George Strait‘s reign as the King of Country Music continues. The 71-year-old just broke two attendance records, as he begins his summer of headlining stadiums, with a record-setting 46,641 guests at Milwaukee’s American Family Field on June 3, more than 2000 more than the previous record-holder, Paul McCartney, had in 2013. The new record comes on the heels of another record Strait set the previous weekend, with 63,891 at Columbus’s Ohio Stadium for Buckeye Country Superfest.
“We truly have the best fans in the world,” Strait says. “There’s nothing like seeing their faces when I walk on stage with my Ace in the Hole band jamming to ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas,’ The energy they’re giving back to us is indescribable. I’m very grateful to all of the fans who come out to see us for these shows and I can’t wait to see you at the next one.”
Strait is joined for the stadium shows by Chris Stapleton, with Little Big Town serving as the opening act.
“It just felt right,” Strait told Billboard of the tour dates. “I had the opportunity to work with Chris and Little Big Town and everything just kind of fell in place for next year. I don’t do that many shows anymore, so if we can do a stadium where we can play for more people, that works for me.”
“I love doing these shows with George about as much as I like doing anything,” Stapleton added. “There’s nothing to compare it to. So many of his songs are in the ethos of what country music is. Playing these shows together is a great experience all the way around.”
In addition to his tour schedule, Strait is also working on a new album, which will mark his first since Honky Tonk Time Machine was released in 2019.
“I like making records and plan on doing another one soon,” Strait revealed to Cowboys & Indians. “I’m narrowing down my song choices now. I’ve always said I’m a melody guy. A great melody can sell a song the best. A great lyric with a lousy melody maybe not so much, but a great lyric along with a great melody is obviously what you’re looking to create. That’s why I’ve had such a great relationship with Dean Dillon.
“I think he’s the best melody guy in the business,” he continued. “His lyrics are great as well, so there you go. There is no specific message or mood that I’ll be shooting for. I just want to put together a bunch of good songs that stand out individually.”
Strait and Stapleton added a second Nashville show, at Nissan Stadium next month, due to fan demand. Find music and tour dates at GeorgeStrait.com.
Read ‘George Strait: 11 Things to Know About the King of Country Music’ here.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of EB Media / Jill Trunnell