George Strait & Chris Stapleton Wow with Duet Debut, Tease New Album

From the instant George Strait stepped onto the stage at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium last Saturday night (May 4th), it was evident that both he and the Ace in the Hole Band had been yearning to perform for their fans once again.

“It’s so good to be back…man, it’s been six months, and that’s too long,” Strait expressed while greeting the sold-out crowd of 51,132 before giving them a taste of what was to come over the next two hours.

“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,” Strait shared two songs in, performing the first-of-three, “Three Drinks Behind,” from his upcoming album while also unveiling that the new studio album will be titled Cowboys and Dreamers.

It turned out to be a night of connection for all the cowboys and dreamers in attendance. During “Check Yes or No,” a couple got engaged while surrounded by fans who captured the moment, sharing in their joy. And just before “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” Strait remarked, “I always like seeing some cowboys in the crowd because that means cowgirls are nearby.”

Taking a moment to reflect after, he shared that the next song was penned by his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, a cowboy himself who recently passed, saying, “I miss you, Erv.”

“We always like to do songs from our old heroes that have passed on and finally got this one down (recorded) and gonna do it now live, this is ‘Waymore’s Blues,’” he offered halfway through his 32-song set.

Stapleton joined the Texan mid-stride on “Pancho and Lefty,” staying onstage for “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,” a track he wrote for Strait’s Love Is Everything, and revealing their first-ever collaboration, “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame,” on Strait’s forthcoming album.

Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco introduced Retired US Army Private Issac Boshi in a poignant moment on stage, presenting a new home to the hero, noting it was his 113th home presentation with Strait via Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program.

Saturday marked Strait’s first show back after suffering devastating losses to his touring family, including his longtime manager, Woolsey, Ace in the Hole member Gene Elders, and tour manager, Tom Foote. Strait took the opportunity to acknowledge their absence throughout the evening.

“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. This one is for Erv and Gene and Tom,” he said before concluding with a six-song encore.

Strait’s 2024 Concert Calendar:

5/4 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN
5/11 EverBank Stadium Jacksonville, FL
5/25 Jack Trice Stadium Ames, IA
6/1 Bank of America Stadium Charlotte, NC
6/8 MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
6/15 Kyle Field College Station, TX
6/29 Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT
7/13 Ford Field Detroit, MI
7/20 Soldier Field Chicago, IL
12/7 Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas, NV

For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming dates, visit GeorgeStrait.com .