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After more than 30 years of a lifestyle that often required lots of time on the road, country legend George Strait has saddled up for what he says will be his final tour, a two-year outing dubbed The Cowboy Rides Away Tour.
More than 20 farewell concerts take place between January and May of 2014, and the shows -- many of which will feature a big-name special guest such as Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Martina McBride, or Sheryl Crow -- are proving to be hot tickets as fans celebrate the storied career of the country mainstay. He announced his retirement from the road during a September 2012 press conference in Nashville, and played more than 20 farewell shows during early 2013.
Strait doesn't plan to ride into the sunset -- he's just done with long tours. He recently renewed his deal with MCA Records, so he'll keep releasing new music and plans to also play select concert dates in the future. But grueling trips aboard the tour bus are in his rearview mirror.
After the Urban Cowboy ethos dominated country music in the late '70s, Strait emerged in the early '80s with his take on classic country stylings, and is often credited with paving the way for other neo-traditionalist superstars like Garth Brooks, Dwight Yoakam, and Randy Travis.
Strait's catalog includes timeless hits like "Amarillo by Morning," "All My Ex's Live in Texas," "Love Without End, Amen," and "I've Come to Expect it From You."
A 2006 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Strait's remarkable career has included a record 60 No. 1 songs on the country chart. He holds many other country sales records, including most No. 1 albums and most gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums. Only Elvis Presley and The Beatles have more combined gold and platinum albums in their catalogs.
A native of Poteet, Texas, south of San Antonio, Strait grew up in neighboring Frio County. He first took up music in high school as a member of a rock garage band. After a stint in the Army, he earned an Agriculture degree from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos while playing in a bar band that performed around central and south Texas.
Strait signed with MCA Records in 1981, after Erv Woolsey, who ran one of the bars Strait's band played, urged Nashville talent scouts to check him out. Woolsey went on to become Strait's manager.
The concert was excellent-opening act was excellent. My only complaint wast that the stage was not on the middle of the floor, George's concerts are usually mid saddledom and everyone can see the stage very well. When the tickets went on sale, it wasn't indicated where the stage would be so it would have made a huge difference which seats I would have bought, if I had known!!!
Last night was an extremely unforgettable show! George Strait rocked the Saddledome at a sold out show! Played his oldies and the new songs!! truly a remarkable artist!! The king of country!!
Straight's show probably belongs in honky-tonks and smaller venues as the stage layout had a real 'I'm-in-a-bar' feel to it. All that was missing was the chicken wire. I was a little suprised at how short the total set length was. The guy's had nearly 60 number 1's, so a full 2 hour show would not have been out of the question, but hey he's George Strait and he can do what he wants. George was not really engaged with the audience, but there is no arguing that music was completely awesome. The show was not part of a tour, so rather than pushing his last album, Troubador, the song line-up was a greatest hits. The muic was awesome and the selection of songs was perfect for the timing (Stampede) and crowd in attendance. The whole line-up was hits and included a new song from his next album. It was a concert totally worth attending!
Based on my prior attendance at his concert brought six new friends to the show this time. All impressed and new converts, even those who weren't country music fans are now rabid Strait fans.
George Straight was fantastic however the wait between the opening act and the main event was way to long. Even though there were some equipent changes the change should have been much shorter. That being said the music was still great.
I went to this show with very high expectations and am pleased to report that they were satisfied. The 'artist of the decade' definitely lived up to his reputation. Hit after hit after hit, new and old. Only had a couple of songs that I didn't know but wasn't surprised given that he has over 50 #1 hits. Even finished the evening with a solid cover of Folsom Prison.
It was wonderful to see George Strait again! He puts on a fantastic show, as always, and had the crowd at their feet!
This is probably the best male country music artist I have seen to date in the Saddledome. They got the sound right for a change. I have been to numerous other and walked away wonder why I spent money to see them. Not only that but he played an amazing number of songs and it was an awesome night.
The concert was absolutely awesome. George certainly hasn't lost his touch and he played to the whole crowd. I am so glad he played such a wide selection of songs. Took me back in years. I would definitely go and see him again
From the moment he stepped on the stage, he kept the audience entertained with one great song after another. His band Ace in the Hole are very talented & provided great music with the steel guitar & fiddle. I felt I received great value for my entertainment dollar.
Excellent presentation as expected from George Strait.
George Strait is so great. I drove from Edmonton to see him. I sure hope he comes to Edmonton soon. He is just amazing.
As usual, there was no glitz or glammer, but then again, George does not need all that stuff. Can't imagine a better show than George being George and singing his songs. It was awesome. I could watch him every night. There is never enough time in the show to hear all the songs that you want but I guess a show with all 58 number 1's is a lot to ask for. Can't wait until he comes back again!!!
I have seen George Strait several times, and this time he did not disappoint. His voice was strong and clear, he had a good selection of songs, and he was entertaining. A very classy and classic country artist - I have never been disappointed at any of his shows.
George was everything I had hoped for. However the $160 tickets were rediculous. We were beside the stage and the jumbo screen blocked our view completely. There was about 80 people who actually moved from our seating to behind the stage so we could see the backside of the jumboscreen. George was amazing but the crappy seats should not be that much money, very disapointed. That being said I would so reccomend anyone to go and see him he is the king!
