George Strait is a ready for another round.
The country legend used the platform of his concert at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of NFL franchise Indianapolis Colts, to announce Cowboys And Dreamers (via MCA), his 31st studio album.
According to reps, more than 51,000 filled out the stadium for Strait’s two-hour performance on Saturday, May 4. “We got some new stuff, too, I’m gonna throw in throughout the night, because I broke down and did another record, and I’m gonna play a few of those for you tonight,” he told the audience.
A release date for the new LP has not been announced.
The 71-year-old Texas native shared several new songs from the forthcoming album, including “Three Drinks Behind,” and was joined by Chris Stapleton on two numbers, “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” and “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing”.
The Indianapolis date was one of just 10 shows Strait will perform in 2024, and marked a return to the stage following a string of devastating losses to his industry family including his manager of nearly 50 years, Erv Woolsey, Ace in the Hole member Gene Elders, and tour manager Tom Foote.
“It’s so good to be back,” he said from the stage, “man, it’s been six months, and that’s too long.”
Paying tribute to his lost friends, Strait remarked, “The last couple of months have been a tough time… music makes it all better. Thank you for coming out – we’ve had a great time tonight,” he said, as he closed out a six-song encore in their honor.
