Garth Brooks

Live reviews

• Garth Brooks

  My daughter is pretty opened minded about music. She really has no choice with me as her father. That didn’t stop her from informing me that she finds country music to be boring though. There was a part of me that wanted to convince her otherwise, but then I remembered how I felt about country music when I was a little kid. I found it to be boring as well. My grandfather was a cowboy and I just didn’t get his music. My dad listened to everything on the radio, but whenever he put the country station on, I would tune out. Country music just isn’t for kids. How could it be? Good country music is about life experiences — the kind of experiences that the average American kid shouldn’t know anything about. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I began to relate to the stories those old cowboys were telling. I didn’t appreciate the art of country until I was able to listen to a song like “The Dance” and realize it wasn’t about dancing at all.

  The loss of innocence can be a sad thing, but gaining real-world knowledge and maturity is also something to celebrate. My country music awakening coincided with the rise of Garth Brooks. My parents had just gotten a divorce and I was living with my dad. He played a lot of Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks during that time. I got sucked in. It was perfect timing too, because all of a sudden country music was cool. Everyone I knew had the No Fences CD – even those who were only listening to rap or metal a few months earlier. My love of mainstream country didn’t last very long, and I know a lot of those artists are to blame for the faux country that followed in their footsteps, but there will always be a place in my life for those songs of the early nineties.

  “A melody can bring back a memory

  Take you to another place in time

  Completely change your state of mind”

  Clint Black wrote those lyrics. I can still hear him singing them even though I haven’t listened to that song in two decades. That simple chorus sums up why I love music so much. Those three simple lines explain it all. It’s those melodies and memories that drove me to buy Garth Brooks tickets so many years after his importance in my life had faded. It’s those melodies and memories that kept him alive in the hearts and minds of so many fans while he stepped away from the limelight to focus on his family for an extended period of time. And it’s those melodies and memories that allowed him to sell out a record-breaking nine shows at the Pepsi Center over the past week.

  There are times when I am a music snob. There are times when I miss sharing that collective love for a song like “Shameless”, or an album like Ropin’ the Wind. That’s why the experience at the Pepsi Center was so uplifting. The arena was filled with real people. There were those who were living the American Dream. There were those who were still struggling to achieve it. And there were those who didn’t even believe in it anymore. “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “The River” are songs that transcend money and class and (even though it was a predominately white crowd) race. Garth could have performed a couple stadium shows and charged hundreds of dollars for each ticket, making it an ‘elite-only’ type of show, but he wasn’t afraid of working a little harder to make his money if it meant that ALL of his fans were able to attend. I sat next to people who have expense accounts and go to ton of events every year. I sat next to a mother and daughter who don’t go to many shows at all. I sat next to a boy who just got back from Iraq and I sat in front of four generations of women who sang along with every song. Every one of those people were just as important to the full experience as any of the musicians on the stage were.

  When performing nine shows over six nights, there has to be structure. So it was that each night followed a script, with just enough improvisation to keep things interesting for those who attended more than one show. Each night started out with a countdown, a silhouette of the man himself, and a big entrance to “Man Against Machine”. After that industrial title track from the new album, it was nothing but hits. “Rodeo”, “Two of a Kind”, “The (sing-along with lighters and phones in the air) River”, “The Beaches of (everyone from Wyoming go crazy) Cheyenne”, “Two Piña Coladas”, “Papa Loved Mama”, “Ain’t Goin’ Down”, “Unanswered Prayers” and the version of “The Thunder Rolls” where she kills him in the end. The stage banter during that part of the show revolved around ‘playing the old stuff’, ‘being too old and needing the audience to help’, and the orchestration of the crowd into his own instrument. It was a run of songs that transported everyone back to a time long gone.

  The second new track came in the form of “People Loving People”, which was prefaced by a speech about how depressing the news is today. Then he brought his wife out for a duet. They sang “In Another’s Eyes” to each other as they crossed the stage and then Garth took a well-deserved break while Trisha Yearwood took her spot in the light. “XXXs and OOOs” soundtracked clips from her cooking show before “How Do I Live” covered the sounds of people sobbing. “PrizeFighter” was dedicated to breast cancer awareness most nights, but after getting sick a few days in, she augmented that song with “Georgia Rain”, and on one special occasion, an acoustic rendition of “Walkway Joe” with her husband on guitar. She always ended her set with “She’s in Love With the Boy” though, while people all over the arena kissed each other on the big screen.

  The next mini-set held its own against the beginning of the show. This included Garth’s favorite song to perform, “Callin’ Baton Rouge”, and his favorite song overall, “The Dance”, as well as “Shameless” and the kiss-my-ass version of “Friends in Low Places”. You really couldn’t ask for a better closing. This was one part of the show that was just too perfect to edit, so it was the same every night. The first encore was always “The Fever” as well. The elaborate, egg-shaped drum cage began to rise and morph, members of the band were lifted into the air, and Garth continued to ran around like a maniac…pulling energy from the crowd in order to keep everything fresh and full of life for every show.

  The second encore is where Garth got a little creative with the setlist. Each night ended with “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” and “Standing Outside the Fire”, but he also liked to pepper the performance with other selections to make each night unique. I really enjoyed his covers of “Night Moves” and “Amarillo By Morning”, but when he sang “Mom” directly to a mother and daughter who were sitting behind the stage, it was hard not to get emotional. The daughter was holding a sign pointing at her mom that said “The Last Time We Were All Here, I Was In Her Tummy –>”. The fact that he took the time to ask their names, and sing that particular song, just goes to show what a good guy (and aware performer) Garth Brooks really is. One night he thanked the audience and God for allowing him to take time off to take care for his own babies, but then be able to come back. Maybe it’s all an act, but the guy seems seriously humbled by his fans and their love for his songs. I don’t have much invested in that song “Mom” and I don’t know if it will ever invoke strong emotions in me, but I know it will for Stacie and Jessica. That mother and daughter will never forgot that moment or that song. That melody will always bring back that memory for them.

  There were around 18,000 of us in the arena for each performance. We were all there together and it was amazing. But once the songs started, only our collective voices were present. We all went different places as we sang along with each other…

  “And now I’m glad I didn’t know

  The way it all would end, the way it all would go

  Our lives are better left to chance

  I could have missed the pain

  But I’d have had to miss the dance”

  As we danced in the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, our minds converted those melodies to memories, and those memories took us back to a time and place where things were good…and bad…and beautiful…and ugly…and sad…and different. They took us back to a place we wouldn’t change if we could, because it led us to the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado — with our wives, our husbands, our mothers and our fathers, our children and their children, our friends and their friends…and our memories…and Garth Brooks…and his melodies.

  - See more at: http://ilistensoyoudonthaveto.com/2015/03/24/garth-brooks-pepsi-center-march-2015/#sthash.9Jy1qOiU.dpuf

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by kmartini

• there are 3 artists that i wanted my kids to see they loved Prince and liked Michael and Garth. had tickets to Prince concert it was 3 weeks after he died my kids had gotten them for my bday which was weekend he passed. I was lucky as hell back when MTV was real music tv and ewas cool not the piece crap it is now when they had contests and shit. I lived in Gillette wyoming and was dating a girl who was friends with this chick from Sheridan and was lucky as hell won contest to have Prince come to her town for the release of Purple Rain and i got to go with the chick i was sleeping with. (i was totally fixing blow her off the day i heard on tv and she called and told me i was going with her) went to sheridan and met him he wasnt as reclusive then as in later years and he was there meet people but he didnt talk to many when Jesse Johnson introduced us he told Prince I was totally a brother somehow trapped in white mans body. he spent atleast 20 minutes there with us and Morris jopined us. I told Prince he was my Idol clear back then and he was interested in how in redneck country i heard his earlier albums told him my brother was black and gaved me all his albums. we had little clique there of 6 guys we called ourseklves the time and had our own names and told him and Morris and they were like maybe everyone in wyoming were hicks. so i totally wanted my kids see him and i never got to see Michael so wanted us go together but Garth believe it or not with No Fences he was his first tour with the Judds and my band Steelwheel had released our album 8 months before Garth and we were Opening for Judds on a 24 date cebtral and northwestern U.S. leg of their tour and Garth opened for us and watching him which i did more every concert so much so few times i had to get help setting up and tuning my set. he was so freaking awesome even back then i told him after 2 nd week that he wouldnt be opening for anyone very long he would be the main artists on his next tour and he was so humble he was like i dont think it be that soon maybe 4th album and i told him he was the first performer i had seen in longtime (told him my goddfather Alice Cooper only one i knew put on a show and thatr he was giving him competiton)tghat cared about the fans and did his best to make everyone feel like they had seen a show and that he did with a much smaller space than shoulda been possible. and he said thanks and that if he did make it big that i would always have tickets to his show and that i just needed to tell whoever was at door that hoss was here with message from his (mom but had to tell them her middle name which i wont say he outa respect but i seen him 4 times after first was his first headling concert and true to his word he had Betty come get me and i was backstage at the 4 concerts and twice in vegas. and my son is a Beatles and hip hop fan but Garth one his favorites and daughter is AC/DC and metal fan but same with Garth and they both loved Prince and we missed Michael and have tickets to the concert Prince was going to do 3 weeks after he died in Minneappolis but i have not gotten them to the Last True Pwerformer of Modern age Garth and i will do whatever it takes to make sure they see him before anything happens to any of us. told them there was Michael , Prince. George, Johnny Merle and Waylon and Garth that were true artists and were Heaven sent to make us happy and of all my heroes Garth last one alive and i will get my kids to see his show cause he puts on a show that even Alice has to take second to and theres never been anyone or never will there be again like him . He and Prince were and are i swear on all i believe are true angels from heaven and God missed Prince and sooner or later hesgonna want his other angel back.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by michael-sills

• Not a fan of country music but love the awesome, wild and completely entertaining energy of a live concert? Then Garth Brooks is for you! I've been to many concerts in my day and continue to enjoy concerts from specific artists (Jake Bugg, Billy, Joel, Elton John, and Lady Gaga to name a few), but I must admit the most energetic, over-the-top entertaining and awesomely fun concerts I ever had the opportunity to attend were Garth Brooks extravaganzas! To call anything Garth Brooks and his team do anything less than an extravaganza or lifetime adventure simply dose not do it justice. In the early 1990's throughout the 2000's, Garth Brooks and his music were on fire. Garth sold CDs like candy and kept his music and concerts reasonably priced so the masses could enjoy him without filing for bankruptcy. To this day, I relive many of Garth's live events through DVDs (my all time favorite music video is Garth's first "body surf" in Dublin while singing The River)! In 2012, Garth Brooks and his wife Trish Yearwood set up a special and very unique event in Las Vegas. It was a more personal experience with basically just a charismatic, gifted man on the stage and his guitar. The show, in my opinion, was equivalent to a live version of "Garth Unplugged" that air on many of today's music channels. In summary, you must see Garth in concert to believe and feel what I'm attempting to put into words. His energy is contagious, his music is exciting and he always manages to surprise us all with his genius level talent. You can't blame it all on my roots because I'm a city boy at heart but when it comes to country, Garth Brooks is 220 (second to none)!

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by joe-molloy

• Definition of EPIC: "telling a story about a hero, exciting events or adventure."

  Seeing Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood in concert definitely fits the word 'EPIC'!

  The concert opened with Brett Kissel playing some songs on his' guitar and he is one class act! This was followed by the talented singer/songwriter Karyn Rochelle. Both Brett and Karyn helped get the eager crowd warmed up, that is for sure!

  When Garth came on stage the crowd exploded! He played so many of our old favourites and all ages cheered and sang along-even those younger than some of his' songs!

  Trisha Yearwood came on partway through Garth's set and was fabulous! The emotion when she sang "Broken" was felt by everyone!

  I was so fortunate to be able to meet Garth and Trisha before the show and they were so down to earth. They sat,chatted with us and made us feel like meeting us was just as important to them.

  The concert was amazing from beginning to end and I think Canada gave Garth and Trisha an enthusiastically 'Canadian, eh' welcome!

  Attending A Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood concert was truly an EPIC moment in my life I will never forget!!

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by trisherdish

• Garth Brooks is for sure one of the most incredible Music Artists ever! His drive and love to entertain and care for his fans is beyond anything I have ever experienced. Last night's 2nd show was nothing less than Amazing and by the end of the show, at about 2:30 in the morning, we were all still left wanting more. Garth's love and chemistry for his wife and fellow entertainer, Trisha Yearwood, added a family fun experience that really completed the evening for us all. With their combined band members that have been with one or the other of them for at least 19 years to 24 years, the Valley View Casino Center was transformed into a Rockin' Country Music Emporium. I can wish they do another tour in another year. I have never Enjoyed a concert more! It was completely excellent!!!

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by LLHoffman

• Garth Brooks was amazing! I elected to attend the second show of the night which was delayed about an hour due to the delay of the people attending the first show exiting the venue. The concert was 2.5 hours long. Garth and his band's energy is incredible especially when they do two shows a night. Trisha Yearwood's appearance was special. She has such an amazing voice and just is fun to watch. She interacts very well with the audience. Garth and Trisha are a dynamo duo. If you have never seen Garth in concert, you owe it to yourself to attend. This concert was my first Garth Brooks' concert and I now understand what everyone talks about when talking about Garth's shows. He is a true entertainer.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by Rosanne65

• This is not necessarily a review of Garth’s performance as much as it is a review of the venue. The sound quality inside U.S. Bank Stadium was not the best. I think an outdoor venue, or at least a venue with an open roof, would have been a better choice. I am fully aware that the venue was not made for concerts, but if concert planners are going to start using football stadiums as concert venues, then the sound quality should be considered before booking events, in my opinion. Garth himself was wonderful!

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by shane-buchli

• Anticipation ran high in Canada’s Capital since it was announced that the best selling solo artist in US history, Garth Brooks, would be making his return to the city for the first time in 19 years this past January. The wait came to an end on Friday as thousands of fans descended on the Canadian Tire Centre for the first of 4 shows.

  My full review of Garth Brooks opening night in Ottawa: http://www.soundcheckentertainment.ca/fans-eager-welcome-garth-brooks-back-ottawa-19-year-absence/

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by hendrik-pape

• I’ve seen Garth twice before the HLSR show last night. Once when he was an opening act and second just after Friends in Low Places came out. Both of those shows were great, but last nights show was different. Garth seemed like a little kid enjoying every moment. I was working the show for CSC and watching our guest face and reactions were priceless. All I can say is WELCOME BACK GARTH. Oh one more thing, wanna know where was Ty England? I missed him last night.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by michelle-polk-2

• The concert was totally Awesome! Only a very few artist and their music can relate to all ages. And Garth Brooks in my opinion is the best. I noticed at the concert, young and old, black and white all enjoyed the most energectic, diverse, where old and new were appreciated by all.

  In my opinion Garth Brooks has always had the best concerts. It us important to him that people get their monies worth.

  If you have not seen one of his concerts, it is must.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by vcupples