Garth Brooks Takes Solo Route to Las Vegas
Garth Brooks managed to provide a surprise even after word leaked out that he would be performing at the Wynn Las Vegas, one of the newest upscale hotels and casinos in America's gambling capital. He's always been known for his bombastic concert productions, so it seemed logical that his Vegas shows would provide something even more lavish and over the top -- maybe along the lines of country meets Cirque du Soleil. But in making Thursday afternoon's (Oct. 15) announcement, he revealed that the shows will be solo acoustic affairs -- just him and his guitar. He's done shows like this before but usually reserved them for special events. I saw one of those performances several years ago at the Radio & Records convention in Los Angeles. (Believe it or not, he opened the show for Paula Cole, who had a hit around that time with "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone.") It was nothing like Brooks' arena concerts, and I have to say I wasn't expecting nearly as much as he delivered. The set list was pretty much confined to music Brooks loved when he was growing up -- songs by artists such as James Taylor, Cat Stevens and Bob Seger. The informal setting allowed him to talk about his musical influences and also underscored how mesmerizing the guy can be without a band, a huge stage and related props. In fact, when he later started issuing some of his unreleased recordings, I had hoped he'd provide a CD from one of those solo concerts. That never happened, although it stands to reason that he'll release a recording from his Vegas shows. Or maybe not. He's surprised me before.
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Judy says:
I am so….very happy for Garth. He is such a wonderful man, and the best entertainer ever in country music. I wish him all of the best and only hope that I can see him in Vegas soon. My husband and I got to see him in Tulsa, at his concert in the late 90’s. He was awesome…. I know that no matter what kind of show he puts on it will be the best. He has a wonderful voice and a great love for the industry and people in general. He is definitely “one of a kind”. Congratulations, Garth, Trisha and family!!!!
It is so good to have you back!!!
Judy and Don Knight
Rose says:
I am so very happy to hear Garth is coming back, I have never seen him and my dream before i leave this earth is to see him in concert and meet him or sing a song with him, I know i am dreaming but i can =) Garth Please come to Boston to play at fenway park or the arena . I pray that i get a chance to see you somewhere out there on tour. I love your music and just pleaseeee come to Boston Mass, or Manchester NH !!
Kate says:
What does Garth have against ’smiling’? Just once. What’s with the pose?
Country fan says:
idk if he’s the best, Kenny Chesney is difiantly as good or better in my opinion.
Mike says:
I was happy to hear that G.B. came out of retirement but disappointed about his new Vegas plan. Garth, if you’re reading this (doubtful), this is the wrong move. Your core group of fans would pay any amount of $$ to see you in concert, at a venue near them. The chances are slim that members of the H.T.B.A. could get out to Vegas, stay there and see the show. There are plenty of small venues you could play acoustically.
Charlotte says:
I am soooo happy to hear that Garth Brooks is coming out of retirement even if it is only in Las Vegas. I would be willing to fly anywhere that Garth is playing. I just hope that I can get tickets.
Billie Watts says:
I hope my husband & I get a chance to see Garth in Concert because we never have. Looking forward to hearing any new songs and seeing and hearing any new videos.
Cheryl Borders says:
I was soooo excited to hear this news, then I realized he is not touring. I agree with Mike above. Garth needs to come where most of his fans are. Not everyone can come to Vegas but they may be able to drive a couple hours away to see him. I sure would. Also I am disappointed in Garth regarding the price of tickets. He once said he would always make ticket prices low so that fans could attend. $125 plus trip-not affordable!!!! I love Garth sooo much but I am disappointed that I will not see him. I live in NC. I saw him 3 times he came to Charlotte and let me tell you he definitely earns entertainer of the year against anyone. I love Kenny too and he puts on a good show but no one can compare to Garth. Have you ever seen someone enter the stage by coming up and out of a piano?? He did!! It was awesome. I love you Garth but I am very disappointed that you are not getting back out with your fans. We love you and want to be able to see you.