some of your friends to help also we could use some spending money while we’re there for the 5 days.
May God Bless !!
Now lets see…. says:
If there are any other country artists that can sell out statiums like he can. Pop country or non. He is up there with U2. Bet it doesnt happen.
Now lets see…. says:
If it goes to someone else because hes not there then he does not deserve it!
Now lets see…. says:
He meaning another artist.
Lanie says:
Hey, Kenny, come on back to ETSU and just hang out and play a few!
JOE says:
What about the 100 or so people that work for him that just found out they are unemployed next year? I’m just sayin-
KIM says:
I wish you luck, hope to see you around town here and there.
Marcy says:
Good for you Kenny, you deserve it! Your fans will miss you but we understand, see you in 2011!
mawmaw bogue says:
God Bless you Kenny for your decision to reconnect with family and your soul. You have given so much pleasure and happiness to this world without taking time to refuel…..we all need to keep our souls refreshed everyday. There is just the simplest pleasure of watching a leaf drift to the ground or smelling fresh rain, you need some new moments to soak up simple pleasures that will give you peace and calm and a smile on the inside. You will never lose your powerful presence on stage, but I believe that after your time off with family and travel you will come back with deeper feelings in your song writing. I am a grandma and I just love your sweet smile and good heart along with your singing. God bless you, MawMaw
Tammy says:
I think it is a wonderful thing that Kenny take some time off and spend with his family. I lost my mom this summer and I know how important it is to spend time with those you love. Nothing last forever! A little vacation time with family and friends may inspire him to a new place!
Enjoy it!
Tammy
Mississippi
timcun says:
Joe, I’m sure the people who work on these tours know it’s not a lasting job. There are other artists who don’t tour every year. I think the ones who have worked for him for the last eight years straight should thank their lucky stars it lasted that long. What is he supposed to do, completely burn himself out where he won’t be able to perform at all? Give him a break!
Just Me says:
Gonna miss you, Kenny…the last concert my husband and i went to, we were in the FRONT row…it was AWESOME…Kenny is awesome…
Dan says:
To those who think he is over rated… ticket sales dont lie. Award shows give awards to over rated artists at times, but when you pack the largest stadiums in the US EVERY summer, your not over rated. He deserves the break and he will be worth the wait. Hell, its only one summer people.
Lori says:
Kenny..Good for you and I wish you all the best. You still are the #1 man from Tennessee!
Cristy sumrtm1 says:
Bravo..you need a break Kenny…I will miss u but u need a break…..relax enjoy..we will be waiting….
michele hallman says:
i am a huge kenny fan. i always wondered how he does this so fast so long? never making time for himself. you need time for yourself or you will self destruct!!! he needs a life outside music also. i wish him the best of luck and relaxation. i still will listen to his music.
Susie Q says:
Kenny’s the man! I went to a Kenny concert this year and in ‘08. Very impressed by how much energy his shows generate! So much fun. I’m glad he’s not gone for good and hope he returns soon. 2010 won’t the same without Kenny, that’s for sure. I hope he enjoys his time away though. He truly deserves it!
Foxborrow Andy says:
I totally understand where he is coming from but I am really sadden by this news. Enjoy your year off kenny you deserve it. For all of us foxborrow fans thanks bud and see u in 11.
Donna says:
Kenny, I don’t know what to say to tell you how I feel.I think you need to rest relax because life only happens once and life isn’t just all about work. Sometimes you have to put yourself first.sit down and just look around you.just enjoy all that goes unnoticed when we are caught up in all the huatle and bustle of life. I like to set on the beach late at night or early in the morning before “life” starts another day and take in all that God has created. It is just awesome where the ocean meets the skie.Since I am your same age I feel like I am a little in tune with what you are feeling. I would love to be able to help you see these things that matter. Simply put I LOVE YOU!!!!!
carol says:
i love kenny & he is a wonderful musician. i just think he should have told his crew what is going on,before they saw it on the internet. show a little respect & loyalty for his crew. they gave up their family life for him!!! so i agree with joe!!! do love kenny tho!!
Kait says:
Kenny I love you and I totally understand where you are coming from. You give up so much of your life to go on the road for so long, you need some time for yourself. I will miss you in Hartford next summer!! You are the most amazing man! Can’t wait to see you when you start touring again!
Tyler says:
I attended Kenny’s last show last night at Lucas Oil Stadium.
When Kenny sang “I’m Better As A Memory Than As Your Man”…. he could not finish because he was tearing up so bad. The pictures I got of a tear rolling down his cheek is PRICELESS.
I do not think there was a dry eye in the stadium during this beautiful moment.
I have seen Kenny perform 5 times and I will be waiting in 2011. We love you Kenny & we hope your time is well worth it.
Good luck & see you in 2011!!
Next summer will NOT be the same :(
Allison Rothwell says:
Say its not true. My summer will be longer without seeing Kenny Chesney but atleast his music will be here for me to listen too. He truly will be missed I hope everything will be great in his not long but not short time off. See you when you come back and take care. Only a true fan will understand that you need a break once in a while so god bless and get your rest that you need and spend time with the family .
Loretta says:
Ive been to a few of Kennys Shows ,The Hard Rock in New York was the Best! Kenny will be missed,But Family is important, Enjoy Your time off Kenny, Put Your Toes in the Sand! Peace ,Love & KENNY
debbie says:
I was at Kenny’s last concert Sept. 19 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and I have to say it was the best show I have seen. When he did his last song “Better as a Memory” he could NOT hold it together, God Bless him, he tried, but kept breaking down. I love you Kenny for your entertainment and your talent and your gift of music, Thank you so much for allowing your fans to see the human side of you last night. May God be with you and take the time needed to reconnect with yourself, and family and mostly with God
Anji F. says:
Kenny you were so awesome this year. I got to see you twice and so glad I did! You deserve to take some time off, be with your family and do things for yourself. Enjoy it and relax. I am your biggest fan and will be waiting for you when you come back. Love you always & forever!
Ann Bailey says:
Kenny,
My husband and I have seen many concerts over 41 years of marriage (including Elvis).
You provide an energy and perfect pitch voice unlike many others. You sound as good live as you do on CDs. Having MS, your show is my summer outing each year. Having said that: It’s time for you to live your life! You have brought much happiness to others. I wish you only the best and God’s blessing on your life.
Terry B says:
Bravo Kenny
know it’s the right thing to do………….go feed your gypsy soul………………..Terry, Scottsdale, AZ
timcun says:
Carol … Kenny refers to his crew as his family away from home so I’m sure he told them in person. There’s no way he would have let them find out by reading it on the Internet. He’s not that kind of guy.
Sandi says:
I have been to at least one of his shows if not more for the last five years as we plan a girls weekend every year around Kenny’s concerts and as much as we will miss him we still have his new radio station to listen to and music that he has produced. I am sure his crew were all notified well in advance about this and I am sure they are all glad to have this time to be with their families and friends also. Kenny loves his crew they are his family in a difference sense of the word.
THANK YOU so much for all of the wonderful memories that I have of travels to your different concerts!!!
We hope that you will make all new Memories of your own in your travels. We look forward to your return!!
LOVE YOU KENNY and GOD BLESS you and your family
Brandon Taylor says:
Con Grats on all your success and I hope you enjoy your time off but we look forward to your return in 2011. You really know how to throw a great party and put on an awesome show!! My best friend and I have been to 3 concerts in the past 6yrs 04 and 08 in Evansville IN and this year in INDY, she’s been to 4 and they were all great!! we always plan are summers around your show, it’s not going to feel like summer next year with you being off but enjoy your time off and we look forward to seeing you in 2011 bigger and better than ever!!
shelly says:
Kenny has won entertainer of the year so many times because thats what he is. He loves his fans and he makes sure they get their moneys worth when they com to his concerts. If kenny has to leave the music scene for a while for someone else to win that award then they obveously arnt good enough to recieve it in the first place!!!!!!!!! We love you kenny & will miss you!!! hope you have a great year off!! we are already anticipating your return!!!! Im sure it will be one hell of a kick off party!!!!!!!
CASSEY says:
KENNY YOU ARE GONNA BE MISSED AND LOVED WHILE YOUR GONE,BUT DON’T WORRY EVERYONE WILL BE WAITING ON YOU!YOU HAVE GAVE US SO MUCH OF YOUR LIFE.AND NOW YOU NEED A BREAK FOR YOU.I’VE BEEN TO YOUR SHOWS AND IT WAS AWESOME! I LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL BE MISSED.I’VE WENT THROUGH HELL THIS LAST YEAR AND A HALF AND YOUR MUSIC HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH AND FOR THAT I WANT TO SAY THANK-YOU.IT’S LIKE YOUR SONG “YOU SAVED ME” WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU,BECAUSE YOUR WORTH THE WAIT.HAVE FUN ON YOUR TIME OFF,AND ENJOY LIFE.SEE YOU IN 2011!!!!!