Country music legend George Strait has been captivating audiences for nearly five decades. Since taking the stage in the 1970s, he’s become synonymous with the genre itself, with countless hits like “Baby Your Baby” and “Amarillo by Morning” solidifying his status as a country music icon.
Strait’s dominance extends far beyond catchy tunes – his numerous awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame speak volumes about his lasting impact. But Strait’s reign just got a whole lot more impressive.
He recently smashed a long-standing concert attendance record in the United States, drawing a staggering crowd to a Texas stadium and proving that even after decades in the spotlight, he can still pack a house like no other.
George Strait Shatters US Concert Attendance Record
The King of Country Music made history over the weekend, performing to a record-breaking crowd at Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field. Nearly 111,000 fans packed the stadium, making it one of the largest ticketed concerts ever held in the United States.
This impressive feat surpasses the previous record of 107,000 attendees, set by The Grateful Dead in 1977 at Raceway Park, New Jersey. Strait’s performance cemented his status as a true country music legend, drawing a massive audience eager to hear his iconic hits.
With the electrifying energy of such a large crowd, Strait took the stage alongside opening acts Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman. Acknowledging the special occasion, Strait expressed his gratitude to the performers and even wished McCollum a happy birthday. The atmosphere must have been incredible, with thousands of fans united in their love for country music.
New Music and Tributes at Record-Breaking Concert
Strait took the opportunity of his record-breaking concert to share a taste of his upcoming album, Cowboys and Dreamers. He announced the September release date to the excited crowd, then launched into some brand new songs. Strait also hinted at a “special thing” planned for the show, keeping the audience on their toes and eager for what was to come.
The night wasn’t just about celebrating new music, though. The country icon used the platform to pay tribute to several close friends he had lost over the past year. He dedicated the upcoming album to his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, his fiddle player, Gene Elders (who played on four tracks of the album), and his road manager, Tom Foote.
All three passed away in early 2024, with Woolsey and Elders tragically passing on the same day. Strait expressed his deep respect and fond memories, asking the audience for a moment of silence to honor their lives.