Alan Jackson says he’s ‘hanging it up full time’ — right after one last country-music tour
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson wearing jeans, a black shirt and a cowboy hat and holding a guitar on stage.](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a07e3bd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2495x1787+0+0/resize/1200x859!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fc9%2F556d47274c5d91b54c5e83ef3372%2Fpeople-alan-jackson-91571.jpg)
- Copy Link URL Copied!
Country music‘s Alan Jackson is hanging up his cowboy hat, announcing his final tour dates while his health is “getting worse.”
“I’ve been touring for over 30 years, you know, played everywhere in the country and parts of the world and had a wonderful career,” he said in a video posted on X, announcing the final dates of his Last Call: One More for the Road farewell tour.
The “Chattahoochee” singer, 65, cited a desire to spend more time with family — in particular, his three daughters and his grandchildren — as he enters his “twilight years.”
“I enjoy spending more time at home and don’t want to be away like I had to be in my younger days,” he said. “I think it’s just getting time to start thinking about hanging it up full time.”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 FILE - Alan Jackson performs at the 56th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 15, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Jackson revealed in a new interview that he has a degenerative nerve condition that has affected his balance. The 62-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer said in an interview on NBC's “Today” show that he was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease a decade ago. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/819201d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2495x1663+0+62/resize/840x560!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fc9%2F556d47274c5d91b54c5e83ef3372%2Fpeople-alan-jackson-91571.jpg)
![](http://playon.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Alan Jackson postpones upcoming weekend concerts to deal with ‘health issues’
‘I hoped I’d be able to be there; I hate to disappoint my fans,’ Jackson said of postponing a couple of upcoming weekend shows.
Oct. 5, 2022
Another factor in Jackson’s decision was his diagnosis with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic neurological condition that affects muscle control in the feet and hands. The condition is not fatal but can severely restrict mobility, according to the Cleveland Clinic . The singer has had to postpone shows in order to deal with related health issues , notably halting a multi-show outing in 2022 to deal with “health issues” stemming from the disease.
“Most of my fans know I have a degenerative health condition that affects my legs and arms and my mobility,” the two-time Grammy winner explained in this week’s video. “And it’s getting worse.”
“It makes me more uncomfortable on stage and I just have a hard time. I just want to think about maybe calling it quits before I’m unable to do the job like I want to,” he concluded.
Review: Alan Jackson remembers the good times at Nokia Theatre
Implicit in the name of Alan Jackson’s current road show, the Keepin’ It Country tour, is the idea that this veteran country star is engaged in some resistance.
Feb. 28, 2015
The Country Music Hall of Fame member revealed his diagnosis in a 2021 interview on “ Today ,” explaining that he decided to make the information public because it was beginning to visibly affect his performances.
“I just wanted the fans and the public to know if they’ve come to see me in the last few years or if they come to see me in the future if I play anymore, what’s going on,” he told co-host Jenna Bush Hager.
“In some ways, [disclosing the condition is] a relief because I was starting to get so self-conscious up there, about stumbling around,” he said. “And it just made me nervous up there trying to keep my balance. And I look pitiful. So I think it’ll be good for me now to get it out in the open, and so if anybody’s curious why I don’t walk right, that’s why.”
At the time, the entertainer said he had no plans to stop touring but that his health condition might affect his availability.
Jackson’s final shows will be played from August to May in Boston; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Kansas City, Mo.; Salt Lake City; Oklahoma City; Fort Worth, Texas; Orlando and Tampa, Fla., and Milwaukee. Tickets went on sale Friday.
More to Read
Aerosmith retires from touring, citing permanent damage to Steven Tyler’s voice last year
Aug. 4, 2024
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Pete Davidson poses in sunglasses and grey sweatshirt at the 2023 premiere of Peacock's "Bupkis" in New York](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ca4fa47/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6587x4405+21+0/resize/320x214!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2Fb5%2Ffc739ce6451f96d5c22d18506474%2Fny-premiere-of-bupkis-30790.jpg)
Pete Davidson is at a facility for mental health treatment as stand-up shows are canceled
July 31, 2024
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Stevie Nicks performs in a white tiered skirt and black vest at the 2022 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5c25e94/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3958x2647+0+0/resize/320x214!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F52%2F47%2Fe42098a14a5cb8a57586b00887b2%2F2022-new-orleans-jazz-and-heritage-festival-weekend-2-day-3-44592.jpg)
Stevie Nicks reveals ‘crazy’ medical emergency that forced her to postpone U.K. shows
July 26, 2024
The biggest entertainment stories
Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3b0f02c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/846x846+37+60/resize/100x100!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F50%2F96%2F62d7a05145ac81a0e3043846325e%2Feva-hartman-2024.jpg)
Eva Hartman was a spring 2024 reporting intern with the Fast Break Desk at the Los Angeles Times. She graduated from USC, where she had served as the news assignments editor and magazine editor at the Daily Trojan.
More From the Los Angeles Times
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Skateboarder Tate Carew, gymnast Frederick Richard and swimmer Ali Truwit compete in their respective sports.](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2627b9d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1641x1094+150+0/resize/840x560!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2Fcf%2F98452ab44a59b0039c5d720f51e0%2Ftrio3.jpg)
Science & Medicine
Q&A: Make the most of your workouts by training like the athletes of Team USA
Aug. 10, 2024
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Anna Cockrell, of the United States, celebrates after her second place finish in the women's heptathlon 200-meters at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3002211/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5294x3529+490+0/resize/840x560!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F5f%2Febfa0789450a8e8c136cd02b7af9%2Fparis-olympics-athletics-29615.jpg)
Ex-USC star Anna Cockrell overcomes mental hurdles to take silver in, yes, Olympic hurdles
Aug. 9, 2024
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Anaheim, CA - August 10: A child weeps with her parent before joining her classmates on the first day of school for the Anaheim Elementary School District at Roosevelt Elementary in Anaheim Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/eca8e42/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4200x2800+0+0/resize/840x560!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0e%2F6a%2Fd8bb9ef1498b96550ca72ea65886%2F1332376-me-oc-back-to-school-07-ajs.jpg)
Summer break is ending. Here are 10 ways parents can help their kids get back into school mode
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Los Angeles, CA - August 08: Governor Gavin Newsom along with Caltrans clean up an encampment site near Paxton Street and Remick Avenue in Los Angeles as the state's Clean California initiative continues on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f27ee41/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4788x3192+0+0/resize/840x560!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fae%2F02%2F81ac43824299967d2e840cec72d3%2F1470752-me-newsom-encampments-jja-0010.jpg)
Newsom threatens to take money from counties that don’t reduce homelessness
Aug. 8, 2024
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Country Music Concerts | Country Music on Tour](https://countrymusicontour.com/images/logo.png)
Alan Jackson Tour Dates 2024 & 2025
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson Tickets on Country Music On Tour, your home for country concerts!](https://i0.wp.com/countrymusicontour.com/wp-content/uploads/alan-jackson.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
After Garth Brooks , Alan Jackson was the most popular male country vocalist of the ’90s. An heir to the new traditionalist movement of the ’80s, Jackson’s approach was rooted in classic honky tonk yet remained comfortably within the contemporary mainstream. Jackson’s hallmark was consistency — he wrote many of his own hits, and his way with a hook was part of the reason he never really hit a commercial dry spell, even into the new millennium. He also projected a modest, wholesome, down-to-earth image that made him one of the best-liked stars of his sub-genre even apart from his material. The total package resulted in an astounding 20 number one singles and 20 more Top Ten hits, all in the first 12 years of his career.
Alan Jackson Tour Dates 2024
Alan jackson biography and info.
Alan Jackson: A Country Icon’s Journey
Alan Jackson , born on October 17, 1958, in Newnan, Georgia, is a name synonymous with “neotraditional country” and heartfelt songwriting. But his story is more than just a musical journey; it’s a testament to the enduring power of country music and the live experiences that have made him a legend. With a prolific career spanning over four decades, let’s delve into the tale of Alan Jackson, emphasizing his remarkable tour dates and unforgettable live show experiences .
Discography Highlights:
- Studio Albums : 21
- Christmas Albums : 2
- Gospel Albums : 2
- Greatest-Hits Albums : 3
Awards and Accolades:
- Grammy Awards : 2 wins
- CMA Awards : 16 wins
- ACM Awards : 17 wins
- Other Recognitions : Numerous nominations and inductions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame , the Grand Ole Opry , and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame .
Early Life: A Humble Beginning
Alan Jackson’s journey began in a small Georgia home, where he was raised by his parents, Joseph Eugene “Daddy Gene” Jackson and Ruth Musick “Mama Ruth” Jackson. With four older sisters, Alan’s family lived in a house built around his grandfather’s old toolshed. Despite his humble beginnings, it was clear that a legend was in the making. Alan’s love for music started early, and he began writing songs in 1983, setting the stage for his future stardom.
The Music That Shaped Him
While growing up, Jackson listened primarily to gospel music. However, his musical horizons expanded when a friend introduced him to the likes of Gene Watson, John Anderson, and Hank Williams Jr . Jackson’s education took place at Elm Street Elementary and Newnan High School, where his musical journey continued as he joined the band Dixie Steel after graduation. The turning point came at the age of 27 when Alan and his wife, Denise, moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in pursuit of a full-time music career.
Breaking into the Scene: A Debut to Remember
Alan Jackson’s talent caught the attention of industry professionals. He signed with Arista Records and became the first artist to join the newly formed Arista Nashville branch. In 1989, he released his debut single, “Blue Blooded Woman,” which paved the way for his meteoric rise. “Here in the Real World” became the title track of his debut studio album, signaling the arrival of a true country star.
A Prolific Career Unfolds
As Alan Jackson’s career blossomed, he released hit after hit, with chart-toppers like “Chattahoochee,” “Livin’ on Love,” “Gone Country,” and “I Don’t Even Know Your Name.” His music spoke to the hearts of fans and struck a chord with the essence of traditional country. His contributions to the genre extended beyond his own records, further solidifying his presence in the country music world.
Enduring Legacy: The Live Experience
Alan Jackson’s live shows are legendary, offering fans a taste of country music at its finest. His 1995 Fruit of the Loom Comfort Tour, a $40 million deal, showcased his immense popularity and ability to captivate audiences. Throughout his illustrious career, Jackson’s live performances have been unforgettable, drawing fans from all corners of the world.
Awards and Honors: A True Country Icon
Alan Jackson’s accolades are a testament to his contributions to country music. He has won two Grammy Awards and numerous CMA and ACM Awards. His induction into the Grand Ole Opry , the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame further solidify his status as a country icon.
A Farewell Tour and Beyond
As the years have passed, Alan Jackson’s music continues to resonate with fans old and new. In 2022, he announced his farewell tour, the “One More For The Road Tour,” a celebration of his incredible career. His commitment to the genre remains unwavering, and he continues to inspire generations of country artists.
In the ever-evolving landscape of country music, Alan Jackson’s unwavering commitment to the traditional sound, coupled with his remarkable live performances, have made him a true icon. His timeless classics and heartfelt lyrics are a testament to the enduring power of authentic country music. Join us as we celebrate a legendary career that continues to leave its mark on the world of country music. Don’t miss the chance to be part of Alan Jackson’s tour dates and live show experiences.
Discography:
- 1989: Here in the Real World
- 1990: Don’t Rock the Jukebox
- 1991: A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)
- 1992: Don’t Rock the Jukebox
- 1994: Who I Am
- 1996: Everything I Love
- 1998: High Mileage
- 1999: Under the Influence
- 2000: When Somebody Loves You
- 2002: Drive
- 2004: What I Do
- 2006: Like Red on a Rose
- 2008: Good Time
- 2010: Freight Train
- 2012: Thirty Miles West
- 2013: Precious Memories Volume II
- 2013: The Bluegrass Album
- 2015: Angels and Alcohol
- 2021: Where Have You Gone
Alan Jackson’s music continues to resonate with fans, and his legacy in the world of country music remains unshakable. Join us as we celebrate a legendary career that continues to leave its mark on the world of country music. Don’t miss the chance to be part of Alan Jackson’s tour dates and live show experiences.
Alan Jackson Tour News
- Alan Jackson Announces Farewell Tour 2024 May 30, 2024
- CMA Fest x Silverbelly Stage @ AJ’s Good Time Bar June 5, 2023
- Alan Jackson Adds the Silverbelly Whiskey Wagon Experience to his Fall Tour September 1, 2022
- ALAN JACKSON TO STAGE “SMALL TOWN DRIVE-IN” CONCERTS May 26, 2020
- Alan Jackson Extends 2018 Tour November 10, 2017
111 responses to “TOUR DATES: Alan Jackson”
Is Alan Jackson coming anywhere close to North Carolina for 2017?
When and where Alan Jackson, be close to Decatur, Alabama. My mother is a huge fan. She was diagnosed with lung cancer December 30th 2016. She also has bad copd. I’m wanting to take her before it’s too late.
When is Alan Jackson coming to the West Country of England ?
Alan Jackson Tour 2024 | Events & Tickets
Who is the opening or supporting acts for alan jackson's tour.
- Martina McBride
- Lauren Alaina (American Idol alumna)
- To be announced
Alan Jackson Tour Setlist 2024
- "Gone Country"
- "I Don't Even Know Your Name"
- "Little Bitty"
- "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"
- "Chattahoochee"
- "Don't Rock the Jukebox"
- "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
- "Summertime Blues"
- "Remember When"
- "Drive (For Daddy Gene)"
- "Good Time"
- "The Older I Get"
- "Livin' on Love"
Alan Jackson's Top Video:
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 YouTube player](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Eo2OIUpWznY/maxresdefault.jpg)
Top Country Concerts
- George Strait Tour Dates
- Shania Twain Tour Dates
- Taylor Swift Tour Dates
- Brantley Gilbert Tour Dates
- Cody Johnson Tour Dates
- Brad Paisley Tour Dates
- Jason Aldean Tour Dates
- Luke Bryan Tour Dates
- Zac Brown Band Tour Dates
- Martina McBride Tour Dates
- Garth Brooks Tour Dates
- Lainey Wilson Tour Dates
- Tim McGraw Tour Dates
- Keith Urban Tour Dates
- Kenny Chesney Tour Dates
- Chris Stapleton Tour Dates
- Carrie Underwood Tour Dates
Concert and Tour News
Country music news.
Alan Jackson expands Last Call: One More for the Road tour with 10 new shows: See the dates
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Portrait of Brandy McDonnell](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2022/01/31/NOKL/1af68d59-aabd-4a1b-a7d7-6ca3b9a7e9d2-brandy_mcdonnell.jpg?crop=999,999,x0,y249&width=48&height=48&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Alan Jackson is going out with a bang. The country music icon has added a new set of shows to his ongoing Last Call: One More for the Road farewell tour.
The Country Music Hall of Famer , 65, announced Thursday his plans to continue his Last Call: One More for the Road tour, which played to standing-room-only crowds in sold-out arenas coast-to-coast in 2022.
Jackson’s 2024-2025 tour will play an initial list of 10 arenas across the U.S., with each show marking the last time he’ll ever perform in that city and surrounding areas.
“I’ve been touring for over 30 years — my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way," Jackson said in a statement. "I’m enjoying spending more time at home. But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this Last Call."
The three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year will play his final tour as he continues to live with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a chronic neuropathy condition that he first revealed in 2021 . The disorder has affected his ability to move and keep balance onstage.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
“Fans know when they come to my shows, they’re going to hear the songs that made me who I am — the ones they love,” Jackson said in his tour announcement.
‘Man, I love real country music’: Alan Jackson talks 21-track album ‘Where Have You Gone’
How to get tickets to Alan Jackson's Last Call: One More for the Road tour
Tickets for the Last Call: One More for the Road tour will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. June 7 via Ticketmaster .
A ticket presale is available to members of Jackson's fan club, according to the singer's official website . The presale, which has already begun, is scheduled to run through June 6 .
Hailing from rural Newnan, Georgia, Jackson has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, ranking as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time.
A 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee , Jackson has released more than 60 singles, notching 50 Top 10 hits and 35 chart-toppers. He has earned more than 150 major music industry awards, including 19 Academy of Country Music Awards, 17 Country Music Association Awards (including the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award), a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.
Interested in going? Check out tickets at Vivid Seats , StubHub , SeatGeek , and Ticketmaster .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
ACM Honors: Alan Jackson, Carly Pearce, Keith Urban celebrate country music at the Ryman Auditorium
Alan Jackson Last Call: One More for the Road tour dates
- Aug. 2, 2024 – Boston, MA - TD Garden
- Aug. 24, 2024 – Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
- Sept. 28, 2024 – Fayetteville, AR - Bud Walton Arena
- Oct. 26, 2024 – Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center
- Nov. 16, 2024 – Salt Lake City, UT - Delta Center
- Jan. 18, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK - Paycom Center
- Feb. 15, 2025 – Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena
- March 7, 2025 – Orlando, FL - Kia Center
- April 26, 2025 – Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena
- May 17, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI - Fiserv Forum
Alan Jackson headed back on tour for 'final time'
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/b76d8238-34dd-4b36-8cfd-fa7729ed2602/jackson-gty-er-240530_1717086073958_hpMain_16x9.jpg?w=992)
Get ready to saddle up for a "Good Time" with Alan Jackson.
The country icon has announced the return of his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, which he first kicked off in 2022.
Related Articles
Kelsea ballerini, keith urban, jelly roll and more to perform at cma fest.
The new run begins Aug. 2 in Boston and will conclude in Milwaukee on May 17, 2025.
"Fans know when they come to my shows, they're going to hear the songs that made me who I am -- the ones they love," Jackson said in a press release.
"I've been touring for over 30 years -- my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way…and I’m enjoying spending more time at home," he continued. "But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I'm going to give them the best show I can for this Last Call."
Editor’s Picks
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/b6e33683-20f1-4a61-8a1c-e37dd2407fb4/lainey-wilson-2-ap-bb-240517_1715953781514_hpMain_1x1.jpg?w=608)
2024 ACM Awards recap: Lainey Wilson takes top prize and full winners list
- May 17, 2024
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/d6282f0a-9aec-4a01-abe0-91bde9ce9f9b/kelsea-ballerini-keith-urban-jelly-roll-gty-jt-240313_1710369826038_hpMain_1x1.jpg?w=608)
- Mar 14, 2024
The press release stresses this is "one final chance" for fans to see Jackson perform for "one final time."
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/b76d8238-34dd-4b36-8cfd-fa7729ed2602/jackson-gty-er-240530_1717086073958_hpMain.jpg?w=992)
One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation, and each dollar will be matched by a group of CMTRF donors.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT for short, is a disorder that affects both sensory and motor nerves in the arms, hands, legs and feet, causing them to slowly degenerate and lose the ability to communicate with the rest of the body, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) .
Jackson revealed in 2021 he'd been diagnosed with the genetic disease, for which there is no cure.
Tickets for the Jackson's Last Call: One More for the Road Tour go on sale to the general public June 7 at 10 a.m. ET.
Up Next in Culture—
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/lilo-stitch-ss-jt-240810_1723311982191_hpMain_1x1_992.jpg)
Get a first look at the 'Lilo & Stitch' live-action remake
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/frozen-main-gty-jt-240810_1723302565687_hpMain_1x1_992.jpg)
'Frozen' stage musical set to premiere on Disney+ in 2025
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/the-greatest-showman-main-ht-jt-240810_1723296573935_hpMain_1x1_992.jpg)
Stage adaptation of 'The Greatest Showman' announced at D23
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/mufasa1-ht-ml-240426_1714152974678_hpMain_1x1_992.jpg)
New 'Mufasa: The Lion King' trailer released at D23: Watch here
Shop editors picks, sponsored content by taboola.
- Privacy Policy —
- Your US State Privacy Rights —
- Children's Online Privacy Policy —
- Interest-Based Ads —
- Terms of Use —
- Do Not Sell My Info —
- Contact Us —
© 2024 ABC News
Alan Jackson Scheduled One Final Tour Due To His Health, But Then He Disappeared
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 4](https://static0.thethingsimages.com/wordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fauthors%2F6657158f58bb2-89no-SyR_400x400.jpg?fit=crop&w=90&h=90)
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
Please verify your email address.
You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.
- Alan Jackson revealed his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic health condition that affects his ability to perform on stage.
- Despite his health condition, Alan Jackson embarked on a final tour in 2022 to meet his fans and raise awareness for CMT.
- Alan Jackson and his family are committed to supporting CMT research, donating proceeds from his tour to the CMT Research Foundation in hopes of finding a cure for the rare disease.
Two-time Grammy Award winner and country music legend Alan Jackson has been in the music scene for over three decades. He has released iconic chart-topping songs like "Chattahoochee," "I'll Go on Loving You," "Small Southern Man," "Living on Love," "Remember When," and "Gone Country," among others. He has equally delighted fans with unforgettable live performances, keeping the heart of country music going.
However, Alan Jackson had to rein in his music activities due to his health. In an exclusive interview in 2021, Alan Jackson revealed the health condition he had kept for so long. The illness was a massive hit for the country singer, but he did not let it stop him from performing. But it seems since his last concert tour, Alan Jackson has kept a low profile.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson](https://static0.thethingsimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ttweb_how-alan-jackson-s-net-worth-has-made-him-one-of-the-richest-country-singers-ever_bk_a1.jpg)
How Alan Jackson's Net Worth Has Made Him One Of The Richest Country Singers Ever
Alan Jackson has been CMA's entertainer of the year three different times, it's not a wonder his net worth is skyrocketing.
Alan Jackson Has Been Quiet About His Health After His Last Tour
Alan jackson's health problems led to one final tour.
Two-time Grammy winner Alan Jackson didn’t want his health to slow him down, even if he had Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT for short) disease. As his symptoms were becoming irrepressible, the country singer decided to give one last tour to his fans.
Alan Jackson's Last Call: One More for the Road tour was the country singer’s way of meeting his fans . However, he didn't want to call it a farewell tour.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson singing on stage](https://static0.thethingsimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alan-jackson-1.jpg)
"I’ve always admired my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Charley Pride, who just played as much as they wanted to, as long as they could," Jackson says. "I’ve always thought I’d like to do that, and I’d like to as long as my health will allow. I’ll try to do as much as I can, but if I’m comin’ your way, come see me…"
The concert was held from the summer of 2022 until the end of October. Jackson toured more than four states and gave a performance that would be remembered forever. But the singer — and his fans — are still hoping to tour. No new dates have been scheduled as of 2023.
However, after the tour, not much was heard of Alan White. In November 2022, Alan Jackson received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 Country Music Awards , a place Alan Jackson once faked a performance on the CMA stage .
It was an emotional time for the singer, seeing how he was battling his disease, especially with several unconfirmed sources reporting that Jackson was hospitalized in 2022.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Did Alan Jackson And Jimmy Buffett Really Get Along When Creating _It's Five O'Clock Somewhere_](https://static0.thethingsimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/did-alan-jackson-and-jimmy-buffett-really-get-along-when-creating-_it-s-five-o-clock-somewhere_.jpg)
Did Alan Jackson And Jimmy Buffett Really Get Along While Creating "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"?
Country music superstar Alan Jackson recorded an iconic duet with the late Jimmy Buffett in 2003, here's whether they actually liked each other.
Alan Jackson Suffers From A Genetic Health Condition
Alan jackson has been dealing with his health issues in private.
Knowing he could not hide the signs anymore, Alan Jackson revealed in September 2021 what was wrong with his health . He had Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which is also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy.
The illness occurs when nutated genes affect the peripheral nerves that control the limbs — arms, hands, legs, and feet — which is a shame because the iconic country singer would find it difficult to perform on stage due to weakened muscles.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson performing at Loretta Lynn celebration](https://static0.thethingsimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alan-jackson-loretta-lynn-celebration.jpg)
It was heartbreaking when Alan Jackson revealed to TODAY how his health condition would deteriorate .
"I have this neuropathy and neurological disease," Jackson said. "It's genetic that I inherited from my daddy...There's no cure for it, but it's been affecting me for years. And it's getting more and more obvious. And I know I'm stumbling around on stage. And now I'm having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable."
The country singer knew his time on stage was limited after being diagnosed with the illness a decade long before his reveal.
However, the Country Music Hall of Fame member didn’t let the disease slow his music aspirations. He continued with a tour in 2022, and even though he canceled two dates from his schedule due to COVID-19, he assured his fans that he was all right.
One of the things Alan Jackson can count on is the support of his family. During his acceptance speech for his CMA Lifetime Achievement Award, Jackson thanked his wife for staying with him in the toughest times.
"We started out as teenagers, and she’s hung in there and rode this roller-coaster ride with me for 40-something years now," the "Living on Love" singer said. "I'm probably not always the easiest person to love, but she’s hung in there and helped me through hard times, and we’ve shared great times. The good and the bad, the happy and the sad. We’ve survived a lot."
With his family, Alan Jackson helps to create awareness for CMT, donating and sharing experiences about it.
Alan Jackson Raises Awareness For Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
After keeping his life private, alan jackson decided to go public.
Alan Jackson originally hid his health condition to protect his privacy . He had been managing his disease for more than a decade before he finally revealed what his health issue was and how it would affect his life.
His wife and daughter have been supporting him, but he found more support trying to get CMT more publicity because it is a rare disease. The Last Call Tour was also a reason for this.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson holding his guitar on stage during a concert](https://static0.thethingsimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alan-jackson-guitar.jpg)
The CMT Research Foundation announced a collaboration with Alan Jackson . $1 from every ticket sold for the Last Call: One More for the Road Tour was donated to the CMT Research Foundation, an organization that funds research for drug development. Additionally, a group of supporters and board members matched dollar-for-dollar ticket buyers’ donations.
"This support is certain to shine a light on this inherited disease and help accelerate the rate at which we can fund the research that will result in an end to CMT," Cleary Simpson, CEO of the CMT Research Foundation said.
According to the CMT Research Foundation, CMT is estimated to affect about 150,000 people in the U.S., and almost three million people worldwide. There is yet to be a cure or any approved therapies for the disease.
While so much is yet to be made known concerning Alan Jackson's health condition, the country music icon has made it a note to do his best, whether helping with research or continuing with his music. When (or if) he can make a full recovery is yet to be known, but we wish the icon a swift recovery.
Join us on Social
Photo: Terry Wyatt/WireImage
Alan Jackson's Biggest Songs: "Chattahoochee" & 11 More Of The Country Icon's Most Memorable Hits
As Alan Jackson celebrates his legacy and hit-filled catalog with his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, revisit some of the classics that made him one of country music's greats.
It's hard to imagine country music without Alan Jackson . One of the trailblazers who helped define an entire generation of country music, his accolades include 26 No. 1s on country radio, over 75 million records sold worldwide, two GRAMMYs, and inductions into both the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
It's been a remarkable run for the Newnan, Georgia native that first moved to Nashville in the mid-80's to chase his musical dreams. He'd eventually land a job in The Nashville Network's mailroom and get put into contact with Glen Campbell, whom his wife met while working as a flight attendant. With the "Rhinestone Cowboy" in his corner, Jackson soon signed his first record deal with Arista Nashville in 1989 and released his debut record, Here In The Real World , the following year, and the rest is history.
In the 20 albums that have followed, Jackson has staked his claim as not just one of the best country artists of the 90's and 2000's, but one of the greatest of all time. While the numbers are certainly in his favor, the most undeniable variable in the equation is how adored he is by fans. That love and appreciation will be on full display during Jackson's "Last Call: One More For The Road Tour," which kicked off Aug. 2 at Boston's TD Garden and wraps up May 17, 2025 at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum.
To commemorate Jackson's legacy and celebrate his final act, here are a dozen bangers from the two-time GRAMMY winner that helped cement his Hall of Fame status.
"Chasin' That Neon Rainbow," 'Here In The Real World' (1990)
Music City is filled with folks who want to make it big in the music business, grinding it out on Broadway and around town in hopes of catching their big break. Jackson explores that concept with "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow," detailing his own journey from playing Georgia's honky tonk circuit to heading to Nashville's Music Row to live out his lifelong dream — because, as he says in the chorus, "all I've ever wanted is to pick this guitar and sing."
Though Jackson's next single, "I'd Love You All Over Again," marked his first No. 1, "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow" reached No. 2 and helped introduce his signature twangy, yet soulful sound. Along with being a fan favorite, the song has clearly remained important to Jackson, too, as it's still a set staple to this day.
"Don't Rock The Jukebox," 'Don't Rock The Jukebox' (1991)
While Jackson isn't necessarily known for writing tear-in-your-beer tunes, he can still do it with the best of them. Take "Don't Rock The Jukebox," a story about a down-on-his-luck bar patron longing for some country music to ail his heartbreak.
As such, throughout the song he can be heard pleading to other barflys to not put on any rock music because "I wanna hear some Jones/ 'Cause my heart ain't ready/ For the Rolling Stones." It's a story most of us have seen play out a time or two ourselves, and the homage to George Jones — one of the best penners of tear-in-your-beer songs — is a nice touch.
"Chattahoochee," 'A Lot About Livin' (And A Little 'Bout Love)' (1992)
The country hit of the summer in 1993, "Chattahoochee" tells the tale of having fun and growing up near the river of the same name straddling the Georgia-Florida-Alabama border. While the song delves into Jackson's own experiences growing up there, it's also ambiguous enough to fit with anyone coming from small town America, or at least anywhere that "It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie."
Despite Jackson initially thinking it wouldn't be a hit, "Chattahoochee" quickly transformed into one of his biggest songs, the reverberations of which are still being felt today. In the 30 years since, ditties about lighthearted summer fun on the water have become as central to country songwriting as pickup trucks, cheap beer and heartbreak, and "Chattahoochee" was one of the first to kickstart that trend.
"Livin' On Love," 'Who I Am' (1994)
Jackson's 40+ year marriage to his wife, Denise, has long served as inspiration for his music, and their relationship takes center stage on "Livin' On Love." The sentimental song sees the singer looking back on their time spent together, from their humble beginnings before he broke through in music ("Two young people without a thing") to raising a family and still being just as crazy about each other through it all.
While the retrospective tune illustrates Jackson's endearing love for his wife that "can walk through a fire without blinkin'," its message is one that hits home with lovebirds everywhere — no doubt a big reason the song eventually became his ninth No. 1 hit.
"Gone Country," 'Who I Am' (1994)
The most revered track from Jackson's stacked 1994 album Who I Am , "Gone Country" serves as a commentary of the country music industry, which was in its '90s heyday at the time of the song's release. While it's meant in part as a jab at those in the business who value money over artistic integrity, the tune is also intended as a celebration of the success of country music in the '90s, and how the music business was adapting to capitalize on the craze. ("Yeah, we've gone county/ The whole world's gone country," he sings on the final verses.)
The song has come full circle as of late, given the current moment country music is having in pop culture — from the success of stars like Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan to crossover records from Beyoncé , Post Malone and others. Not only has that proven the song to be just as relevant 30 years later, but it also shows just how spot-on Jackson's postulating was.
"Little Bitty," 'Everything I Love' (1996)
Sometimes life's best gifts come in the smallest of packages. This is evidenced by Jackson's "Little Bitty," a little ditty from 1996's Everything I Love that became the Georgian's 14th No. 1 hit.
Aside from its quirky, lighthearted narrative about finding the joys in life's small and mundane moments, the song also contains an underlying message of having a positive mindset and not letting every little transgression get you down. Its exquisite word play and universal message is just as powerful now as it was when Jackson first recorded it — yet another example of how Jackson's songwriting resonates with listeners past, present and future.
"Where I Come From," 'When Somebody Loves You' (2000)
The third single from 2000's When Somebody Loves You , "Where I Come From" details a long-haul truck driver's various encounters on the road. Whether it's a cop in New Jersey questioning his accent or a barbecue dinner in Detroit that isn't anything like what his mother would make, the song is a metaphorical pondering of the ways Jackson's Southern upbringing varies from the places he passes through.
Each story grows goofier than the last, illustrating Jackon's penchant for simple yet captivating storytelling. And while "Where I Come From" is ultimately rooted in his Southern culture, his passionate delivery on the anthemic chorus makes anyone want to sing along, no matter where you're from.
"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)," 'Drive' (2002)
While countless songs have been written about the September 11, 2001 attacks, it's hard to find one with more apolitical grace or as much empathy as Alan Jackson on "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)."
Rather than containing vengeful imagery of boots kicking butts, the song instead details Jackson's own experiences and mixed emotions of the day — from shouting in anger to sitting down to cry — to create arguably his most powerful and unifying piece of work. And its moving message resonated with country fans, earning Jackson his 19th No. 1.
"Drive (For Daddy Gene)," 'Drive' (2002)
Written in remembrance of his late father Eugene, "Drive (For Daddy Gene") sees Jackson recalling memories with his dad — particularly, how he'd let him drive around the countryside near their home in the beat up truck they worked on together.
As the emotions and memories keep flooding back, Jackson eventually reflects on how he's already begun to make similar memories with his daughters. Altogether, the stories make for one of Jackson's most poignant songs that — combined with the single that preceded it, "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)" — show how he strikes a chord with listeners on somber songs just as much as his upbeat country anthems.
"Remember When," 'Greatest Hits Volume II' (2003)
Despite delivering a couple of his most poignant hits on 2002's Drive , Jackson delivered his most heartfelt love letter to date with 2003's "Remember When." Much like "Livin' On Love," the song looks back on his marriage and how the bond with his wife has only strengthened over time.
One of two new tracks featured on Jackson's second greatest hits collection, "Remember When" is a stark contrast from the classic drinking song "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" featuring Jimmy Buffett . But while the latter became Jackson's biggest crossover hit, "Remember When" remains the country legend's only single to be certified four-times platinum by the RIAA (as of press time) — further proof that Jackson made an impact with his music no matter the subject.
"Freight Train," 'Freight Train' (2010)
The title track from Jackson's 16th studio record, "Freight Train" visualizes the singer as a steam locomotive running down the tracks away from the woman that scorned him. On it, he's left to untangle himself from the twisted emotions that had kept him from leaving her sooner: "Well every time I talk to you I hear your jealous lines/ I feel like I've been left abandoned on some old railway side."
Even nearly 20 albums into his career, Jackson was still delivering stories that listeners hadn't heard from him before — and "Freight Train" is a prime example of how Jackson has long been able to keep listeners on their toes.
"Long Hard Road," 'The Bluegrass Album' (2013)
Though Jackson is known as one of the world's most accomplished country musicians, he has also forayed into gospel and bluegrass within his mammoth 21-album collection. "Long Hard Road" — a deep cut from his simply titled 2013 effort, The Bluegrass Album — is a perfect example of the latter, as Jackson sings of a rugged journey that's changed him "for good and some for bad" and made him long for a way back home.
The song's hard-driving soundscapes and bold group harmonies make it a natural fit in the bluegrass space. At the same time, it maintains the integrity and distinct voice that's made Jackson him such a beloved star — one whose legacy will live on long after his farewell tour concludes.
Latest News & Exclusive Videos
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 With Her 'Winter's Diary' Return, Tink Is Ready To Rep For "The Girls Going Through It"](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/Tink-Press-Photo-2024-Credit-Alex-Harper.webp)
With Her 'Winter's Diary' Return, Tink Is Ready To Rep For "The Girls Going Through It"
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From ATEEZ & G-Eazy, Shawn Mendes, Latto, & More](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/Shawn_Mendes_Credit_Thomas_Falcone.webp)
New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From ATEEZ & G-Eazy, Shawn Mendes, Latto, & More
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Watch Alanis Morissette Win At The 1999 GRAMMYs](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/0e/5c/5c/0e5c5c64-a3c2-4148-931c-3e9e9ee14445/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-00-38.789.jpg)
Watch Alanis Morissette Win At The 1999 GRAMMYs
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Dancehall Legend Spice Reflects On 'Mirror 25,' Her Near-Death Experience & Owning Her Own Vision](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/Spice-by-Mackinley-Madhere.webp)
Dancehall Legend Spice Reflects On 'Mirror 25,' Her Near-Death Experience & Owning Her Own Vision
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 The Recording Academy Philly Chapter Celebrates 30 Years With An Inaugural Block Party & Fireside Chat With Tierra Whack](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/Philly-Chapter-Block-Party-Tierra-Whack.webp)
The Recording Academy Philly Chapter Celebrates 30 Years With An Inaugural Block Party & Fireside Chat With Tierra Whack
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Ella Langley Press Photo](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Ella-Langley-Press-Photo-2024-Credit-Caylee-Robillard.jpg)
Photo: Caylee Robillard
Meet Ella Langley, The "You Look Like You Love Me" Singer Ready To Be Country Music's Next Straight-Shooting Queen
With her debut album, 'hungover,' Ella Langley doubles down on the relatable, raw songwriting that's helped her become one of country's most promising new stars: "I’m here to play."
Just hours before Ella Langley released her debut album, hungover , she checked off another career goal: playing a stadium. Opening for Morgan Wallen in Kansas City, Missouri, she couldn't help but flash back to young Ella, whose musical aspirations have long been stadium-sized.
"I've been manifesting this my whole life. People used to ask me, 'How far do you want to take it?' and I was like, 'As far as I can — which is, in my brain, a stadium,'" the rising country star tells GRAMMY.com on the day of her album release. "So with the record coming out and playing my first stadium, I just kept thinking about that little girl that would lay in her room, stare at the ceiling and wonder if her dream would ever work out. And yesterday, it felt like it's coming true."
It's not entirely surprising that two major milestones happened simultaneously for the Hope Hull, Alabama native. Since she moved to Nashville in 2019, Langley has been winning over peers and fans alike with her candid storytelling and playful demeanor. It's exactly why she's been touted as an artist to watch by CMT and the Grand Ole Opry, among many others; it's also why her most recent single, the cheeky Riley Green team-up "you look like you love me," has been making waves on social media and even across the pond in the U.K., where it's already hit No. 1.
The rest of hungover further showcases her raw-and-real approach, from the twangy kiss-off "cowboy friends" to the regretful tale of "love you tonight." She masterfully finds a balance between straightforward and meaningful, ultimately reminding listeners that it's okay to not be perfect — and to lean into that.
"There's this level of honest that I'm not afraid to be," Langley says. "I think people need somebody like that."
Below, the buzzy country singer details the "badass" women who have inspired her strong-willed attitude, how she's seen her music impact fans, and why she'll never stop thinking of her growing success as "just nuts."
You've said you didn't really consider yourself a songwriter, which is why you moved to Nashville. Now you've co-written two full projects. Clearly you had some sort of songwriting talent in you!
I just have the imagination of a 10-year-old, and that helps, for sure, with songwriting. My dad's an incredible storyteller. My grandpa was an incredible storyteller. Really, storytelling is what my family did. If you come and sit at our dinner table, everyone's talking over each other, laughing loud, telling the same stories that everyone's heard. If one new person sits at the kitchen table, they're in for a loud dinner.
I was singing constantly as a kid. Like I said, I've known my whole life what I wanted to do, so I was always doing it. But I tried to sit down and write songs, and every time I would try to write a whole song, it came out weird. Melodies are always what I would write a lot of, I still feel like [that's] one of my strong suits is in a room.
COVID hit six months after I moved to town, and that was a blessing in disguise for me. I was playing shows still back in Alabama and all over the Southeast. That's how I was paying my bills. I was playing cover gigs — this only job I've ever had, minus a stint in high school with a trampoline park. But that didn't last too long. [ Laughs .]
When I [first] moved, I was struggling figuring out how to write. But then COVID hit, and I couldn't do anything but write songs. I found some incredible people in that six months I had before [the pandemic], and that's all I did was write, write, write.
What was the first song that you wrote that you were like, This is who I want to be as an artist ?
I don't think there was one song that did that for me. I was talking to Lainey Wilson last night about how it's really crazy [that] when you move to town, people are like, "Who are you as an artist?" You ask a 20-year-old who they are — I don't know! I don't know anything! I'm just doing my best. I'm just trying to survive without my parents telling me what to do right now. So really, this record is my life that I've written from 20 to 25. They're all just journal entries.
We cut "paint in town blue," "hungover," "you look like you love me," and "nicotine" all this month last year, and I still had no idea what the title was going to be. When I was driving around listening to the mixes, I was listening to "hungover." When I was thinking about the title hungover , and what that represents, I was like, Oh, my God, it just does represent everyone's life from 18 to 25 . It's growing up, and just kind of giving yourself grace to live your life and figure that out.
Since you've been manifesting this for your whole life, did you have a vision of what you were wanting to bring to country music?
No. Putting this record together has made it make sense. You know, you go so long [playing] cover gigs, and then [when] I started doing my first tour, I'm singing a 45-minute set and I have one song out.
It took this record, putting this together, and kind of figuring that out to really understand who I want to be for my fans — and actually realizing that I have fans now, which is crazy to think and say. Every show I see more and more people singing, and it's as many girls as it is guys singing the same songs. And I love that they're just singing their hearts out.
I think what I want to be for my fans and for country music is just — grace is my word. You don't always have to be perfect. None of us are. So just do your best and love what you do.
The titles of both of the projects you've put out, your EP Excuse The Mess and now hungover , are so indicative of that. Have you had a chance to go back to Excuse The Mess and compare the two, or think about how much you've grown?
Definitely. I thought a lot about Excuse The Mess when I was building this record. I'm so proud of that little project and what came out of it. I got nominated for my first award ever off that record. And the two acoustic songs at the end of it are still two of my favorite songs I've ever written.
I think Excuse The Mess to hungover is a good jump. It's almost like an extension of that. But like I said, my songs are journal entries of my life. [For] the next one, hopefully I won't do as many crazy ass things. [ Laughs .]
But that's what makes you relatable and so lovable — you're just singing about the stuff that mid 20-somethings do. You make the mistakes you learn from them, and you sing about them, and everybody loves it. We've all been there!
Exactly. It's funny, I started realizing pretty early on in town how honest I was in [songwriting sessions]. Because a lot of writers were like, "Dang!" I always say that the songwriters in Nashville know way too much about my personal life.
I played a show when I was on tour with Riley [Green] earlier this year. We played in Huntsville, Alabama, and this was the first time I've played a show in Alabama in a minute. We did a meet and greet, and so many people [I know] came. My little sister's going into her senior year [of high school]...she came up to me and she was like, "Watching you do what you do — just the fact that you moved, and watching you just keep pushing at it, I can get up and go to the gym. I can get up and clean my house. You don't understand the hope and motivation that it gives people like us."
That was kind of a big moment for me. This is affecting people now. It's just nuts.
See, you can keep doing crazy s— and you'll still have fans!
I've been this way since the day I was born, so I figure it's not going to stop now. My frontal cortex did develop, so maybe I'll think a little bit more.
I had a feeling you've always been a straight shooter.
It's kind of funny — I think it's something that, if somebody's new [on my team], they have to get used to. If you're used to it, it's kind of nice. I say exactly what I mean all the time. I never beat around the bush!
Where do you think you got that from?
My dad. He's honest — and my mom's honest, but they're very honest in different ways. My dad's a little more Southern Baptist where he's, like, around some people, gonna be a little sweeter. That does rub off on me, because I'm from the South. But, I don't know, I've just always said exactly what I think. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's not. But the older I get, the more I realize it pays off!
It's made me some really cool relationships in this job, with other artists and just people in general. I met Eric Church for the first time the other night. In Nashville, there's this unspoken rule about how you treat artists — especially when you're another artist, you don't want to just walk up and be weird. But I did the Toby Keith tribute [in Nashville on July 29], and whenever I heard Eric Church was playing it [too], I couldn't stop thinking, Am I going to get a chance to shake this man's hand? He's such a legend to me.
There was a bar side stage, and he was standing at the end of the bar, right next to Lainey [Wilson] and HARDY and I'm like, Oh my God, that's perfect. I'm friends with them, this is my in! I walked up there and I was like, "I'm not trying to be weird, and if I am, please just tell me. But I have to tell you, I just think you're a badass, and I would kick myself in the ass if I did not shake your hand and tell you that." And that's how I got a tour with Jamey Johnson — I said the exact same thing.
It's like, how are you surrounded by these people that you've grown up watching, wanting to do what they do, admiring, learning from, and then you just get to meet them, and they're all "Love your voice, love your songs!" Like, "You know who I am? Wow, I'm gonna need to sit down."
So that's how Eric responded?
Yes! It was nuts! Then I leaned into HARDY and I said, "Do you remember the first time you were around the most famous people you've ever been around?" He said, "Yeah, is that you right now?" I said, "Yeah." He was like, "That's awesome!" He had the biggest grin on his face.
It's cool, because Eric is a straight shooter too, so I'm sure he loves seeing another female artist doing that. Because since, like, Miranda Lambert , there really hasn't been a female country artist with such a power stance like, "No, I'm not dealing with your BS."
That's why I think "you look like you love me" is such a cool song, because it is really about women empowerment. My mom's a strong ass female. My grandma was that way. A lot of women in my life are just badasses, and I've seen them go through a lot of s—. I grew up watching them stand up for themselves.
And the older you get, I guess, the more feminine rage you get. I don't know if that's how it usually goes, but for me personally, yes. You know, like "cowboy friends" — you can do whatever you want. Why does it have to be the guy? We know we want more than men, always! Unless you ask me where I want to eat, I always know what I want!
So, go walk up to him! Even if it doesn't work out, whatever. One time I did that at the gym and it didn't work out. My photographer watched me do it. It was terrible.
Something tells me that man regrets turning you down.
He had a girlfriend. Or maybe he didn't and he just said that. [ Laughs .] Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself. It's fine — you don't always have to be cool, you know?
Has anyone ever shut you down for being so honest, especially as a female artist?
No, I think it surprises 'em more than anything.
I've been on tour with a lot of outlaws. I started out with Randy Houser, then I went on a Koe Wetzel , and then we did Jamey Johnson, and then Cody Johnson, and now we've got Riley [Green] and HARDY and Morgan [Wallen]. And that's a bunch of outlaws, if you ask me. So you kind of do have to be a badass female around here, you know?
I'm here to play. I'm here to show everybody what I've been working so hard on, and what my band and my team have been working hard on. And I think they respect that. They respect the honesty and the grind that I have. Real sees real, and I think that's what's happening.
Now that you've checked off the debut album, what else are you working on manifesting?
So many things. I have so many plans. I've always been like this. I have so many things spinning in my brain. I'm already working on the title for the next record. The record's out, so now it's time for the next thing. Everyone can listen to this while I'm working on that!
So you're a big manifester?
Oh, constantly. I write in my journal, I make manifestation boards. Every New Year's for the past two or three years, me and a bunch of my team get together, and we have a big arts and crafts party. We play music and manifest. It's crazy to see the things that I put on my board last year that are coming true this year.
What are some of those things?
[Performing at] Red Rocks, the album coming out, getting on a bus. I made friends with Miranda Lambert this year. She's been on my manifestation board three years in a row, so that was cool.
I think I put a gold record on there, which happened this year. Me and Caylee — my photographer who also helps run my social media — we had a goal for how many followers we wanted to get to, and we've already beat that. It's just nuts to see the things that you really hope for come true.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Orville Peck Press Photo 2024](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Orville_Peck_Press_Photo_2024_Credit_Ben_Prince.jpg)
Photo: Ben Prince
Orville Peck's Road To 'Stampede': How The Masked Cowboy Became Country Music's Most Intriguing Anti-Hero
With his new album, Orville Peck flexes his fluidity like never before alongside some of his closest friends. Dig into the boundary-pushing journey that's led the country troubadour to 'Stampede.'
Orville Peck wants to make one thing clear: he doesn't miss the tassels on his mask.
"The fringe was sort of a pain in the ass for a lot of things, like going to dinners and things like that. So now that's a lot easier," the country crooner tells GRAMMY.com with a laugh. "When I first started doing shows with my new mask, it was a little nerve-wracking to go out and feel like I was sort of a little naked, but I've gotten over that now."
Tassels or not, Peck's signature face covering has been a major part of his mystique since he burst onto the country scene with his 2019 debut album, Pony . Part Lone Ranger symbol, part leather daddy roleplay, the mask has both protected the singer's true identity (sure, that information is out there, but we're not about to spoil it here) and added a theatrical allure to the brand of offbeat outlaw country that's made him famous.
But on the verge of releasing Stampede , his new duets album (which dropped Aug. 2 via Warner Records), Peck felt confident it was time to update his look — fringe be damned. "I know people feel very connected to the mask and very protective over it, but I make art for myself," he says just days after playing the Newport Folk Festival as part of his ongoing Stampede Tour, which wraps with two shows in Brooklyn, New York on Oct. 19 and 20.
"So when I know it's time to evolve and change something, that's because I need a challenge," the singer continues. "Something different to keep me inspired as an artist and making good art, rather than just doing the same thing over and over again, or pandering to people who expect me to be something or someone."
From the moment he first donned the fringed mask and introduced the world to his stage name, Peck has been hell-bent on blazing his own path through the country scene. After all, he's never checked all — or any — of the boxes the Nashville elite might expect. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Vancouver, Canada, the deep-voiced troubadour also happens to be one of the few proudly and openly gay men in the country space — all markers that buck traditional conventions of what makes a 21st century country star.
"I say I'm from all over the place, which is essentially the truth," the singer explained in the 2020 mini-documentary exploring his origins titled "The Orville Peck Story." "You know, I've kind of been on the road my whole life. I was a huge fan of Westerns, I was a huge fan of the Lone Ranger. Looking back on it, being this out-of-place, lonely kid, I can really understand why the image of a cowboy connected to me so hard."
The archetype also runs in his bloodline: in South Africa: his grandfather was a gun-toting sheriff on horseback, and a young Orville spent years roaming the bush with his dad, but the singer is quick to clarify with a knowing chuckle that he sees himself as "more the Marty Robbins [type] rather than the guy who's actually working the ranch."
Peck also admits he's felt, at times, excluded from what he calls the "Nashville machine" of major-label country ("I think they have a very decided mandate of what they want to be country music, and what they think is profitable — and sadly, that doesn't leave tons of room for diversity"). But his success as an outlier who's both queer and non-American is also a testament to the fact that the genre doesn't belong exclusively to some select group of elites dictating who's allowed to pick up a guitar.
"As far as what makes a country musician, I think it's anybody who has a love for country and wants to have their perspective in it," he adds. "With all due, the most important and meaningful mechanism of country is, in fact, just storytelling."
If anything, Peck's first album harkened back to a time — and sound — that predates the glossy sheen and honky-tonk bro culture of modern country altogether. Early songs like "Hope to Die" and "Turn to Hate" tapped into the frank, hardscrabble narratives favored by greats like Johnny Cash , Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard , as Peck painted vivid imagery on the self-produced Pony of a Wild West filled with heartbreak and hatred, ghost towns and standoffs with lost souls. ("Stark, hollow town, Carson City lights/ Baby, let's get high/ Spend a Johnny's cash, hitch another ride," he intones on "Dead of Night," the LP's haunting opener.)
Quick to strike while the proverbial cattle brand was hot, Peck soon inked a deal with Columbia Records and doubled down on the vintage aesthetic and high noon-ready sonic palette of Pony with the 2020 EP, Show Pony .
A more flamboyant evolution of its predecessor, the six-track project continued Peck's reverence for country icons of the past by featuring a menacing reinvention of Bobbie Gentry 's '60s-era crossover hit "Fancy" on top of brooding originals like "Summertime" and "No Glory in the West." The biggest spectacle on Show Pony , however, came in the form of "Legends Never Die," an audacious, anthemic duet with none other than Shania Twain .
Not only did the song give the five-time GRAMMY winner an excuse to revisit her well-documented love for a leopard-print jumpsuit — it added a dash of glitz and glamor to Peck's mysterious persona, as he harmonized with the Queen of Country Pop on lines like, "I've been rode hard and put up wet/ Ain't nothing in this world that I can't get/ Don't worry 'bout making sure they won't forget/ No it's fine/ 'Cause legends never die."
At the time, working with his idol served as a major breakout moment for the musical desperado. But as the first duet of Peck's career — which now includes an album dedicated to the art of collaboration — the song was a marked departure from his tried and true approach as a musical Lone Ranger.
"I was willing to do it because it was Shania and I was so obsessed with her. You know, I wrote the song for her and I," he says. "But I used to be very opposed to even writing with other people. It was hard for me because I grew up so DIY in this industry, and so protective over my vision and my music that it was a skill I had to develop."
Throughout the next couple of years, Peck also had to learn how to manage the realities of his growing fame. The country crooner's career reached new heights with the release of his sophomore album, Bronco , which he rolled out in three chapters over the winter and spring of 2022.
Steeped in the singer's now-signature pastiche of hypermasculine cowboy fantasies, the studio effort successfully balanced the camp of sly, homoerotic cuts like "Daytona Sand" and "The Curse of the Blackened Eye" with the yearning sincerity of ballads like "C'mon Baby, Cry" and "Hexie Mountains." Peck also searched out new sonic influences on the album, finding inspiration in everything from '60s and '70s psychedelia to South African folk music like marabi and mbaqanga — essentially paving the way for the genre-hopping sound of Stampede .
"With Pony , [that] was my first, lonely, frightened little album, and then Show Pony was my glitzy attempt at confidence, and now Bronco is all about breaking free and being untamed and unrestrained," Peck said in an interview with Billboard Pride at the time.
The muscled musical freedom he harnessed on his sophomore set paid off: in addition to becoming the singer's first official entry on the Billboard 200, it was a genre-hopping success on the folk, country and rock charts — where it reached Nos. 4, 11 and 13, respectively.
Bronco also arrived in the wake of a cavalcade of ever-increasingly high-profile opportunities for Peck: Lady Gaga tapped him to reimagine "Born This Way" for BORN THIS WAY THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY ; Harry Styles asked the singer to open for his fan-favorite "Harryween" shows at Madison Square Garden; and he starred in the campaign for Beyoncé 's Ivy Park Rodeo fashion line.
And that's not all: country music's self-described anti-hero suddenly found himself labeled a gay icon-in-the-making as he appeared as a coach and celebrity mentor on the Apple TV+ series My Kind of Country , received the Cultural Icon Award by The Tom of Finland Foundation for "artistic achievement and immeasurable contributions to the art and culture of [the LGBTQIA+] community," and appeared as a guest judge on the main stage of RuPaul's Drag Race .
Read More: How Queer Country Artists Are Creating Space For Inclusive Stories In The Genre
Eager to get back on the road following the pandemic, Peck announced a sprawling tour in support of Bronco , which would take him all around the country through the summer of 2023. But following a sold-out show at The Theater at Madison Square Garden that June for Pride, the singer reached a breaking point.
"I was starting to work on a new album and was feeling a lot of pressure from the jump in success that I'd had around that time; it was all just coming to a head and I was completely burning myself out," he says. "So I had to basically make the decision to stop everything and go take care of myself, because my depression and my mental health was so bad. It was really just too much for me."
So, more than a year after Bronco 's release, Peck stopped the avalanche of momentum and canceled the rest of The Bronco Tour to focus on his mental health. "It definitely wasn't easy," he says with hindsight. "I felt like I was letting myself down, everyone who works with me down…all my fans. So it was a very heavy and hard decision. But I'm so happy I did it because it saved my life."
Peck largely spent the rest of the year away from the spotlight, candidly acknowledging in a December Instagram post that "2023 unexpectedly turned out to be the hardest year of my life." But having taken the necessary time to heal, he was ready to dive into his next musical chapter, and within a matter of weeks, he was cryptically teasing Stampede .
Coming off of such a major reset, Peck explains that he views Stampede as a standalone "concept album" of sorts, rather than the latest entry in his canon of solo records. Instead of going it alone, he packed the album with a parade of close friends and music industry legends, both fellow rabble-rousers in the country scene and surprising GRAMMY winners from the worlds of dance-pop, American roots music, EDM and alt-rock.
The album's first single was a duet with Willie Nelson on "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other" — a groundbreaking and subversive yarn written in 1981 by Latin country artist Ned Sublette that Nelson first recorded in 2006.
"I couldn't believe that Willie Nelson was singing a song about gay cowboys," Peck says of the first time he heard the country icon's solo version, which found the 12-time GRAMMY winner singing, "Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other/ Say, what do you think all them saddles and boots was about?" with a wink over waltzing guitar.
It was Nelson's idea to update the song as a duet, which eventually led Peck to the idea of Stampede . In fact, he asked the younger singer to collaborate on the track the first time they ever met aboard the 91-year-old legend's famous tour bus. "It was overwhelming and validating," Peck remembers. "I mean, if we want to talk about feeling excluded from country, nothing makes you feel more included than Willie Nelson asking you to do a duet."
High off making magic with Nelson, Peck extended that same spirit of camaraderie to some of his closest friends and peers from all corners of the country landscape — from his My Kind of Country costar Mickey Guyton to neotraditional country trio Midland , as well as Canadian folk chanteuse Allison Russell and crosspicking bluegrass virtuoso Molly Tuttle , whom Peck touts as "one of the best guitarists alive."
The singer was equally intentional when it came to melding his sound with other genres, whether he was grooving to the chugging, celebratory "Death Valley High" with Beck , whipping up a whistling, disco-country bop in "Midnight Ride" with Kylie Minogue and Diplo or going toe to toe in a vocal showcase with Teddy Swims on the soaring, gospel-tinged "Ever You're Gone." Along with showing his versatility, Stampede also displays a rejuvenated Peck who is eager to continue pushing the boundaries of country music and beyond.
"I didn't intend for it to be in the usual vein of my solo stuff," Peck says of his approach to the album. "The intention was that I wanted to collaborate with each of these people. So take 50 percent of me and 50 percent of whoever the other artist is, and see what we could make together, you know?"
While Stampede kicks off on an unabashedly gay note with that Willie Nelson duet, it's bookended by a joyful cover of Glen Campbell 's beloved 1975 classic "Rhinestone Cowboy." Peck assembled pals Waylon Payne , TJ Osborne of Brothers Osborne and Fancy Hagood for a "star-spangled rodeo" of a finale that felt poignantly momentous for all four trailblazers.
"Obviously, there are not that many out gay men in country music, so we all kind of have this bond together," Peck points out, noting that the quartet have cleverly christened themselves "The High-Gay Men" in their ongoing group chat. "So I knew that it was important to do something really historic in a sense, and meaningful that four, out, proud, gay men in country could get together and do a song together."
Now that the album is out, Peck is prepared to keep the Stampede raging. His sixth annual Orville Peck's Rodeo — a roving mini-festival the singer first dreamt up in the days of Pony — will take place later this summer as part of his touring plans in support of the LP. Hosted by the legendary John Waters and co-headlined by Tanya Tucker, the event promises to deliver three days of live music, drag performances, after-parties and surprises galore. And for the first time, it's taking over Nashville.
Triumphantly descending on Music City U.S.A. with a band of misfits and icons in tow might feel like nothing short of vindication for a masked vigilante who's spent his entire career playing by his own rules. But for Peck, it's always been about his dedication to the art rather than seeking approval from the industry that surrounds it.
"I'll say it like this: I don't feel like an outsider in country music," he concludes. "Because I love country music more than anybody."
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Red Clay Strays Press Photo 2024](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/The_Red_Clay_Strays_Press_Photo_2024_Credit_Robby_Klein.jpg)
Photo: Robby Klein
The Red Clay Strays Offer A New Kind Of Religion With 'Made By These Moments'
As the rising — and rousing — country group release their second album, the Red Clay Strays' Brandon Coleman and Drew Nix detail the hard-fought journey that's inspired them to deliver a hopeful message with their music.
Faith has been a driving force behind Alabama band the Red Clay Strays, both in their music and in their journey to stardom. With their new album, Made By These Moments , the quintet leans into that foundation even further, giving listeners a look into their walk with God and road to redemption — all of which has helped them become one of country music's most exciting breakout acts.
Despite the divine influence, lead singer Brandon Coleman insists they're not a Christian band. And their music proves that: The Strays' sound delves as much into high-flying Southern rock and gritty delta blues as it does country, sounding like Waylon Jennings or Johnny Cash one minute, then Lynyrd Skynyrd or Elvis Presley the next. As Coleman insists, what's most important to the group is making music that resonates.
"Most of the time we're not setting out to write a worship song… or anything like that," he tells GRAMMY.com. "We don't want to be a Christian band or even a country band — we just want to make music, plain and simple."
Born out of a cover band in 2016, The Strays grinded it out for years in bars around Mobile and the Deep South before hitting a breakthrough with 2022's independently released Moment Of Truth . Their budding acclaim led to opening slots with Elle King, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church and Old Crow Medicine Show, their first chart hit with "Wondering Why," and debuts on the Grand Ole Opry stage and on national television. And just one week before Made By These Moments arrived, the group were featured on the star-studded soundtrack for Twisters .
That all culminated in them signing with RCA Records in April 2024 and working with producer Dave Cobb, who helped the Red Clay Strays deliver their most polished and faith-focused set to date with Made By These Moments . Its 11 songs serve as a blueprint of how with hard work, patience and God in your corner no obstacle is too big to overcome. The band navigates everything from questioning oneself ("No One Else Like Me") and searching for purpose ("Drowning," "Devil In My Ear") to discovering and becoming grounded in faith ("I'm Still Fine," "On My Knees") and growing into the best version of yourself as a result ("Made By These Moments," "God Does").
"We're not trying to go out and preach to anybody, we're just singing songs about our lives and people can listen if they want," Coleman asserts. "I've had many people who aren't spiritual or religious come up to me and say that our music has gotten them to think and reevaluate how they go about their daily lives. That's all you can ask for if you're trying to inspire or help people with your music."
Before the release of Made By These Moments , The Strays' Brandon Coleman and Drew Nix spoke with GRAMMY.com about how faith influences their music, the album's range of inspirations, and more.
You guys haven't shied away from making your faith a focal point of your music. Mind telling me about the roots of that influence, particularly with how it relates to the 11 songs on this new record?
Brandon Coleman: I mean, God's really the driving force in all of it. He's why we do this. Everyone's wondering why they were put here on Earth and what their purpose is. Once you're able to get an idea for what that is, that's often what you end up doing. Our music is about our lives and living on the road, and God is a big part of all of it.
Drew Nix: When God gives you a gift you have to use it or it's wasted, right? The biblical things we talk about in our music are lessons that we've learned growing up. It's such complex and simple truths all wrapped into one, which makes it really easy to write about. There's victory and strife and everything else you go through in life. It leaves us thanking God at the end of each and every day for giving us another one.
It sounds like rather than faith seeping into music that it's simply been ingrained in your DNA long before you started making music?
Coleman: Exactly. We're always looking to put God above ourselves.
Nix: When I'm writing songs like "Drowning" — a song that came about when I felt like I couldn't get ahead in life because I kept slipping and falling — it's very therapeutic too.
Another example is "Devil In My Ear," which sees me dealing with a close friend and someone I considered to be family's suicide. It was our drummer's brother Jacob, who was an unofficial member of the band and one of the best musicians we knew. He took his own life in 2020, so that song was me trying to deal with that. The only thing I could come up with at the time was that the devil got in his ear because he really had it made — he was an incredible musician with a loving family around him. It just didn't make any sense to me until writing that song.
I obviously hate to hear that, but at the same time I firmly believe that one of the most beautiful things about music is the positivity that can radiate from even the most tragic of circumstances. It's a way to make others who've gone through similar experiences feel seen and not alone, easing the weight of the trauma that comes with it in the process. "Devil In My Ear" is a perfect example of that.
Nix: Not feeling alone, that's a huge part of it. On a related note, the song "Made By These Moments" touches on exactly what you're talking about. We go through all these horrible and beautiful things in our lives that make us who we are. It's also one of the songs that finally brings up the mood on the album as well.
Coleman: That's the beauty of this album. It starts out great a lot of times like life does. It starts with a good rock song before taking you down into the dark places that we all go to with "Drowning" and "Devil In My Ear." Then you come out of that with "I'm Still Fine" realizing "Oh crap, I'm down in the valley but I'm still fine because God's still got me" ahead of rejoicing with "On My Knees," and realizing that getting through all these bad things is what makes us stronger with "Made By These Moments." Closing out the album with a perfect ending is "God Does," a gentle reminder that even though you may not think something is possible, God does.
It's like a roller coaster ride to redemption.
Coleman: Addiction and survival, too — all of it.
You mentioned "Drowning" a moment ago, which is one of my favorites on the record due to both its message and Brandon's high-powered vocals — particularly during its chorus — that remind me a lot of Chris Stapleton. It's a little bit country, blues and rock with a heck of a lot of emotion.
Coleman: Thank you. "Drowning" was originally written in A, so we were singing the chorus, but it wasn't quite up there note wise. I felt like we had a lot of room to keep going up, so we walked it up to a C so it has more of that screaming vibe to it, which definitely helped the song.
It feels fitting and reminds me of when we were struggling in 2020 and 2021 and were driving for Uber. I finally scraped up $100 to get my car's oil changed. It was supposed to be free, but the place ended up charging me a $40 fee before convincing me to buy new air filters too, to which I said "go ahead" because I just can't say no. What was a $15 air filter I ended up getting charged $75 for, taking my would be free oil change up over the $100 I'd just saved up.
I remember leaving there, going back home and kicking this drawer that I'd picked up on the side of the road. I ended up breaking it and screaming at the top of my lungs, and that's what the big notes in the chorus of "Drowning" remind me of.
If it makes you feel any better I literally got my car's oil changed this morning and they got me on the upcharge for an air filter too.
Coleman: It does, but it hits a lot different when you only have $100 to your name.
Absolutely. And thankfully that's something y'all aren't having to deal with anymore. What a difference a couple years can make!
Coleman: Even going through all that, despite how hard it was, we were never hopeless. We all just looked at it as going through a battle. We still had faith in God all the way, even when it was very hard to, which was very scary and stressful. People always say to never quit and to never give up, and that's turned out to be true for us too.
That leads me to "God Does." There's a lot of rockin' tunes on this record, but that song stands out from the rest, both in its message and the stripped back format you recorded it in. Was it always your plan to compose it like that or did you ever have a plan to give it a similar treatment to the rest of this project?
Coleman: I can't speak for Drew, but that was always my idea of how it would be. Working with Dave, he has his ideas too, and in the studio they all mesh together as we figure out and create it. He changed the whole beat up on ["God Does"] and gave the song more of a waltz-y feel that completely transformed it for the better, in my opinion.
Nix: I had a country-er imagination for it when I wrote and demoed it. I bought a pedal steel about a year ago to have it go more of the country route, but the way it turned out is better than I ever imagined.
Coleman: I like the way Drew came up with it, too. I actually still have that work tape on my phone because I remember how that song helped me out during that time of uncertainty and struggling. We played a show in Baldwin County [Alabama] somewhere and were using Jacob's old bus because our's was broken down. One of its tires went flat, so we had to leave it at the venue. Drew and I returned the next day to change the tire so we could get home. It was then that Drew told me about this new song he'd just written called "God Does."
I don't know if he knew, but I was sitting there just trying to hide my tears as I listened to it because of being in that time of life of not knowing what to do and feeling hopeless. That song came along at a very good time and really changed my trajectory mentally.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Koe Wetzel Press Photo 2024](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Koe-Wetzel-Press-Photo-2024-Credit-Jody-Domingue.jpg)
Photo: Jody Domingue
Koe Wetzel On How New Album '9 Lives' Helped Him Tap Into His Feelings
After establishing himself as an outlaw country act, Koe Wetzel wanted to dig deeper with his fifth studio album. The buzzy star details how new collaborators and unintentional therapy helped him show a new side of his artistry.
The word "rabid" may often be tossed around in conversations about fan bases, but Koe Wetzel's die-hard followers truly deserve the distinction. A quick search of the Texas-born singer/songwriter's fans reveals videos of Wetzel breaking up audience fights , arguments over featured vocalists and many, many Koe-inspired tattoos .
So, what is it about the 32-year-old country star that gets people so riled up? For starters, Wetzel, like Zach Bryan or Cody Jinks, is an outsider in the genre. He found his footing and honed his unorthodox sound — which defies traditional genre conventions to include influences from hard rock and hip-hop — as part of the Texas music scene rather than on Nashville's Music Row, the genre's commercial epicenter. Wetzel debuted in 2015 with Out on Parole , an album released under the name Koe Wetzel and the Konvicts. That record and its follow-up, 2016's Noise Complaint , made Wetzel a star on the college touring circuit, and by the time 2019's Harold Saul High was released, he was charting on Billboard while fielding management and label offers.
Wetzel's rough-and-tumble persona is another draw. He's outlaw country in his music and in life, with the Feb. 28 date of his 2016 arrest for public intoxication now known as "Koe Wetzel Day." He's known for working hard and partying harder — though, as he tells GRAMMY.com, he hopes to soften that image with his new album 9 Lives , out now.
As Wetzel puts it, at the heart of his gritty, irreverent persona is "just a goofball" who "probably should" go to therapy more often. Accordingly, his songwriting on 9 Lives is his most vulnerable to date, mingling meditations on fame and mental health with party anthems and hardscrabble tales of life on the road. Produced by Gabe Simon ( Noah Kahan , Lana Del Rey ), the record takes the gritty, rough-hewn country rock of Wetzel's earlier releases and lets it breathe a bit, adding touches of pop and roots to his grunge-leaning, hip-hop inspired beginnings.
Highlights on the record include the gritty and groovy title track and "Bar Song," a hypnotically infectious ode to a wild night out; "Leigh" shows off Wetzel's comedic side, as he playfully laments falling for "girls with names ending in Leigh." He also includes two drastically different covers: "Depression & Obsession" by late rapper XXXTentacion, and "Reconsider" by Keith Gattis, a country singer/songwriter who died in 2023 — further proof that Wetzel is anything but your typical country artist.
On the album's July 19 release, Wetzel chatted with GRAMMY.com about his switch-up with 9 Lives , from recruiting a new producer to covering a rap song and more.
It's rare to speak to an artist on an album release day, so I'd love to hear how your day is going and what the feedback from your fans has felt like so far.
I'm just glad that everybody's taken [the album] in the way I wanted them to, you know? I didn't know how people were going to react to it, because it is a little bit different from the sound that we put out before. But the reaction has been great. I think people are getting a little bit more of a feel for the stuff that we put out in our earlier years.
Your fan base is so passionate, and it seems like they are also really open to you taking risks and hearing new sounds from you. Does that resonate with you?
Yeah, for sure. It's not that they were getting used to the same sound we had been putting out for the last couple of records, but I felt like they were wanting something a little different than the country rock stuff. And I think with this record, we give them that. We're giving them something that they haven't heard from me before.
Take me back to the early days of plotting this record. What got the ball rolling for you?
Well, we really didn't go into it expecting it to be a full record. We hadn't put out music in a while, so we went into it with [the goal of] get[ting] a couple singles out, just to get stuff going for a record, possibly, in the future. I hadn't put out my music in almost two years at that point. And so, the idea was to go in and write some newer stuff. I knew the direction that I wanted it to go — a little bit softer, more honest, vulnerable route.
We got in [the studio] with Gabe Simon and Amy Allen and Carrie K and Sam Harris in El Paso, and we were there for, I think, two or three days. We wrote four songs: "Damn Near Normal," "Sweet Dreams" and a couple other tunes. We kind of sat back and looked at everything, and it all came really easy for us.
We looked back like, "All right, man, this sounds great. We should do it again." So, we hooked back up in Nashville at RCA, and we knocked out a couple more. I think we did four or five more songs in a couple of days there. Before we knew it, we're like, "Man, we got a whole record in there." It wasn't planned at all.
It must feel good to go in without any major expectations and come out of the studio with music that fits your vision.
Yeah, for sure. Gabe Simon — he really brought that out. It was my first time working with him. It was kind of scary, going in to write and work with somebody that you've never met before and being so open and honest with them. He pulled out everything that made all those songs [right for] the record.
It sounds like the two of you have a special creative partnership. What do you think it is about your work with Gabe that made him the right fit for the record?
One thing is just us coming from two different worlds. I'm a Texas guy, and he's coming from Nashville. It's just those two worlds colliding, pretty much. And he really cared about me and cared about my life, — things that are going on in my life instead of just being about the music. He cares about my well-being. We're friends now, and he'll hit me up on any given day and ask, "How you doing? How you feeling?" It has nothing to do with music. That's the type of dude Gabe is.
I think that played a big part in this record. Of course, he cared about the music, but he also wanted everybody to understand the stories that were being told.
You mentioned earlier that you get into more vulnerable territory on this record. What was it like for you to open up in that way in your music?
Honestly, it was kind of freeing. I don't go to therapy as much as I probably should. And I've said this a couple of times, that when I first met Gabe and Amy and all them, they all sat me down and picked my brain, just trying to get song ideas and [figure out] which way I wanted to go with the record. I always say that was my first real therapy session. And it was total strangers.
I don't talk about my feelings and stuff as much as I probably should, so whenever I get to write this music and play this music, that's pretty much how I express how I feel.
On the other end of the spectrum, you're great at incorporating humor into your songwriting. On this record, I'm particularly thinking about "Leigh," which is just so clever. What role does humor play in your writing process?
I'm a goofball. [With] my persona, people want to think I'm just this hardass, kind of outlaw dude, but I'm really just a goofball. I like to have a lot of fun. I like my records to have a lot of fun. So throwing in songs like that to keep people on their toes, you know, it's just to let them know it's not always so serious. It's a lot of fun and games.
We had a lot of fun making that song. At first, it kind of started off as a joke, and then we kind of sat back like, "Holy s—, this is pretty good. This is a fun song." We can't wait to play that one.
The two cover songs on the record fit so well, even though they are from drastically different artists, XXXTentacion and Keith Gattis. How did you choose those, and what made them fit the rest of 9 Lives ?
Keith Gattis, I didn't really get to know him or do a deep dive into his music while he was alive. He passed away last year. And Charlie Robison was one of my favorite Texas artists growing up. They passed away pretty close to each other last year.
Once I figured out that Keith wrote a lot of Charlie's songs, I really dug into his music a lot more… Something inside me was just like, "Yo, you gotta cut this song." I feel like it rounded out the record. We just tried to do it as much justice as possible.
[It was] kind of the same with "Depression & Obsession." XX is one of my favorite underground rappers. I love that era of music. I love what he did. He was another artist that was gone too soon. There's no telling what more we could have gotten from him. So, I wanted to do it justice and give a nod to them by putting those songs on the record.
You have Jessie Murph joining you on "High Road." How did the two of you connect?
Ron Perry with Columbia, he signed her a couple years ago. When we signed with Columbia, he asked if I'd heard of Jessie Murph. I wasn't familiar with her at the time. Then I looked her up and instantly became a fan. She's a f—ing superstar. Her voice is amazing.
We talked about having a duet on this record, but I couldn't find a singer that I wanted to have on the record. But it was kind of easy because Jessie worked with Columbia and, like I said, I was a huge fan. So, we hit her up. We let her put her own spin on it, and she absolutely crushed it.
You're certainly busy enough, with a new record out and a tour coming up. What else are you looking forward to in the second half of 2024?
More new music. We're already trying to get more new music going. We've got a lot of songs that are still in the vault that probably should have made the record but it just didn't feel right at the time. I can't really say a whole lot, but we've got a lot of songs in the vault and I'm still writing. So, once the tour's over with, we're hoping to put on some new music pretty quick.
- 1 Alan Jackson's Biggest Songs: "Chattahoochee" & 11 More Of The Country Icon's Most Memorable Hits
- 2 Meet Ella Langley, The "You Look Like You Love Me" Singer Ready To Be Country Music's Next Straight-Shooting Queen
- 3 Orville Peck's Road To 'Stampede': How The Masked Cowboy Became Country Music's Most Intriguing Anti-Hero
- 4 The Red Clay Strays Offer A New Kind Of Religion With 'Made By These Moments'
- 5 Koe Wetzel On How New Album '9 Lives' Helped Him Tap Into His Feelings
- Brooks & Dunn Sing With Morgan Wallen
- Luke Bryan Honors Late Sister
- Jelly Roll 'Dead End Road' Lyrics
- Kid Rock Replica White House
- Kelly Clarkson Covers Carrie Underwood
- Listen to Taste of Country Mornings!
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Taste of Country](https://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/04/toc-logo-high-rez.png)
Alan Jackson Pushes Remaining Tour Dates Due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth Setback
Alan Jackson has postponed the final two stops on his Last Call Tour until 2023 as he deals with health issues related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).
The silver lining on this announcement is that the Last Call One More for the Road Tour of 2022 will not be his actual "last call," as he's now planning at least two shows for next year. The affected shows are Friday night's (Oct. 7) show in Atlantic City, N.J., and Saturday night's stop Pittsburgh, Pa. No makeup date has been announced for either show.
"I hoped I’d be able to be there," Jackson writes at his website . "I hate to disappoint my fans. I tried as much as I could to play this show at this time."
Charcot-Marie-Tooth is a non-life threatening neurological condition that affects his gross motor skills. When Jackson revealed the diagnosis in 2021, he admitted he'd been living with it for several years and that other family members have, or had it. Part of the reason he shared his diagnosis was that it was becoming more obvious that he was dealing with something, and that it may force him to retire from the road sooner than he wants to.
One dollar from every ticket sold for this tour was earmarked for CMT Research Foundation. The tour began on June 24 in Mississippi.
Jackson does have one other notable appearance scheduled for 2022: On Oct. 14 he's set to receive CMT's (Country Music Television) Artist of a Lifetime Award in Nashville. He's just the seventh artist to receive the honor, although it's not clear if he'll attend the event, especially with news of his health setback. Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson , Kane Brown , Luke Combs and Walker Hayes are also being honored that night.
PICTURES: See Inside Alan Jackson's Spectacular Hilltop Estate
See alan jackson pictures, through the years, more from taste of country.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Remember Who Passed on ‘It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere’?](https://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/06/alan-jackson-jimmy-buffett-its-five-oclock-somewhere.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Logo](https://www.whiskeyriff.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/16-mobile-large-smaller.png)
Alan Jackson Reveals Another Album Isn’t Out Of The Question: “I Feel Like There Will Be Some More Music”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://www.whiskeyriff.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1898-50x50.jpg)
Never say never when it comes to the great Alan Jackson.
The country legend sat down with his daughter, Mattie Jackson, on her In Joy Life podcast this week to talk about his new Silverbelly Whiskey and the process of creating that, as well as some of his early days in Nashville and how he got into songwriting, and even detailed how he never thought “Chattahoochee” would be a hit .
He most recently put out his fantastic Where Have You Gone album in 2021, and later revealed he had been diagnosed with a genetic disease he got from his dad called CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Alan has since been on what was essentially a farewell tour , and has understandably taken a break from performing and being out on the road.
And all of that left a lot of fans thinking he probably wouldn’t be focused on cranking out another project, but apparently, that’s not the case at all.
In fact, he told Mattie that he actually hopes he will put out another album one day:
“Yes, I would hope so.”
He added that the creative part of him is constantly going, and he’s always working on lyrics or melodies in his head, so he thinks there will certainly be more new music to come down the road:
I mean, I may not tour much again, but like I said, the creative part jumps out every now and then and I’m always scribblin’ down ideas and thinkin’ about melodies.
I feel like there will be some more music to come, yes.”
He’s staying pretty dang busy right now with his daughters, and he recently welcomed his first grandson Jackson in December of last year, and Mattie also has a wedding coming up in May to her fiancé Connor Smith, so I doubt it will be anytime super soon if it happens at all.
Either way, that’s enough to get me fired up on this lovely Wednesday afternoon, because honestly, we need so much more of this…
“Where Have You Gone”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 A beer bottle on a dock](https://www.whiskeyriff.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/whiskeyriff_koozie-_menu.jpg)
MORE FROM WHISKEY RIFF
WHISKEY RIFF RAFF PODCAST
WHISKEY RIFF SHOP
STAY ENTERTAINED
A riff on what country is really about.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 A beer bottle on a dock](https://www.whiskeyriff.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/whiskeyriff_koozie.jpg)
Never Miss Out
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 A woman standing in a desert](https://www.whiskeyriff.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shop_news.jpg)
![logo Saving Country Music](https://savingcountrymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/logo.png)
Alan Jackson Announces ‘Last Call’ Tour (But Not ‘Final’ One)
Trigger News Alan Jackson --> 17 Comments
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://savingcountrymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/alan-jackson-tour-1024x620.jpg)
Don’t call it a farewell tour or a final bow, because Alan Jackson isn’t. But after openly addressing some health issues recently, the Country Music Hall of Famer is being honest with his fans about his prospects for touring in the future, and how he many not be doing it forever. So just call it “Last Call: One More For The Road,” and hope that it’s not the very end. In September of 2021, Alan Jackson revealed that he’s been suffering from a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, nicknamed (somewhat ironically) CMT. He was diagnosed with the condition ten years ago. It primarily affects the peripheral nervous system causing balance issues by compromising smaller muscles in the body’s extremities. It’s related to muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease. The good news is that the disease is not life threatening, nor does it affect longevity. But it does affect things like balance and your ability to move. Alan Jackson wanted to reveal the condition, just in case people saw him swerving on stage and thought he’d indulged in a few too many gin & tonics. He’s also been performing lately while sitting on a stool. Alan Jackson said at the time, “I never wanted to do the big retirement tour, like people do, then take a year off and then come back. I think that’s kinda cheesy. And I’m not saying I won’t be able to tour. I’ll try to do as much as I can. I feel a little more freedom now, because I’m not trying to worry about getting on the radio and fitting into their limitations. I’ve always believed that the music is the most important thing. The songs. And I guess that’s what I’d like to (leave) if I had a legacy.” So Alan Jackson has announced sixteen new concert dates for 2022, including a date at the Gila River Arena in Phoenix originally booked for 2020 that has been rescheduled multiple times. “I’ve always admired my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride who just played as much as they wanted to, as long as they could,” Jackson says. “I’ve always thought I’d like to do that, and I’d like to as long as my health will allow. I’ll try to do as much as I can, but if I’m comin’ your way, come see me….” TOUR DATES:
Friday, June 24 – Biloxi, MS (Mississippi Coast Coliseum) Saturday, June 25 – Knoxville, TN (Thompson-Boling Arena) Friday, July 29 – St. Paul, MN (Xcel Energy Center) Saturday, July 30 – Grand Forks, ND (Alerus Center) Friday, August 12 – Savannah, GA (Enmarket Arena) ** Saturday, August 13 – Greenville, SC (Bon Secours Wellness Arena) ** Friday, August 26 – Lincoln, NE (Pinnacle Bank Arena) Saturday, August 27 – Kansas City, MO (T-Mobile Center) Friday, September 9 – Lexington, KY (Rupp Arena) Saturday, September 10 – Greensboro, NC (Greensboro Coliseum) Friday, September 16 – Austin, TX (Moody Center) Saturday, September 17 – Dallas, TX (American Airlines Center) Friday, September 30 – Phoenix (Glendale), AZ (Gila River Arena) ++ Saturday, October 1 – Anaheim, CA (Honda Center) Friday, October 7 – Atlantic City, NJ (Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall) Saturday, October 8 – Pittsburgh, PA (PPG Paints Arena)
** On Sale Date to Be Announced ++ Rescheduled concert from 2020; tickets for previous events will be honored; new tickets available!
Alan Jackson
17 Comments
I sure hope it isn’t, but I can’t help but feel this might be it touring-wise for AJ. I’m getting tickets just in case this is really the last tour he does.
Would have loved to have seen him tour Europe! Hope he can keep touring as long as possible and doing what he loves, bringing real country music to the world.
So the tour name will continue to be “Last Call: One More for the Road” for all future tours, considering this won’t be his final tour.
Or will this tour have multiple legs spanning some 5 to 10 yrs?
I think one of Garth Brooks’ tours lasted 4 years, with obviously multiple legs throughout. Solely as a marketing ploy to be the most lucrative tour ever, even though it lasted 4 years
If that’s really a big concern of yours, relax. It’s highly unlikely that Alan Jackson will be touring in 5 to 10 years. He might even be deceased in 5 years–then you won’t have to worry about that at all!
Not a concern… just interested in how they are marketing it. Giving the tour name “Last Call” but stating it’s not the final tour is perplexing.
It would be cool if they had multiple legs to this specific tour – Alan could have the most successful tour in the history books if this tour lasts for years (similar to what Garth did from 2014 – 2018)
You figured it out. By naming his tour “Last Call,” they plan to turn Alan Jackson into Michael Jackson. They’re looking to have the biggest, most successful tour in history. Just Alan–mostly seated on a stool–and his band. They’ll fill the Superdome and Astros Dome and Met Life Stadium and Wembley, and the Olympic Stadium in Beijing.
Good thing you’ve exposed the scam.
Also, Alan’s health issue isn’t life threatening. He can live another 30+ yrs.
Well people change their mind all the time. A few years ago George strait said he was retiring from touring and look at how that turned out. I think the name and the fact there are few shows and how they are spaced tell you that there are going to be fewer tours and shows going forward. Plus just because something isn’t life threatening doesn’t make it easy to live with. So that last show or tour may not be known til after the fact
My wife suffers from the same condition. She is in constant pain and her mobility has deteriorated over the years.
I had seen this already. I already signed up for his fan club just so I have a better shot at getting tickets. I don’t think this will be his last but he’s probably my all time favorite and I’ve never seen him, so I want to go. Because of his condition and if it gets any worse, you never know. Also the tour is really spread out for as few dates it has so you can tell he’s not going to push it. No shows really close to me but I’m gonna try to go to the Knoxville show.
Got my tickets, pretty good ones. Ended up getting 4. The youngest wanted to go back to smoky mountains so going to kill two birds with one stone so to speak, a little mini vacation. I see how all these shows sell out tickets so fast though. I got mine through the Alan Jackson fan club site code but there were at least 3 or 4 others type things like that all having presales. Heck time seats go on sale for general audience, you either going to have no tickets or the most expensive or furthest away. And lots of those are being bought up for resale. Between that and the fees you have to pay, it’s kind of rediculous. I won’t do it for lesser artist but it’s worth it for Alan or George.
What a sad reflection on country radio when someone like Alan Jackson says he doesn’t worry about getting on it anymore.
As the owner of a small handful of classic country FMs, I can say he doesn’t have to worry about getting on my stations. Jackson is one of the very few artists we play new music from.
Yea it’s sad when a guy like Alan basically gives up on radio. There are a few guys through my life when I see or listen to them, they are just the picture of country music. It’s nothing negative against some others, and I’m not saying a lot of others aren’t that. Some just have a little more shine. Alan is one of those. He’s had songs on these last two albums that are as good as any he has ever done but no radio play to speak of. But maybe he can embrace that better now and instead of chasing hits, just write and play what he wants to do.
I don’t care for where commercial country music has gone, but artists in their 60s–like Alan is–have never gotten airplay for their new releases in the history of country music, save for maybe a one-shot her or there or a duet with a current “major leaguer”–a la Willie Nelson with Toby Keith in 2002
Yea I agree with you for most part though a lot of those tended to go down in quality. I loved Hank Jr for a long time but as he got older, some of his stuff wasn’t as good. A good few like that but others still made great stuff but the industry moved on. I feel it’s a shame cause some of those guys still have lots to give. It’s a shame some radio station hasn’t jumped on it. Stations either play the current stuff or a few play older music but don’t tend to play any of the new stuff by those older guys.
Saw him play in Columbus in 2019, nice date night with the wife, had good floor seats in an arena, but found myself watching the huge video screens more than watching a live band play. Alan was sitting for most of it, no crowd engagement, and yes I bought the shirt. Not what I would describe as a dynamic performance but he’s still one of the best. Glad I went when I had the chance.
That’s exactly why I would want to see j. I don’t want all that rowdiness and such. George straight was pretty much the same way and he was great. Just the man and his music.
![](http://playon.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.
Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail
- Popular artists in Milwaukee
- Trending artists worldwide
- Tourbox for artists
Search for events or artists
- Sign up Log in
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Show navigation](https://assets.sk-static.com/images/nw/components/navigation/local-navigation/navigation-icon.png)
- Get the app
- Milwaukee concerts
- Change location
- Popular Artists
- Live streams
- Deutsch Português
- Concerts near you
- Popular artists
Upcoming concerts for Alan Jackson
- Saturday May 17, 2025 Alan Jackson Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Friday 11 August 2023
Alan Jackson
Discover more in Milwaukee
1111 N. 4th Street 53203 Milwaukee, WI, US
Similar artists with upcoming concerts
Additional details.
Doors open: 19:00
Concert in your area for Country .
Find out more about Country .
Share this concert
5 people were there.
Related upcoming events
- Thursday August 08, 2024 Journey, Brooks & Dunn, Old Dominion, and Chris Janson XRoads41 2024, Oshkosh
- Saturday August 17, 2024 Jason Aldean Alpine Valley Music Theater, East Troy
- Saturday September 21, 2024 Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, and ella langley American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
- Thursday October 17, 2024 Alabama Resch Center, Green Bay
- Friday November 08, 2024 Little Big Town Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 event-page-view](https://www.songkick.com/page-view.png?page=event&id=39644280)
- Most popular charts
- Campaigns for promoters
- API information
- Brand guidelines
- Community guidelines
- Terms of use
- Privacy policy
- Cookies settings
- Cookies policy
Get your tour dates seen everywhere.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 EMP](https://assets.sk-static.com/images/nw/furniture/icons/emp_logo.webp)
- Today's news
- Reviews and deals
- Climate change
- 2024 election
- Newsletters
- Fall allergies
- Health news
- Mental health
- Sexual health
- Family health
- So mini ways
- Unapologetically
- Buying guides
Entertainment
- How to Watch
- My watchlist
- Stock market
- Biden economy
- Personal finance
- Stocks: most active
- Stocks: gainers
- Stocks: losers
- Trending tickers
- World indices
- US Treasury bonds
- Top mutual funds
- Highest open interest
- Highest implied volatility
- Currency converter
- Basic materials
- Communication services
- Consumer cyclical
- Consumer defensive
- Financial services
- Industrials
- Real estate
- Mutual funds
- Credit cards
- Balance transfer cards
- Cash back cards
- Rewards cards
- Travel cards
- Online checking
- High-yield savings
- Money market
- Home equity loan
- Personal loans
- Student loans
- Options pit
- Fantasy football
- Pro Pick 'Em
- College Pick 'Em
- Fantasy baseball
- Fantasy hockey
- Fantasy basketball
- Download the app
- Daily fantasy
- Scores and schedules
- GameChannel
- World Baseball Classic
- Premier League
- CONCACAF League
- Champions League
- Motorsports
- Horse racing
New on Yahoo
- Privacy Dashboard
Alan Jackson's new tour dates give fans 'one final chance' to see him perform — what to know
Alan Jackson is hitting the road again for a "Last Call."
The country music superstar, 65, announced May 30 on his official website that he's gearing up to resume his “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour” that began in 2022.
The "Gone Country" singer said he will reboot the tour in August, performing in 10 arenas across the United States, "each marking the last time" he will perform onstage in that city and its surrounding areas.
“I’ve been touring for over 30 years — my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way … and I’m enjoying spending more time at home. But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this 'Last Call,'” Jackson said in a statement.
The three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year award winner also announced the upcoming concert dates in a preview video on Instagram .
"This is one last call that you don't want to miss," Jackson tells fans in the clip.
Jackson's concert news comes less than three years after he revealed on TODAY in September 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease , a degenerative nerve condition, a decade prior.
“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” Jackson told Jenna Bush Hager. “It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy. ... There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious. And I know I’m stumbling around onstage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable.”
The condition later forced Jackson to postpone the final two concert dates of his original "Last Call" tour in 2022, A Taste of Country reported.
Read on to learn more about the continuation of Alan Jackson's “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour.”
What is Alan Jackson’s 'Last Call: One More for the Road Tour'?
The country music star originally launched his “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour” in 2022.
Jackson announced May 30 on his website that he will resume the tour by performing in 10 arenas across the U.S. for the final time in those areas.
"'The Last Call: One More for the Road Tour' serves as just that — one final chance for people to see and hear the iconic singer-songwriter perform his best-loved songs — music that’s been the soundtrack of their lives — in concert," the announcement read.
When and where will Alan Jackson's 'Last Call' tour resume?
Jackson will resume his "Last Call" tour on Aug. 2 at TD Garden in Boston. See a full list of the tour's 10 scheduled dates below.
Aug. 2, 2024: Boston, MA — TD Garden
Aug. 24, 2024: Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena
Sept. 28, 2024: Fayetteville, AR — Bud Walton Arena
Oct. 26, 2024: Kansas City, MO — T-Mobile Center
Nov. 16, 2024: Salt Lake City, UT — Delta Center
Jan. 18, 2025: Oklahoma City, OK — Paycom Center
Feb. 15, 2025: Fort Worth, TX — Dickies Arena
March 7, 2025: Orlando, FL — Kia Center
April 26, 2025: Tampa, FL — Amalie Arena
May 17, 2025: Milwaukee, WI — Fiserv Forum
How can fans get tickets?
Tickets for Jackson's concerts go on sale June 7 at 10 a.m. ET.
Members of Jackson's fan club can access presale tickets beginning May 30 through the singer's website .
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Recommended Stories
Kamala harris and tim walz's campaign tour poster looks like its for a concert. it's by design..
The Harris campaign has exemplified how intertwined politics and pop culture are.
Olympic boxer Imane Khelif ‘gender controversy’ explained by health experts
There's a lof of misinformation going around about the genders of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting; Scientists want to clear it up.
The internet is swooning over Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall's love. They aren't the only Olympic athletes making our hearts race.
You don't have to take home the gold to become an Olympic icon.
Carl Lewis says it's 'time to blow up the system' after another disaster for U.S. men's 4x100 relay
Another botched baton pass cost the U.S. a spot on the podium.
2024 Paris Olympics: USA artistic swimming earns silver with help from viral underwater moonwalk
USA artistic swimming, which started off with a viral Michael Jackson-inspired routine, wrapped things up to take its first medal since 2004.
Meet the 36-year-old Aussie college professor who lit up breaking at the Paris Olympics (and didn’t score a point)
Rachael Gunn, or B-girl Raygun, became an internet sensation for her look and her performance in the breaking competition on Friday.
Paris Olympics: Italy's Angela Carini abandons fight with Algeria's Imane Khelif, who failed unspecified gender test, after 46 seconds
Khelif’s dominant showing will only inflame the debate over whether she should be allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics.
MLB executive Billy Bean, one of the first openly gay figures in baseball, dies at 60 after battle with leukemia
Bean, who publicly came out in 1999, was MLB's senior vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Hannah Neeleman, mom of 8, let a reporter into her 'tradwife' farm life. Then came the Ballerina Farm backlash — and the backlash to the backlash.
Is Hannah Neeleman a pageant competitor, a mother, a co-CEO, a "tradwife" or all of the above? Ballerina Farm has the internet divided once again.
Aroldis Chapman freezes Manny Machado with record 104.7 mph fastball at 36 years old
The pitch was tied for the fastest in the history of the pitch-tracking era to secure a strikeout. It wasn't even Chapman's fastest pitch of the at-bat.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson Tickets, Tour Dates and %{concertOrShowText}](https://photos.bandsintown.com/thumb/7901126.jpeg)
Alan Jackson Verified
Concerts and tour dates, latest post.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://photos.bandsintown.com/large/17251006.jpeg)
Alan Jackson merch
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Eoz9Y2tDL.jpg)
Live Photos of Alan Jackson
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alan Jackson at Grand Forks, ND in Alerus Center 2023](https://photos.bandsintown.com/thumb/15881390.jpeg)
Fan Reviews
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://photos.bandsintown.com/thumb/16250597.jpeg)
Fans Also Follow
About alan jackson.
![Alan Jackson Alan Jackson](https://concertful.com/public/foto/large/alan-jackson.jpg)
Alan Jackson tour dates
- On tour: Yes
- Concertful ranking: #310
- Category: Country / Folk
Alan Jackson upcoming concerts (10)
Similar artists on tour, alan jackson past concerts.
Top Tours · Just Announced · USA · Europe · 2025 Tours
Terms of Service · Privacy and Cookie Policy · Contact © Concertful
- News & Reviews
- Tours & Tickets
Retiring Country Music Icon Embarks on the Final 10 Shows of His Historic Career
Chris Piner
Updated:
Spending over 40 years in the music industry, Alan Jackson used his time to carve out his own place in the genre. Releasing over 20 albums during his career, the country star gained stardom thanks to songs like “The Older I Get”, “Remember When”, and “Small Town Southern Man.” And with his fame came plenty of accolades. But besides his awards, Jackson also received a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. Enjoying his prosperous career, Jackson looked to end his it on a high night as he prepared for one final tour.
Sharing the news on social media, Jackson posted a GIF of people dancing to his music. He captioned the post writing, “The dance floor is calling! Tag your go-to dance partner.” Wanting to celebrate his career in country music, Jackson will kick off the Last Call One More for the Road tour on Friday in Boston. With the tour only containing 10 dates, fans are clamoring to see the country legend one last time.
Videos by American Songwriter
The dance floor is calling! Tag your go-to dance partner. #SmallTownSouthernMan 🎶 pic.twitter.com/2WTPV1aYxC — Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) August 1, 2024
[RELATED: On This Day in 1991. Alan Jackson Scored His Second Career No. 1 with the Barroom Classic “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”]
Alan Jackson Shares Reason He Is Retiring From Country Music
Having discussed his retirement from music before, Jackson explained, “I’ve been touring for over 30 years, you know, played everywhere in the country and parts of the world. Have had a wonderful career, and getting into my twilight years, and all my daughters are grown, and I got one grandchild and one on the way. Enjoy spending more time at home, and don’t want to be away like I had to be in my younger days, and I don’t tour as much now as I did 10 years ago. But I think it’s getting time to start thinking about hanging it up full-time.”
While still able to entertain fans on stage, Jackson revealed back in 2021 that he suffered from Charcot-Marie-Tooth. A neuropathy condition that can restrict a person’s ability to walk or even balance, Jackson said, “ Most of my fans know I have a degenerative health condition that affects my legs and arms and my mobility that I got from my daddy and it’s getting worse. So, it makes me more uncomfortable on stage, and I just have a hard time, and I just want to think about maybe calling it quits before I’m unable to do the job like I want to.”
Wanting to celebrate his career with style, don’t miss your last chance to see Jackson not only perform but take fans on a journey through his rich history in country music.
( MediaPunch/Shutterstock )
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.
More From: Latest Music News & Stories
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Alice Cooper Talks the Death of “Shock Rock,” Scoffs at Retirement](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AC.jpg)
Alice Cooper Talks the Death of “Shock Rock,” Scoffs at Retirement
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Watch Lainey Wilson and Zach Top Join Forces for a Johnny Paycheck Country Classic](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lainey-wilson.jpg)
Watch Lainey Wilson and Zach Top Join Forces for a Johnny Paycheck Country Classic
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Katy Perry in “Deep Talks” To Make Triumphant Live Comeback Following ‘American Idol’ Exit](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/KP.jpg)
Katy Perry in “Deep Talks” To Make Triumphant Live Comeback Following ‘American Idol’ Exit
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 A Heated Clash at the Olympics Turned Into a Spontaneous Sing-Along All Thanks to John Lennon](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JL.jpg)
A Heated Clash at the Olympics Turned Into a Spontaneous Sing-Along All Thanks to John Lennon
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Watch ‘American Idol’ Star Honor Late Dad With Their Father-Daughter Duet of “How Great Is Our God”](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LA.jpg)
Watch ‘American Idol’ Star Honor Late Dad With Their Father-Daughter Duet of “How Great Is Our God”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Huey Lewis Getting His Own Sitcom Surrounding His Loss of Hearing](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HL.jpg)
Huey Lewis Getting His Own Sitcom Surrounding His Loss of Hearing
You may also like.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 The GOAT Walk: Morgan Wallen Escorted by Mike Tyson and Tom Brady to Stage for Las Vegas Performance](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MW2.jpg)
The GOAT Walk: Morgan Wallen Escorted by Mike Tyson and Tom Brady to Stage for Las Vegas Performance
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Morgan Wallen Takes Over Las Vegas With Surprise Duet With Jelly Roll on “Cowgirls”](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MW_af8b33.jpg)
Morgan Wallen Takes Over Las Vegas With Surprise Duet With Jelly Roll on “Cowgirls”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Brian Kelley Questions Big Tech of Censoring New Song “Make American Great Again”](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BK.jpg)
Brian Kelley Questions Big Tech of Censoring New Song “Make American Great Again”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 June Carter Cash Proved She Was “Devastatingly Underrated” With This Husband-Wife Duet on the Johnny Cash TV Show](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JC_b9949b.jpg)
June Carter Cash Proved She Was “Devastatingly Underrated” With This Husband-Wife Duet on the Johnny Cash TV Show
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Zach Top Proves He’s Next up With Mesmerizing Performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Nobody to Blame”](https://americansongwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ZT.jpg)
Zach Top Proves He’s Next up With Mesmerizing Performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Nobody to Blame”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 wsls logo](https://t.gmg.io/header/wsls-logo.png)
- Newsletters
BREAKING NEWS
VSP releases name of suspect charged with shooting two deputies in Smyth County
A flood warning in effect for halifax county, 2024 1st and 10 camp tour: patrick henry, ‘we have to learn how to handle adversity.’.
Eric Johnson , Sports Anchor / Reporter
ROANOKE, Va. – The 1st and 10 Camp Tour stays in the River Ridge District to visit Patrick Henry--a program known for being a mainstay when it comes to the postseason.
The Patriots return to the field with 9 returning starters, four on offense and five on defense. They are working hard to replace a bevvy of skill guys that have since graduated including Joey Beasley at quarterback. Many of the student-athletes they do have are older but are just now stepping into starting roles for the first time.
“There’s a lot of really good players on this team so we’re just trying to figure out what we do best and what we’re not good at,” said Patrick Henry head coach Alan Fiddler. “Emphasize our strength and stay away from our weaknesses.”
“I feel confident in our teams ability,” said Patriots senior nose guard and defensive end Joshua Williams. “People might not think we’re as good as other years just because we’re smaller but we’re still aggressive, maybe even more aggressive than past teams.”
Patrick Henry’s coaching staff has donned gray t-shirts that have the word “FINISH” across the back of it. A motto this program hopes to live up to considering the past few seasons have left the Patriots short of reaching their goal.
In 2023, it was their own crosstown rival William Fleming that ended their postseason hopes in the opening round of the playoffs.
“We have to learn how to handle adversity,” Williams added. “In past years we’ve loss in those situations because we come out and think something is easy and when something bad happens we can’t handle that adversity. So it will be big this year to handle that adversity.
Patrick Henry is hoping to run the ball effectively this year while staying physical and disciplined on defense. The Patriots open the season at home against Brookville August 30.
Copyright 2024 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
About the Author
Eric johnson.
Eric is no stranger to the Roanoke Valley. He is a Roanoke native and proud graduate of William Fleming High School.
Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.
Recommended Videos
686 Wallace Road, Jackson, TN 38305
Single Family
Alan Sharp Castleman
Hickman Realty Group Inc.-Jack
731-664-1006
Last updated:
August 10, 2024, 01:52 AM
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 street view default image](https://www.coldwellbanker.com/_next/image?url=%2FstreetViewDefaultImage.png&w=3840&q=75)
About This Home
Custom-built Midtown Dream Home in Oakmont Development - Loaded w/Fresh Modern Updates, Luxury Finishes, Cozy Family Feel, & Outdoor Entertainment Paradise! 3 Bed, 3 Bath, Office/Possible 4th bed, Formal Living, Dining Rm, and Gorgeous Vaulted Great Rm - all on the main level. Huge Bonus Rm Upstairs. Premium Finishes include --> Rich Hardwood, Ceramic Tile, Tall Ceilings, Vaulted and Arched Ceilings, Granite Tops, Travertine Primary Bath & Shower. Lots of Built-ins. Designer Kitchen with Abundant Cabinets, Island, Breakfast Bar, and Gas Range. Very open plan excellent for entertaining ...and that's just the inside -Private Fenced Backyard w/2 Covered Patios, 55x22' Salt POOL w/Tanning ledge, Waterfall & Gas Fire-pit, Covered Outdoor Kitchen w/multiple counter tops, Coyote Pellet Grill, Fridge, Sink w/hot water. TV's hanging in all covered areas - TRUE OUTDOOR PARADISE. 3 car garage plus additional detached Shop in the backyard. Gym Equipment upstairs remains with the home. Minutes from everything in Jackson - 5 min from Downtown/Jackson Walk, 5 min form I-40 and North Jackson Shopping. Don’t miss this Midtown Gem - One of the Coolest Houses in Jackson. Alan Castleman 731-414-5862 for a Private Tour.
Built in 2009
Price Summary
$178 per Sq. Ft.
Last Updated:
2 day(s) ago
Rooms & Interior
Total Bedrooms:
Total Bathrooms:
Full Bathrooms:
Living Area:
4,059 Sq. Ft.
Building Area:
Year Built:
Lot Size (Sq. Ft):
Finances & Disclosures
Price per Sq. Ft:
Contact an Agent
Yes, I would like more information from Coldwell Banker. Please use and/or share my information with a Coldwell Banker agent to contact me about my real estate needs.
By clicking Contact I agree a Coldwell Banker Agent may contact me by phone or text message including by automated means and prerecorded messages about real estate services, and that I can access real estate services without providing my phone number. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Man United 2023 tour harmed last season - Christian Eriksen
Mark Ogden and Stewart Robson react to Man United's interest in Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui. (1:39)
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/columnists/full/dawson_rob.png&h=80&w=80&scale=crop)
LOS ANGELES, California -- Christian Eriksen has said he is hopeful Manchester United 's summer tour of the United States provides good preparation for the new season after suggesting a difficult trip 12 months ago contributed to their poor campaign.
The 2023 tour consisted of stops in New Jersey, San Diego, Houston and Las Vegas. This time, the club have opted for a training camp at UCLA in California and just three games in Los Angeles, San Diego and South Carolina.
"It's different being at a base and travelling less to the games," Eriksen said.
"It's also a sponsor trip at the same time as fitness, and the football was pushed a little bit backwards last season looking at it. I do think this year, the football has been pushed forward and the focus is on that."
United's players will spend the bulk of this summer's tour in Los Angeles with a 10-day camp organised on the campus of UCLA.
It's in contrast to last year, when the squad trained in New Jersey and San Diego and took flights to games in Houston and Las Vegas.
"There were a lot of flights in between, there were a lot of short trips for one or two days in this city and then the next one," Eriksen said.
"It did feel like a lot of stuff was going on in a very short period. This is also going to be a lot of stuff, but it does feel different already. If we speak next year or in two weeks' time maybe I can say it was better or worse, but it's feeling better."
Eriksen has a year left on his contract at United and despite doubts about his future at Old Trafford, he insisted he wants to stay at Old Trafford.
He impressed for Denmark at Euro 2024 and after playing a reduced role for Erik ten Hag's team last season, the 32-year-old has admitted he wants to play more games.
"I have one year left so for me I am a United player," he said. "I haven't been told leave or extension, so in that sense I have one year left on the contract and I feel good, my family is feeling good living in Manchester and United is a nice club.
"In terms of the football you want to play as much as possible. But also you think in terms of: 'How do I see myself? How do I fit into the team?' And in those terms I feel good. I feel that I am in a good place."
Live Election Updates: Harris and Walz Rally in Las Vegas to End Their Introductory Tour
Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota are in Nevada for the final rally of their tour of battleground states. Former President Donald J. Trump tested a new attack at an event in Montana.
- Share full article
![will alan jackson tour in 2023](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/08/10/multimedia/10election-live-header-swap-845am-tgmf/10election-live-header-swap-845am-tgmf-articleLarge-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)
Chris Cameron Michael Gold and Simon J. Levien
Here’s the latest on the presidential race.
Former President Donald J. Trump unveiled fresh attacks against his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, as new polls by The New York Times and Siena College showed her with a slight lead in three critical battleground states.
At a campaign event on Friday night in Bozeman, Mont., Mr. Trump aimed to use Ms. Harris’s own words against her, twice interrupting his speech to play compilations of past remarks by Ms. Harris that his campaign hopes will portray her as overly liberal and inept.
The attacks came hours before the Saturday release of two polls that showed Ms. Harris ahead of Mr. Trump by four percentage points in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The surveys of likely voters in each state were conducted from Aug. 5 to 9.
The polls were the latest sign of Ms. Harris’s political momentum since she announced that she had chosen Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, as her running mate. The new ticket’s introductory tour of battlegrounds has been drawing large crowds, including at a rally in Glendale, Ariz. , on Friday that the Harris campaign claimed had more than 15,000 people in attendance, which would have been its biggest rally yet.
Mr. Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, rallied near Las Vegas last week , denouncing the vice president’s role in the Biden administration’s border policies. At the Arizona rally, Ms. Harris said she supported “strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship.”
Here’s what else to know:
Saturday’s campaign plans: Mr. Trump will attend two fund-raisers in mountain resort towns favored by the wealthy, including a lunch event in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and a dinner fund-raiser in Aspen, Colo. Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz have a campaign rally scheduled in Nevada, where they will wrap up their introductory tour.
A twist on that helicopter tale: Mr. Trump spent Friday doubling down on his story of nearly crashing during a helicopter ride with Willie Brown, the notable Black politician from California. Another Black politician from California, Nate Holden, said in an interview with The New York Times that he had been on a helicopter ride with Mr. Trump around 1990 when the aircraft experienced mechanical trouble and was forced to make an emergency landing in New Jersey.
A first-time endorsement: A Latino rights group backed Ms. Harris , breaking with its 95-year history of abstaining from formal presidential endorsements. The League of United Latin American Citizens, known as LULAC, said its members were stirred to action by concerns over the potential negative impact on Latinos if Mr. Trump were elected again.
Not an endorsement: Joe Rogan, the world’s most popular podcaster, backpedaled on comments he made on Thursday that seemed to throw his support behind the independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After backlash from Mr. Trump’s supporters, Mr. Rogan, the podcaster with a large, devoted following that leans young and male, posted on X that what he said was not “ an endorsement. ” Another podcaster, Tim Pool, also expressed his support for Mr. Kennedy before quickly switching his support to Mr. Trump in the face of withering criticism from Trump supporters.
A tale of two very different bank accounts: Mr. Vance and Mr. Walz both came from modest backgrounds in the Midwest, but their personal fortunes have wildly diverged since then. Mr. Vance is a multimillionaire. Mr. Walz has much less than that, and is already emphasizing that contrast on the campaign trail .
Generating buzz: A high school class lesson that Mr. Walz gave 31 years ago is getting new attention online . As a geography teacher in Nebraska in 1993, Mr. Walz asked his students to take what they had learned about the Holocaust to predict which nation was most at risk for genocide. “They came up with Rwanda,” Mr. Walz said, talking about the project at a conference last month . “Twelve months later, the world witnessed the horrific genocide in Rwanda.”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Nicholas Nehamas](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/04/21/reader-center/author-nicholas-nehamas/author-nicholas-nehamas-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Nicholas Nehamas
Don’t expect to hear this later from Vice President Kamala Harris, but one of her warm-up speakers, Representative Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat, just made a joke about a false rumor circulating on the internet about Senator JD Vance of Ohio, former President Donald J. Trump’s running mate. “You better hide behind that sofa because we’re coming for you,” Titus said to laughter from a crowd of thousands.
The crowd here quickly joined Representative Steven Horsford, Democrat of Nevada, in a chant of “We’re not going back,” a rallying cry in Harris’s stump speech. The easy recognition shows how familiar Democrats are growing with her applause lines.
Advertisement
Nicholas Nehamas Jazmine Ulloa and Shane Goldmacher
Nicholas Nehamas reported from Las Vegas, Jazmine Ulloa from Washington and Shane Goldmacher from Phoenix.
Harris hopes a new playbook will neutralize G.O.P. attacks on immigration.
For weeks, Republicans have pummeled Vice President Kamala Harris on immigration, blaming her for President Biden’s policies at the border.
Now, Ms. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, is seeking to neutralize that line of attack, one of her biggest weaknesses with voters, running a playbook that Democrats say has worked for them in recent elections and staking out her clearest position yet as a tough-on-crime prosecutor focused on securing the border.
This week, she has hit back by promising to heighten border security if elected and slamming her Republican opponent, former President Donald J. Trump, for helping kill a bipartisan border deal in Congress. And her campaign has walked back some of the more progressive positions she took during her bid for the Democratic nomination in 2019, including her stance that migrants crossing the U.S. border without authorization should not face criminal penalties.
“I was attorney general of a border state,” Ms. Harris, who was once California’s top prosecutor, said on Friday at a rally in Arizona, a swing state where immigration is a top concern for voters. “I went after the transnational gangs, the drug cartels and human traffickers. I prosecuted them in case after case, and I won.”
A day earlier, the Harris campaign released a television advertisement highlighting her pivot. The ad, targeted to voters in the battleground states, promised that Ms. Harris would “hire thousands more border agents and crack down on fentanyl and human trafficking.” It made no mention of undocumented immigrants already in the United States — a top priority for many progressives and immigration activists — although in her Arizona speech Ms. Harris stressed the importance of “comprehensive reform” that includes “an earned pathway to citizenship.”
No other Democrat nominee has taken a position this tough on border security since Bill Clinton. Her stance reflects a change in public opinion since Mr. Trump left the White House in 2021. More Americans, including many Democrats and Latino voters, have expressed support for hard-line immigration measures.
The shift in public opinion comes as Republicans have escalated their rhetoric against migrants. Border crossings skyrocketed during the Biden administration, though more recently they have sharply declined since a Biden executive order designed to clamp down on the border. The question for Ms. Harris is whether her new message as the party’s standard-bearer will come too late for voters who have already formed opinions of her record.
Senior Trump campaign officials have ranked immigration as among Ms. Harris’s deepest vulnerabilities and sought to pin responsibility for the Biden administration’s policies on her, calling her the “border czar.” The title far exceeds the actual policy portfolio given to her by Mr. Biden, who asked her to address the root causes of migration from Latin America.
Democratic polling has raised similar concerns about Ms. Harris’s immigration record. Blueprint, a Democratic group, recently tested six potential Republican lines of attack on Ms. Harris — including labeling her the “border czar” — and found that those involving immigration were the most effective, even more so than attacks related to the economy and inflation.
Other polls have shown that voters place more trust in Mr. Trump’s ability to handle border issues than in Ms. Harris’s. But if Ms. Harris can at least counter Republican arguments on immigration, she may be able to sway voters on issues more friendly to Democrats, such as abortion, her allies say.
The decision for the Harris campaign to frame her record as California attorney general as a “border-state prosecutor” stands in contrast to how she ran in the 2020 Democratic primary.
Then, during a debate, she raised her hand in response to a question about whether people who are here illegally should be eligible for public health care.
For his part, Mr. Trump has attacked Ms. Harris over the border in dark terms, engaging in fear-mongering about migrants and using dehumanizing language to falsely paint them as a threat to Americans .
“Every day, Kamala is letting migrant criminals roam free to assault, rape, mutilate and kill our citizens,” the former president said at a rally in Montana on Friday.
Chris DeRose, a Republican who served as a clerk of courts in Arizona’s Maricopa County, said many swing voters would be dubious of Ms. Harris’s rhetoric.
“She’s part of the Biden-Harris administration,” Mr. DeRose said. “There’s going to be some skepticism.”
But Ms. Harris and her allies have tried to make Mr. Trump’s immigration record into its own campaign issue. This year, Mr. Trump successfully convinced Senate Republicans to kill a bill supported by Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris that would have would have effectively mandated that the border be shut down to migrants when numbers reached certain levels and that vastly expanded detentions and deportations.
“Donald Trump tanked the deal,” Ms. Harris said in Arizona as a crowd of more than 15,000 supporters booed. “Because he thought by doing that it would help him win an election.”
Jen Cox, a senior adviser for the Harris campaign in Arizona, said Democrats in that state, including Senator Mark Kelly, had won elections with tougher messages on immigration.
“Voters want to see folks be serious about actually fixing the broken immigration system and securing the border,” Ms. Cox said in an interview. “They don’t want to see folks play politics with it.”
In a closely watched special election in New York this year, Tom Suozzi, a Democrat, won a competitive House race after slamming Mr. Trump over the scuttled border deal and taking unusually hard-line stances for a member of his party, including calls to temporarily shut down the border and deport migrants who assault the police.
“The most effective politician is the one that says what the people are thinking already,” Mr. Suozzi said. “And people are talking about this issue. They are very much concerned about it. And the vice president can continue to emphasize that, yes, we recognize this is a problem and we are willing to compromise to solve the problem, unlike the other side.”
Harris campaign aides say her move to the center since the 2020 primary had been shaped by her time as vice president.
Mike Madrid, a longtime G.O.P. consultant focused on Latino voters, said Ms. Harris’s pledge to sign the border security bill, which did not include protections for undocumented immigrants already in the United States, and the security-focused message of her new television ad reflected wider changes among Democrats.
Since the Obama years, Democrats had sought to fuse efforts to increase border security with calls to establish permanent paths to legal residency and citizenship for the roughly 10 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, many of whom have lived in the country for years, holding jobs, paying taxes and starting families.
But the Latino electorate, the fastest-growing slice of the voter bloc, now tends to be third- and fourth-generation voters more removed from the immigration experience, Mr. Madrid said.
“This doesn’t mean you have to go all Donald Trump on immigration,” he said. “It means you have to lead with border security and then weave in the elements of immigration reform later.”
Michael Gold contributed reporting from Bozeman, Mont., and Reid J. Epstein contributed reporting from Washington.
Hundreds of people are waiting outside to get into a Harris campaign rally at a basketball arena in Las Vegas, where the temperature is 107 degrees.
Inside, it’s a full celebration, with thousands of people standing and dancing in their seats to disco remixes. “We’ve got a party up in here,” the D.J. D-Nice, the event’s M.C., says over the speakers. It cannot be said enough how different the energy at Harris’s rallies has been from that at President Biden’s.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Reid J. Epstein](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/06/25/reader-center/author-reid-epstein/9e877853d8234217b58e5762253aa771-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Reid J. Epstein
Vice President Kamala Harris took five questions from the traveling press pool on Saturday. It was the first time since she became the Democratic presidential nominee that she engaged with journalists even to that degree. She said she planned to deliver a policy platform next week.
Harris has faced criticism — including from former President Donald J. Trump — for not holding a news conference or sitting for interviews with journalists.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Michael Gold](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-michael-gold/author-michael-gold-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Michael Gold
The singer Celine Dion, in a statement on social media, said she and her management team did not authorize or endorse the playing of “My Heart Will Go On,” her hit song from the movie “Titanic,” at a Trump rally in Montana on Friday. The Trump campaign has played the song at multiple rallies recently, and Trump has over the years received several requests from artists asking him not to use their music at his political events.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Neil Vigdor](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Neil Vigdor
Harris campaign says Walz ‘misspoke’ in a comment about his military service.
Officials for Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign are trying to clean up remarks made in 2018 by her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, that gave the impression that he had served in combat, just days after the campaign had inadvertently drawn attention to them to illustrate Mr. Walz’s views about responsible gun ownership.
In a clip from a political event in 2018, when he represented Minnesota in the House, Mr. Walz referenced his 24 years in the Army National Guard and background as a hunter while discussing his views on gun control. He spoke of supporting common-sense gun legislation that also protects Second Amendment rights, including background checks and restrictions on high-powered firearms.
“We can make sure that those weapons of war that I carried in war is the only place where those weapons are at,” Mr. Walz said in the clip, which the campaign had shared Tuesday on social media, just hours after Ms. Harris named him as her running mate.
Mr. Walz deployed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, but not in a combat zone.
Lauren Hitt, a spokeswoman for the Harris-Walz campaign, said in a statement on Saturday that Mr. Walz’s remarks had been a misstatement and that he had not tried to mislead anyone about his military service.
“In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the governor misspoke,” Ms. Hitt said.
Mr. Walz, who is in his second term as Minnesota’s governor, has come under intense scrutiny from Republicans over his military record . They have accused him of exaggerating his record and also of quitting the Army National Guard two decades ago to avoid being deployed to Iraq, rekindling claims made by two retired command sergeant majors during Mr. Walz’s first campaign for governor in 2018.
Leading that criticism is Senator JD Vance of Ohio, former President Donald J. Trump’s running mate, who has accused Mr. Walz of “stolen valor.”
Mr. Vance served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007 during the Iraq war. He was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and 2006 with the aircraft wing but was not a frontline combatant. His official military occupation, known as a combat correspondent, meant he was tasked with basic communication roles such as writing articles about the happenings in his unit.
The Republican broadsides against Mr. Walz resembled the “Swift Boat” attacks in the 2004 presidential election that created a cloud of uncertainty over the military record of Senator John F. Kerry, then the Democratic presidential nominee. Chris LaCivita, who is a senior strategist for the Trump campaign, was an architect of those attacks, which were highly effective.
The conservative-leaning editorial board of The Wall Street Journal spurned comparisons this week between Mr. Kerry’s situation and Mr. Walz’s military service, which it wrote was “far different.” It said that there were plenty of reasons to criticize Mr. Walz, but that his military record was not one of them. It quoted a New York Sun editorial that described the attacks as “thin gruel.”
On a number of occasions, Mr. Walz has emphasized that he did not serve in combat. During a CNN interview last month, when the anchor Jake Tapper said that Mr. Walz had deployed to Afghanistan, Mr. Walz corrected him and said that he had served in Europe in support of that war.
In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio in 2018, when he was running for governor, Mr. Walz said of his military career: “I know that there are certainly folks that did far more than I did.”
And when Mr. Walz was running for re-election as governor in 2022, The Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote that he had shied away from dramatic accounts of his time in the National Guard, framing himself instead as a former high school teacher and football coach.
The 2018 clip of Mr. Walz saying that “those weapons of war that I carried in war is the only place where those weapons are at,” was not the only one that Mr. Trump’s allies seized on this week.
They also pounced on a 2007 C-SPAN clip from a Capitol Hill news conference when Representative Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker at the time, thanked Mr. Walz for his service “on the battlefield.” Mr. Walz was identified by C-SPAN as an “Afghanistan war veteran” at the time.
Reid J. Epstein , Michael C. Bender , Thomas Gibbons-Neff and John Ismay contributed reporting.
In a memo, Tony Fabrizio, the Trump campaign’s chief pollster, argued that new polls by The New York Times and Siena College “dramatically understated President Trump’s support.” Fabrizio cited polls conducted in the days before the 2020 election that accurately predicted President Biden’s victory but overestimated the margin.
Donald Trump will attend two fund-raisers today in mountain resort towns favored by the wealthy. First, he’ll attend a lunch event in Jackson Hole, Wyo., then he will travel to a dinner fund-raiser in Aspen, Colo.
A former Trump administration official and climate change denier, appearing in a leaked training video for Project 2025, emphasized that the next Republican president must be focused on reversing the federal government’s current environmental policies. “If the American people elect a conservative president, his administration will have to eradicate climate change references from absolutely everywhere,” said Bethany Kozma, a former deputy chief of staff at the United States Agency for International Development. The video is one of several that were obtained by ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom, and the journalism project Documented.
Former President Donald J. Trump has tried to extricate himself from the negative attention surrounding Project 2025, the right-wing policy playbook prepared for the next Republican president that Democrats have used as a political cudgel.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Adam Nagourney](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/02/20/multimedia/author-adam-nagourney/author-adam-nagourney-thumbLarge-v5.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Adam Nagourney
As a rule, candidates who think they are ahead do not challenge their opponent to three debates, as Donald Trump did with Kamala Harris the other day. So it’s a pretty good bet that Trump’s own polling — or at the least, his political gut — had picked up on what Times/Siena college poll reports this weekend: that Harris could be a much tougher opponent than Biden.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Simon J. Levien](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/06/27/reader-center/author-simon-j-levien/author-simon-j-levien-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Michael Gold and Simon J. Levien
Reporting from Bozeman, Mont.
Fine-tuning his attacks on Harris, Trump tries using her words against her.
As former President Donald J. Trump continues to reach for attacks on his new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, that might halt her political momentum, he unveiled a new tactic at a rally in Bozeman, Mont., on Friday night, aiming to use Ms. Harris’s own words against her.
Interrupting his typical pattern of a digressive and lengthy speech, Mr. Trump played two video compilations of past remarks by Ms. Harris that his campaign hopes will portray her as overly liberal and inept.
The first video drew on statements that Ms. Harris made during the 2020 presidential campaign, when she tacked to the left and backed progressive ideas on criminal justice reform. The second was a montage of interviews and speeches that Mr. Trump’s campaign used to mock her speaking style and insult her intelligence.
The videos did little to alter the message that the Trump campaign has deployed against Ms. Harris for weeks and that Mr. Trump summed up during his speech on Friday.
“America cannot survive for four more years of this bumbling communist lunatic,” Mr. Trump told thousands gathered in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at Montana State University. “We cannot let her win this election.”
Mr. Trump and his allies have repeatedly tried to portray Ms. Harris as more liberal than President Biden in the three weeks since he ended his campaign and cleared the way for her to be the Democratic presidential nominee.
The video compiling her past positions accused her of supporting a ban on fracking, mandatory gun buybacks and a single-payer health insurance system like “Medicare for all.”
Ms. Harris has backed away from those policy positions, which largely stem from her time in the 2020 presidential race. But Mr. Trump — who has been known to flip-flop or equivocate on hot-button issues like abortion — argued that her early statements were the only ones that mattered.
Mr. Trump’s rally on Friday was his first since Ms. Harris chose Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, and he used the selection to bolster his portrait of the Democratic ticket as overly liberal. Effectively likening Mr. Walz to a socialist, he accused the governor of being too lax in his response to protests that turned to riots in Minneapolis after the police murder of George Floyd and for signing a law giving access to menstrual products to transgender children.
Referring to Mr. Walz as “Comrade Walz,” Mr. Trump argued that Ms. Harris tapped him for his progressive bona fides. “This is her ideology,” he said.
Mr. Trump also acknowledged that he has frequently mispronounced Ms. Harris’s given name in recent speeches, though he added that he “couldn’t care less” how it should be pronounced. He admitted that he has in the past “done a lot of bad name-calling” in which he has purposefully mispronounced a person’s name. “They say, ‘Sir, you made a mistake,’” Mr. Trump recounted. “I said, ‘No, I didn’t.’”
Still, Mr. Trump’s speech offered continued evidence of the growing pains he has faced as he tries to shift years of attacks against Mr. Biden toward Ms. Harris.
Even as he argued that Ms. Harris was more extreme than Mr. Biden, he tied her to the president’s policies on immigration and the economy.
At one point, he said she was the one running the country the past four years, even as he repeatedly argued that she was too unintelligent or incompetent to do so effectively. Mr. Trump has long made the same argument about Mr. Biden.
Mr. Trump's rally is part of a western swing that includes fund-raisers in mountain resort towns favored by the wealthy. Before he took the stage in Bozeman, he attended an event in Big Sky, Mont., and on Saturday he will travel to fund-raisers in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Aspen, Colo.
Montana is not an obvious site for a presidential campaign rally. Mr. Trump won the state handily in both 2016 and 2020, and he is expected to do so again in November. But with Republicans keen on flipping Democrats’ narrow edge in the Senate, Mr. Trump traveled to Montana to support his party’s Senate candidate there, Tim Sheehy, who is looking to unseat the Democratic incumbent, Senator Jon Tester.
At one point, Mr. Trump, whose flight to Bozeman was diverted to another city after his plane suffered a mechanical issue, reflected on how long it takes to travel to Montana.
“I’ve got to like Tim Sheehy a lot to be here,” he said.
Shawn Hubler Maggie Haberman and Heather Knight
Yes, Trump was in a scary helicopter ride, but not with that politician.
Donald J. Trump was doubling down on Friday about his story of nearly crashing during a helicopter ride once with Willie Brown, the notable Black California politician.
He was so adamant that it had happened that he threatened to sue The New York Times for reporting that the story was untrue , then posted on his social media site that there were “‘Logs,’ Maintenance Records, and Witnesses” to back up his account.
“It was Willie Brown,” Mr. Trump, who spent much of the last year hoping to make gains with Black voters, posted. “But now Willie doesn’t remember?”
Mr. Brown, 90, who was mayor of San Francisco and speaker of the California Assembly, gave several interviews on Thursday and Friday saying such a trip never occurred.
Turns out, however, that there was a Black politician from California who once made an emergency landing in a helicopter with Mr. Trump. It just wasn’t Mr. Brown.
Nate Holden, 95, a former Los Angeles city councilman and state senator, said in an interview with The Times that he had been on a helicopter ride with Mr. Trump around 1990 when the aircraft experienced mechanical trouble and was forced to make an emergency landing in New Jersey.
Recounting an episode that he had described earlier on Friday to Politico, Mr. Holden said Mr. Trump had been seeking to develop the site of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when it was part of Mr. Holden’s district. Mr. Trump wanted him to see his Taj Mahal casino, Mr. Holden said, so on a visit to Manhattan, he rode with Mr. Trump from his Midtown skyscraper to a helipad, where the two took off for Atlantic City, accompanied by Mr. Trump’s brother Robert and by his executive vice president of construction and development, Barbara Res.
“He was trying to impress me,” Mr. Holden said. “We start flying to New Jersey. He said, ‘Look at the skyline! Look at how beautiful it is! And I’m part of it!’”
Mr. Holden said he wasn’t impressed. “I grew up in New Jersey,” he said. “It ain’t nothing new to me.”
“Anyway,” he continued, “we start flying to Atlantic City. He’s talking about how great things are. And about 15, 20 minutes in, the pilot yells, ‘Shut up! Shut up!’”
The hydraulic system had failed, he said. “Donald turned white as snow,” Mr. Holden recalled. “He was shaking.”
Mr. Holden said that as the helicopter’s crew worked frantically to set the aircraft down safely, his own thoughts ran to a helicopter crash in 1989 that had killed three senior executives of Mr. Trump’s casinos over Forked River, N.J.
“I just thought, how the hell do you let your staff not maintain your aircraft after you just had a crash that killed some of your staff? How could you let this happen again? I thought, if we go down, this is your fault.”
The helicopter ultimately landed safely in Linden, N.J., Mr. Holden said.
Ms. Res wrote about the episode in a memoir and corroborated Mr. Holden’s account in a brief interview late Friday. Ms. Res, who also spoke to Politico, recalled that Mr. Trump liked to say that Mr. Holden had “turned white” from fear, but that it was actually Mr. Trump whose face was ashen.
A spokesman for Mr. Trump did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Mr. Holden said he was in his living room watching Mr. Trump’s news conference on TV on Thursday when the former president told of experiencing a brush with death on a helicopter ride with Mr. Brown.
“I said, ‘What the hell is this?’” Mr. Holden said. “‘Was he in two near-fatal helicopter crashes? He didn’t fix those damn helicopters yet?’”
Mr. Holden said that he called Mr. Brown to compare notes. Mr. Brown told him he had never been in a helicopter with Mr. Trump.
“I said, ‘Willie, you know what? That’s me!’” Mr. Holden said. “And I told him, ‘You’re a short Black guy and I’m a tall Black guy — but we all look alike, right?’”
Mr. Holden gave his own height as 6-foot-1. “Willie has to be about 5-foot-6. Maybe 5-foot-5. He comes up to about my shoulders. And he’s bald. And I’m not bald.”
Mr. Brown, he said, “just laughed and laughed.”
Mr. Holden, summing up his assessment of Mr. Trump’s recollection, said: “I just think he makes things up. That’s what I think. He never thought anybody’s going to check.”
Mr. Trump told the story about nearly dying in a helicopter crash with Mr. Brown after a reporter at Thursday’s news conference asked him a leading question about Vice President Kamala Harris’s long-ago relationship with Mr. Brown and whether it helped her career trajectory.
The two dated in 1994 and 1995 when she was a prosecutor in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and Mr. Brown was the Assembly speaker. Mr. Brown appointed Ms. Harris to two state boards before she ended their relationship.
“Well, I know Willie Brown very well,” Mr. Trump responded. “In fact, I went down in a helicopter with him.”
He recounted how the two had a close brush with death — “We thought maybe this was the end” — and that Mr. Brown used the frightening ride to tell him “terrible things” about Ms. Harris. “He was not fan of hers very much, at that point,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump had previously told the story, saying it was Mr. Brown on a helicopter with him, in his book, “Letters to Trump,” which was published in 2023.
Reached again Friday night, Mr. Brown reiterated that he had never flown in a helicopter with Mr. Trump and that he had not denigrated Ms. Harris to the former president because he admires and respects her.
“Those are the two things I am certain of,” he said. “All the rest of this is amusing.”
Asked if Mr. Trump might have confused the two California politicians because they are both Black, Mr. Brown said, “I wouldn’t want to conclude that he can’t tell Black people apart, because I’d hate for him to think that I’m Beyoncé.”
And then he burst out laughing.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Kellen Browning](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/08/19/reader-center/author-kellen-browning/author-kellen-browning-thumbLarge-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Kellen Browning and Shane Goldmacher
Reporting from Glendale, Ariz.
Harris rides momentum to Arizona, for what her campaign says is largest rally yet.
Vice President Kamala Harris rolled into Arizona on Friday evening with the same political momentum that has infused her first swing across the country this week, drawing a crowd that her campaign estimated at more than 15,000 — her largest yet — in a Western state that not long ago appeared to be falling off the battleground map.
Along with her newly minted running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Ms. Harris delivered a stump speech that is barely a week old, and yet familiar enough to an impassioned new following that some shouted her lines before she did.
The rally was her fourth in four days with an arena-filling crowd that demonstrated the degree to which her candidacy replacing President Biden’s had remade the 2024 race.
Mr. Walz relished the crowd that filed into the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., in 100-degree heat as he poked fun at Mr. Trump’s obsession with rally crowds.
“It’s not as if anybody cares about crowd sizes or anything,” Mr. Walz said to knowing cheers.
Despite her momentum, Ms. Harris faces an uphill battle in Arizona , a longtime Republican stronghold that flipped to Mr. Biden in 2020 but, according to polling, had been drifting back to former President Donald J. Trump this year.
To win, she will need to reunite the diverse coalition of voters who delivered the state four years ago, and she made an explicit appeal to one part of that group on Friday: Native American voters.
“As president, I will tell you, I will always honor tribal sovereignty and respect tribal self-determination,” she said. The first speaker at the rally, notably, was Stephen Roe Lewis, the governor of the Gila River Indian Community, south of Phoenix.
In her speech, Ms. Harris zeroed in on two issues that are especially pertinent to Arizonans: immigration and abortion.
Crossings from Mexico into Arizona have remained high this year even as they have dropped elsewhere, and Ms. Harris positioned herself as supporting both an “earned pathway to citizenship” and tougher border restrictions, pointing to her record as California’s attorney general.
“I went after the transnational gangs, the drug cartels and the human traffickers,” Ms. Harris said. “I prosecuted them in case after case, and I won. So I know what I’m talking about.”
By contrast, Ms. Harris said, Mr. Trump was playing politics with the issue. She highlighted his opposition to a bipartisan bill this year that would have beefed up border security.
“He talks a big game about border security,” she said, “but he does not walk the walk.”
The comments come as her campaign began to air a tough-on-immigration ad that labeled her a “border-state prosecutor.” Senior Trump campaign officials see the border and immigration as one of Ms. Harris’s deepest areas of vulnerability, and his campaign has repeatedly labeled her, inaccurately , as Mr. Biden’s failed “border czar.”
Ms. Harris did add a new riff to her speech, responding to Mr. Trump’s muddled comments on Thursday at a news conference in Florida, in which he did not rule out directing the Food and Drug Administration to revoke access to abortion pills.
Ms. Harris said Mr. Trump’s agenda “would ban medication abortion in every state,” adding, “But we are not going to let that happen — because we trust women.”
Mr. Trump has previously supported the Supreme Court’s ruling on the abortion drug mifepristone. Karoline Leavitt, a Trump spokeswoman, said in a statement the former president’s position on mifepristone “remains the same — the Supreme Court unanimously decided on the issue and the matter is settled.”
The abortion rhetoric could prove especially potent in Arizona, where the State Supreme Court reinstated a near-total ban on the procedure this year. The State Legislature eventually repealed it, but abortion is still banned after 15 weeks, and voters will have a chance to enshrine the right to an abortion until fetal viability in the state’s Constitution through a ballot measure in November.
The speakers who preceded Ms. Harris on Friday made a number of appeals to independents and moderate Republicans, another segment she will need to win over.
“I do not recognize my party,” said John Giles, the mayor of Mesa, Ariz., who is a prominent Republican backing Ms. Harris. “We need to elect a ticket who will be the adults in the room.”
Senator Mark Kelly, the Arizona Democrat who is also a Navy veteran and former astronaut, introduced Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz. It was the second time this week that a finalist in Ms. Harris’s running-mate sweepstakes introduced her at a rally. Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania did the same in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Mr. Kelly said Mr. Trump had “zero respect for any of us who have worn the uniform.” Mr. Trump’s allies have raised questions about Mr. Walz’s decision to leave the National Guard in 2005 to run for Congress.
Attendees and speakers said the enormous crowd braving scorching desert temperatures on Friday was a sign that, after months of dreariness among Democrats, momentum in Arizona was finally on their side.
“It may be a little warm outside,” Kate Gallego, the mayor of Phoenix, said, “but based on the energy in this arena, I know it’s Donald Trump who’s feeling the heat.”
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Maggie Haberman](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/07/12/multimedia/author-maggie-haberman/author-maggie-haberman-thumbLarge-v2.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Maggie Haberman
Trump claims he has helicopter trip records and threatens to sue.
Former President Donald J. Trump on Friday afternoon vehemently maintained that he had once been in a dangerous helicopter landing with Willie Brown , the former mayor of San Francisco, and insisted he had records to prove it, despite Mr. Brown’s denial.
In an angry phone call to a New York Times reporter as he landed several hours away from his planned rally in Bozeman, Mont., because of a mechanical issue on his plane, Mr. Trump excoriated The Times for its coverage of his meandering news conference on Thursday at Mar-a-Lago, his private club and home, during which he told of an emergency landing during a helicopter trip that he said both he and Mr. Brown had made together.
Mr. Trump was expected to keep his rally schedule on Friday as planned, boarding a smaller plane to complete the journey.
Mr. Brown denied on Thursday that he had ever flown in a helicopter with Mr. Trump.
It appeared Mr. Trump may have confused Willie Brown with Jerry Brown, the former governor of California, with whom Mr. Trump traveled by helicopter in 2018 while surveying wildfire damage in the state. But Jerry Brown, who left office in January 2019, said through a spokesman, “There was no emergency landing and no discussion of Kamala Harris.”
Willie Brown, who was a boyfriend of Vice President Kamala Harris during the 1990s, knew Mr. Trump as a potential business associate during those years, when Mr. Trump, then a New York developer, was working on new projects. A biography of Ms. Harris, “Kamala’s Way: An American Life,” reported that Mr. Trump had sent his private plane for Mr. Brown and Ms. Harris in 1994 to fly them from Boston to New York City.
“We have the flight records of the helicopter,” Mr. Trump insisted Friday, saying the helicopter had landed “in a field,” and indicating that he intended to release the flight records, before shouting that he was “probably going to sue” over the Times article.
When asked to produce the flight records, Mr. Trump responded mockingly, repeating the request in a sing-song voice. As of early Friday evening, he had not provided them.
Mr. Trump has a history of claiming he will provide evidence to back up his claims but ultimately not doing so.
He has also told the helicopter story before, in his 2023 book, “Letters to Trump,” in which he published letters to him from a number of people, including Mr. Brown. In the book, Mr. Trump wrote, “We actually had an emergency landing in a helicopter together. It was a little scary for both of us, but thankfully we made it.”
Two rivals in Michigan’s crucial Senate contest say they were both swatted.
The two leading contenders for Michigan’s open Senate seat disclosed that they had been targeted in separate “swatting” incidents in a span of less than 24 hours, just days after winning primaries in a crucial contest that could determine which party controls the chamber.
The first incident, involving Representative Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, happened on Thursday night at her home in Oakland County, north of Detroit. The second one occurred on Friday at an address that had been listed on public records under the name of Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate and former House member, in neighboring Livingston County.
Politicians on both sides of the political aisle have increasingly been the target of swatting in recent years. The hoaxes — when false threats are deliberately made to law enforcement to draw a heavily armed response to a person’s home — have added to a climate of intimidation and the harassment of public officials.
Ms. Slotkin was not home at the time of the incident, according to a spokeswoman for her office, Lynsey Mukomel, who said in a statement that Michigan State Police troopers went to the residence after a false threat was emailed to a local official. She did not elaborate on the nature of the false threat. Michigan State Police confirmed they responded.
“Michigan State Police checked the property and confirmed no one was in danger,” Ms. Mukomel said, adding that U.S. Capitol Police would investigate the incident.
Mr. Rogers, a former longtime House member who was endorsed by former President Donald J. Trump, experienced a similar incident around 12:30 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, said Chris Gustafson, a spokesman for his campaign.
A person reported that a man was holding a woman at gunpoint at the property in Livingston County connected with Mr. Rogers, according to Mr. Gustafson, who said that Mr. Rogers currently does not live there but that other members of his family do.
Shanon Banner, a Michigan State Police spokeswoman, said that a sergeant had responded to a report about a domestic situation at a residence in Livingston County on Friday and determined that it was false. She was not immediately able to confirm whether it was the same property.
Mr. Gustafson, in a statement, said that it was the second time that Mr. Rogers had been targeted in a swatting incident. The first was in 2013, when he was a member of Congress.
“This kind of violence cannot be tolerated, and it is our hope that those responsible will be quickly prosecuted and held accountable,” Mr. Gustafson said.
The rivals are running for a seat that is being vacated by Senator Debbie Stabenow, Michigan’s senior senator and a Democrat, who announced last year that she would not seek a fifth term . Democrats control the Senate by a thin 51-49 seat majority.
![will alan jackson tour in 2023 Ken Bensinger](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/10/11/us/politics/author-ken-bensinger/author-ken-bensinger-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp)
Ken Bensinger
Joe Rogan would like to clarify: He did not endorse Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The world’s most popular podcaster has, sort of, but not really, thrown his support to one of the 2024 presidential race’s least popular candidates.
On Thursday, Joe Rogan said he preferred Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent, for president. “He’s the only one that makes sense to me,” Mr. Rogan said, as a guest on a podcast hosted by Lex Fridman, and called Mr. Kennedy a “legitimate guy.”
Mr. Rogan’s devoted following, one that leans young, male and numbers in the tens of millions, is highly coveted. His remarks about Mr. Kennedy, uttered on a show with a far smaller reach than his own, nonetheless set off a frenzied response.
Supporters of former President Donald J. Trump, worried that Mr. Rogan’s stance could carve off voters and hurt his electoral chances come November, quickly turned on the podcaster, standup comic and U.F.C. announcer. They questioned his intelligence and even mocked his height , a spectacle that was greeted with something akin to joy — or, at least, schadenfreude — among Democrats who have long written off Mr. Rogan as helpful to their cause.
By Friday morning, Mr. Rogan was backpedaling. “This isn’t an endorsement,” he posted on the social media platform X, and advised that he is “not the guy to get political information from.”
Mr. Trump himself weighed in on Friday afternoon, pondering “how loudly Joe Rogan gets BOOED the next time he enters the UFC ring” in a post on his social network that seemingly reflected his concerns that the influential podcaster could tip the scales against him.
“This takes straight from the Trump base,” said Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant. A New York Times/Siena poll in battleground states in May found that 54 percent of respondents who said they planned to vote for the former president had a favorable opinion of Mr. Rogan.
Mr. Kennedy, long before Mr. Rogan’s unwinding act, had already taken credit for the perceived nod, posting on social media: “From one ‘legitimate’ guy to another, thank you.”
Even if it’s not a true endorsement, Mr. Rogan’s praise could come as a huge shot in the arm for Mr. Kennedy, who has seen his polling average drop from as much as 15 percent in early June to somewhere around 6 percent as of late last month.
While Mr. Kennedy drew national attention this week after acknowledging that he dumped a dead bear cub in Central Park a decade ago, such headlines have not helped ease his struggles raising money . He’s also fighting to get his name on the ballots in critical states, or, in the case of New York , keep it there.
“He doesn’t attack people. He attacks actions and ideas, but he’s much more reasonable and intelligent,” Mr. Rogan said of Mr. Kennedy on the “Lex Fridman Podcast,” which has 4.1 million subscribers on YouTube.
Mr. Rogan’s fan base is much bigger. In March, Spotify said that “The Joe Rogan Experience” had 14.5 million followers , almost triple the platform’s second most popular program. He also has 19 million followers on Instagram and 17 million followers on YouTube.
A poll by YouGov last year found that 81 percent of his listeners are male and 56 percent are under 35 years old , feeding the perception that he has a direct line to a cohort that polling suggests tends to support Mr. Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.
“This is a group Trump needs strong performance with,” Mr. Madrid said.
During his interview with Mr. Fridman, he said that he was “not a Trump supporter in any way, shape or form” and adding that he turned down multiple offers to have him on his show. “I’ve said no every time,” Mr. Rogan said. “I’m not interested in helping him,”
Mr. Kennedy sat for an interview on the “Joe Rogan Experience” in June 2023.
Ruth Igielnik contributed reporting.
![](http://playon.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
COMMENTS
2024 Alan Jackson Tickets. Secure Alan Jackson Resale Tickets Online Today. Order Concert & Festival Tickets. Instant Download Available for Last Minute Purchases.
Silverbelly Whiskey, the premium spirit distilled exclusively for and hand-selected by Country Music Hall of Fame member Alan Jackson, has earned an impressive 89-point bronze medal by the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Read More. Oct 31, 2022.
June 7, 2024 3:37 PM PT. Country music's Alan Jackson is hanging up his cowboy hat, announcing his final tour dates while his health is "getting worse.". "I've been touring for over 30 ...
Alan Jackson Tour News. Alan Jackson Announces Farewell Tour 2024 May 30, 2024. CMA Fest x Silverbelly Stage @ AJ's Good Time Bar June 5, 2023. Alan Jackson Adds the Silverbelly Whiskey Wagon Experience to his Fall Tour September 1, 2022. ALAN JACKSON TO STAGE "SMALL TOWN DRIVE-IN" CONCERTS May 26, 2020.
Recently inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson's membership among country music's all-time greats is the latest in a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville ...
Alan Jackson tickets, meet and greet and venue links
2023 Alan Jackson Calendar Pre-order Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Spotify; Youtube; TikTok; © Alan Jackson
Buy tickets for Alan Jackson concerts near you. See all upcoming 2024-25 tour dates, support acts, reviews and venue info. ... Find information on all of Alan Jackson's upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025. ... 2023 2022 2021 2020 Most played: Los Angeles (LA) (24 ...
Alan Jackson is going out with a bang. The country music icon has added a new set of shows to his ongoing Last Call: One More for the Road farewell tour. The Country Music Hall of Famer, 65 ...
May 30, 2024, 5:55 pm. Get ready to saddle up for a "Good Time" with Alan Jackson. The country icon has announced the return of his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, which he first kicked off in 2022. The new run begins Aug. 2 in Boston and will conclude in Milwaukee on May 17, 2025. "Fans know when they come to my shows, they're going to ...
Discover Alan Jackson's tour dates and locations on his official website.
Alan Jackson Has Been Quiet About His Health After His Last Tour Alan Jackson's health problems led to one final tour. ... No new dates have been scheduled as of 2023. However, after the tour, not much was heard of Alan White. In November 2022, ...
As Alan Jackson celebrates his legacy and hit-filled catalog with his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, revisit some of the classics that made him one of country music's greats. ... Peck announced a sprawling tour in support of Bronco, which would take him all around the country through the summer of 2023. But following a sold-out show at ...
Getty Images. Alan Jackson has postponed the final two stops on his Last Call Tour until 2023 as he deals with health issues related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). The silver lining on this ...
All Alan Jackson upcoming concerts for 2024 & 2025. Find out when Alan Jackson is next playing live near you. ... Alan Jackson tour dates 2024 - 2025. Alan Jackson is currently touring across 1 country and has 10 upcoming concerts. Their next tour date is at TD Garden in Boston, after that they'll be at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. ...
Alan Jackson Reveals Another Album Isn't Out Of The Question: "I Feel Like There Will Be Some More Music" ... 2023. Share. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images. Never say never when it comes to the great Alan Jackson. The country legend sat down with his daughter, Mattie Jackson, on her ... I mean, I may not tour much again, but like I said, the ...
Alan Jackson wanted to reveal the condition, just in case people saw him swerving on stage and thought he'd indulged in a few too many gin & tonics. He's also been performing lately while sitting on a stool. Alan Jackson said at the time, "I never wanted to do the big retirement tour, like people do, then take a year off and then come ...
Alan Jackson's concert at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on 11 Aug 2023. Live streams; Milwaukee concerts. Milwaukee concerts Milwaukee concerts. Paramore Fiserv Forum; Bonobo; ... no frills, all-hits country music, you couldn't put a high-jiving foot wrong with Alan Jackson. The Georgia-born singer-songwriter, who rose to fame in the 1990s with ...
Country music star Alan Jackson has announced 2024/2025 concert dates for his "Last Call: One More for the Road Tour."
Genres: Country, Country Rock, Honky Tonk. Hometown: Newnan, Georgia. Find tickets for Alan Jackson concerts near you. Browse 2024 tour dates, venue details, concert reviews, photos, and more at Bandsintown. Listen to his classic hits and new songs from his upcoming album Where Have You Gone.
In 2024 - 2025, he'll continue his long-running tradition of "keepin' it country" as he brings over 30 years of hits to a city near you one final time. Raise a glass - it's LAST CALL: ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD! ALAN JACKSON'S 2024 - 2025. LAST CALL: ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD TOUR. Friday, August 2 Boston, MA (TD Garden)
Alan Jackson upcoming concerts (10) Date Concert; Sat Aug 24 2024: Alan Jackson Van Andel Arena · Grand Rapids, MI, US : Sun Aug 25 2024: Alan Jackson T-Mobile Center · Kansas City, MO, US : Sat Sep 28 2024: Alan Jackson Bud Walton Arena · Fayetteville, AR, US
An Alan jackson Tour is not likely in 2023, but that doesn't mean he's done for good. #alanjackson #alanjacksontour #cmt Alan Jackson recently opened up abou...
Alan Jackson Tickets, Tour Dates & Concerts 2024/2025 ♫. Alan Jackson is a country singer-songwriter from Newnan, Georgia. Known for his fusion of honky-tonk and country-pop, he is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
Wanting to celebrate his career in country music, Jackson will kick off the Last Call One More for the Road tour on Friday in Boston. With the tour only containing 10 dates, fans are clamoring to ...
Purchase Alan Jackson concert tickets, view tour schedule and details on Ticketmaster Canada.
ROANOKE, Va. - The 1st and 10 Camp Tour stays in the River Ridge District to visit Patrick Henry--a program known for being a mainstay when it comes to the postseason. The Patriots return to the ...
Gym Equipment upstairs remains with the home. Minutes from everything in Jackson - 5 min from Downtown/Jackson Walk, 5 min form I-40 and North Jackson Shopping. Don't miss this Midtown Gem - One of the Coolest Houses in Jackson. Alan Castleman 731-414-5862 for a Private Tour.
Zillow has 48 photos of this $514,800 3 beds, 3 baths, 2,070 Square Feet single family home located at 217 Liberty Rd E, Jackson, TN 38305 built in 2023.
The 2023 tour consisted of stops in New Jersey, San Diego, Houston and Las Vegas. This time, the club have opted for a training camp at UCLA in California and just three games in Los Angeles, San ...
Former President Donald J. Trump tested a new tactic for attacks at an event in Montana as Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz headed to Nevada to wrap up their introductory tour of ...