George Strait‘s days of touring might be coming to an end in the next few years. The 72-year-old says he can see the end in sight, although fortunately not in the immediate future.
“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you folks,” Strait said during a recent performance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “But hell, it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did … [When] I walk through those curtains and I see your smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again until I walk back out and get on that bus. I don’t know how many more years I can do this, but I figure a few. I do want you to know though, I do walk off this stage, and I’m settled in far away from all of this, you won’t be far away. I’ll still hear your screams and cheers in my mind, and I will always remember you.”
@sat_tx_cowboy George has something to say to his fans…#georgestrait #countrymusic #concert #lincolnfinancialfield #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Steve Parker
Strait’s performance in Philadelphia was the first stop on his 2025 Stadium Tour, which includes Chris Stapleton for all shows, plus Parker McCollum for four East Coast shows, and Little Big Town for the only West Coast show. It’s a tour Strait decided to extend into 2025, due to his loyal fans.
“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back,” the King of Country Music said when announcing the new dates. “Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have. Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year. Chris will be back and glad to have Little Big Town with us in LA. For the other cities, we’ve added Parker M. to the show which will be outstanding. Can’t wait to see you!!”
Strait’s fans have been able to see him perform a lot longer than he originally intended. In 2012, Strait embarked on his Cowboy Rides Away Tour, intending to retire from life on the road.
It was Stapleton who convinced Strait to do another run of stadium shows, which began in 2023.
“I think I halfway talked him into working more, but I really enjoyed doing that,” Stapleton previously said. “I think it’s a good show to come to because George has ten million number ones, and people can watch all that, and what a great thing to get to watch. I love to be the opener for that. I love to walk out on stage and sing a few with George … I want to keep doing that as much as we can, and I keep talking George into it, so it’s good.”
Not only did Strait return to touring, but he broke a record in the process. Last year, Strait set a new a record for concert attendance in the United States. Strait headlined a show at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field, setting a new record for the largest single-ticketed concert event in the history of the United States, with an astounding 110,905 tickets sold.
Find all of Strait’s music and upcoming shows at GeorgeStrait.com.