George Strait Debuts Brand-New Collaboration With Chris Stapleton During First Stadium Show Of 2024

George Strait certainly had a memorable comeback to the stage on Saturday night (May 4) when he performed to a sold-out crowd of 51,132 fans at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium. Throughout the show, the country music legend traded fans to several brand-new, unreleased songs including his first-ever collaboration with Chris Stapleton.

The “Tennessee Whiskey” singer was on hand for the show and joined Strait on stage to help sing a few tracks such as “Pancho and Lefty,” a cover of the Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard classic and “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,” an album cut he penned for Strait’s Love Is Everything. For their final delivery together, Strait and Stapleton got the chance to showcase their upcoming release titled “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.”

Unsurprisingly, this song is just about as country as country can be. With sounds of the steel guitar, fiddle and drums blending the pair of hitmakers twang-filled vocals, fans were treated to an authentic display of pride for the genre. 

Strait Also Announces 31st Studio Record, “Cowboys And Dreamers”

This collaborative tune is set to appear on Strait’s 31st studio record for MCA, dubbed Cowboys and Dreamers, which he also announced during the concert. The beloved Texan dropped the news at the top of the evening, while letting his audience in on what to expect throughout the duration of his first two-hour stadium show of 2024. 

“It’s so good to be back…man, it’s been six months, and that’s too long,” Strait said, greeting the crowd. 

Two songs into his set, he continued, “We got some new stuff, too, I’m gonna throw in throughout the night, because I broke down and did another record, and I’m gonna play a few of those for you tonight.”

Honoring Late Friends And Members Of His Touring Family

He certainly fulfilled on his promised and gave these lucky fans an exclusive look into his next project. Along the way, the “Check Yes or No” singer also honored several members of his touring family who he unfortunately lost recently. He paid tribute to his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, by performing a song Erv previously wrote, and delivered a six-song encore in celebration of Ace in the Hole member Gene Elders and former drummer/road manager, Tom Foote.

“The last couple of months have been a tough time… music makes it all better. Thank you for coming out – we’ve had a great time tonight. This one is for Erv, and Gene and Tom,” Strait told the audience. 

In addition to honoring the members of his team who have passed, Strait remembered fellow musical great Waylon Jennings by performing his rendition of the 1975 release, “Waymore’s Blues.”

“We always like to do songs from our old heroes that have passed on and finally got this one down (recorded) and gonna do it now live, this is ‘Waymore’s Blues,’” he shared. 

George Strait’s appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium marked his first of only 10 stadium shows this year. His next performance is scheduled to take place at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on May 11. 

George Strait’s Upcoming Tour Dates: 

May

11- EverBank Stadium – Jacksonville, FL
25 – Jack Trice Stadium – Ames, IA

June

1 – Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
8 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ
15 – Kyle Field – College Station, TX
29 – Rice-Eccles Stadium – Salt Lake City, UT

July

13 – Ford Field – Detroit, MI
20 – Soldier Field – Chicago, IL
7 – Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV

For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming dates, visit GeorgeStrait.com.