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Country's Comeback Kid Goes On Tour: Garth Brooks 2014

Country singer Garth Brooks is going on tour after 14 years of retirement

By Molly Faris

Garth Brooks is set to return to Dublin, Ireland's Croke Park
to kick off his 2014 comeback this July.

If you're a fan of country music or were alive in the 1990s and not living under a rock, you know the name Garth Brooks well.

According to Billboard and Nielsen Soundscan, Brooks is the top-selling artist of the last two decades, having moved 68,630,000 units since 1991. Throughout his career, he has had over 70 hit singles and sold 115 million albums in just the US alone.

In case you have up until this point been living a life deprived of this undeniable talent, allow me to lend a hand in changing that. Unfortunately, Brooks refuses to adapt to the new digital age of the music industry. Because of this, none of his music can be found online. However, please enjoy this flawless performance of a cover of Bob Seger's "Night Moves" on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" from November 28, 2013 and you might just get a sense of the kind of musical genius I'm talking about. When you're finished with that, do yourself a favor and go purchase his greatest hits album. Start educating yourself.

It's been 14 years since, arguably, Country Music's biggest star announced his official partial retirement until his youngest daughter graduates from high school. Now that time has finally come as his daughter Allie is set to graduate this Spring.

Garth Brooks fans around the world can be happy to know that the "Friends In Low Places" singer has recently announced "The Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event" in Dublin, Ireland beginning July 25. The event will take place at Croke Park and last for five consecutive shows, all of which are already sold out.

On January 20, Brooks actually stood in Croke Park and made the official announcement.

"In '97, we were lucky enough to play Croke Park, the stadium was under construction. 130,000 of some of the greatest fans in the world. I was quoted then as saying 'When this stadium is finished, I would love to come back and try to fill it again... this time to the brink.' And we're back to do just that," Brooks said — those Irish sure are lucky.

Perhaps the highlight of his announcement for most fans was not the event in Ireland, but rather the hint at a world tour.

"Before we go back on tour in the Fall of 2014, I want to challenge myself, the band and the crew." 

Did you catch that? He unofficially announced a Fall 2014 tour! This is undoubtedly some of the best news the world of country music has received in the last 20 years.

"I can't contain my excitement and can only hope that he comes to South Florida on his upcoming tour so that I can get a chance to see him," Kelly Higgins, a longtime fan of Brooks's music, said. Due to his lack of performances during his retirement, Higgins, like many other fans, has been unable to catch her favorite artist in a live show. "I've never seen him live. Hopefully this tour will change that."

"The Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event" is happening July 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 at Croke Park. If you're lucky enough to be Irish, be sure to attend. If not, don't miss Garth Brooks on his upcoming worldwide tour this Fall.

Details
What: Garth Brooks in concert
When: July 25-29
Where: Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
Tickets: €80
Info: https://www.crokepark.ie/garthbrooks or call 00-353-818-90300