Garth Brooks has performed for millions of fans in massive stadiums across the globe, but nothing quite compares to the overwhelming emotion of kicking off a brand-new tour.
As the country music icon took the stage for opening night, the energy of a packed, roaring arena proved to be too much. Stepping into the spotlight to launch his latest run of live dates, Brooks fought back tears as the crowd enthusiastically responded to one of his biggest hits.
Garth Brooks Was Visibly Moved By The Audience’s Reaction
Garth Brooks opened up the first night of his “Blame it On My Roots” tour in Indianapolis, Indiana. The concert took place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 20.
The Indy Star reported that the former “The Voice” Season 11 mentor “was making his way through his 1992 Billboard Hot Country Songs chart-topper ‘The River,’ and the sound of some 17,000-plus singing it with him was just too much for him to handle.” The moment brought Brooks to tears.
He declared, “Picking Indianapolis for the opening city of this tour. I was right,” as his band closed the concert with his beloved hit “The Dance.”
In an Instagram post, which has limited comments, Brooks shared his thanks for the first night’s success. He wrote, alongside a slideshow of four photos, “THIS is how you start a tour!!! INDY… night one of four, and you absolutely blew the roof off this place! If this is the beginning, we’re in for one hell of a ride!!!!!!! love, g.”
When Did Garth Brooks Last Tour?
GettyGarth Brooks last brought his music to the masses on a full-scale road run with “The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour.” That wrapped up in September 2022 after playing to over three million fans worldwide.
Following that massive four-year trek, he pivoted to an intimate venue setup with his headlining “Plus ONE” residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Those dates concluded in early 2025.
However, it had been nearly four years since the country superstar played traditional multi-city arena shows. Re-entering a full arena layout meant stepping back into the massive production of a traditional touring schedule.
As he stood in front of an arena audience for the first time in years, the sheer scale of the homecoming caught him off guard. The crowd’s overwhelming reaction showed that fans had been eagerly awaiting his official return.
However, taking in the roaring ovation, the emotional singer wiped away tears. Additionally, he acknowledged just how much he missed the high energy of a classic tour. Touring was one way Brooks kept connected to his fans. Their energy was something he looked forward to receiving again.
Indiana is the first of Brooks’ tour stops this summer. Following, he heads to Denver, Colorado, on September 4, where he will play four dates at the Ball Arena, per Live Nation. On September 10, he plays the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, followed by The Capital One Arena in Washington, DC on September 18.
