While many artists, including Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan and more, chose to postpone their 2020 tours until next year, Chris Young made a different choice. The 35-year-old, who was supposed to be joined by both Scotty McCreery and Payton Smith for his cross-country Town Ain’t Big Enough Tour, decided to just cancel it instead, with both his fans and his employees in mind.
“I think we’ll start fresh when it’s time. I think a lot of [artists] who are in the level of arenas and amphitheaters, we’re just gonna have to see. It’s probably gonna be next year. And if that’s what we need to do to keep people safe,” Chris told Country Now, adding that he also has concerns about the people who work for him.
“Some of the guys in my band are in their 50s and 60s. My steel player has been around for a long time,” he added. “So not just my fans at shows, but the people that work with me, who are my road family. I don’t want to put them in any situation where their safety’s at risk.”
Chris considered moving all the dates to next year, but decided to start with a brand-new tour when performing live is safe again.
“It’s just easier to cancel it, let everybody know that we’ll book dates down the road, and make it as easy as possible, so that people aren’t wondering, ‘Hey, what’s going on,’” Chris explained.
“It’s not just paying for a ticket, which can be refunded,” he remarked. “[People] travel. They block those days off their schedule. And right now, there’s a lot of people that don’t have a lot of disposable income. Or any at all. So [canceling the shows] was the decision we made, and we figured it would be easiest on everybody.”
Thankfully Chris is still putting out new music, including his current single, “If That Ain’t God,” which he just released.
“It’s such a special song,” Chris told People. “I think right now a lot of people can use this. It’s just a positive, uplifting message. It’s talking about some of the things in life that you take for granted, whether it’s little stuff or big stuff, and you look around and you’re like, ‘Man, if that ain’t God, I don’t know what it is.’ I was jealous that I had never thought of that title on my own before, because it’s just a brilliantly written song.”
“If That Ain’t God” is from his upcoming Raised on Country album, which does not have an official release date, but he hints will be his biggest record to date.
“‘If That Ain’t God’ is not the only new thing that I’ve added to my record,” Chris hinted. “I’ve had records before that are 10 tracks, I’ve had some that are 11, maybe 12. This one’s going to be more than that. So that’s the one good thing. I know a lot of people have been waiting on this record. We’ve already had two singles off of it and haven’t put the album out and it’s driving everybody nuts because I keep teasing it. So I’m sorry about that, but it’s going to be worth it.”