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George Strait - The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium
June 7, 2014 - ATT&T Stadium Arlington, TX USA
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"The King of Country Rides Away - with every legend by his side"
by R. Dale Roth 2024-05-12

On a smokin' hot Saturday night, June 7 2014, a massive north Texas crowd of over 100,000 dedicated country music fans crammed into AT&T Stadium to say goodbye to the king of country music, George Strait. After 30 years of making some of the best music in the genre, recording more number one hits than the Beatles, and making every woman south of the Mason-Dixon swoon, there could have been no more fitting farewell for King George.

You couldn't tune your radio to a country station within 50 miles of the metroplex without hearing a George Strait song. Social media were clogged with excited updates from people who had tickets and envious posts from those who didn't. Strait may still continue to perform and record after this tour, but his most dedicated fans weren't willing to risk missing out on seeing the legend live in concert one last time.

With 60 number one hits, Strait had an overwhelming body of work to draw from for the show. As a result, it proved a marathon of over 40 of his biggest hits, 20 of those preserved on film. Everyone in that crowd was listening for their personal favorite Strait song, and I would guess that most of them heard theirs.

Hundreds of trailers, tents, and RVs full of beer-drinking folks in cowboy boots filled the parking lots in anticipation of Strait's final show. Truth be told, there were probably more people tailgating George Strait than the NFL's Dallas Cowboys see in an entire season. Some of the people didn't even have tickets to the show, they were just there to be part of what was perceived as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"Once in a lifetime" really isn't much of an exaggeration. King George was joined by 12 of the biggest acts in the genre, each capable of selling out stadiums in their own right. When George played the very first event at then-Cowboys Stadium with Reba McEntire a few years ago, 60,000 fans were in attendance. This show, there were over 100,000 people in the crowd, more than any other indoor concert in history.

Aside from the record-setting attendance, it certainly felt like you were part of something historic. When Strait walked down a red carpet to take the stage, the entire stadium was on its feet. The noise from the crowd was deafening, but a deep reverence hung thick in the air, the kind of respect only a true icon could command. It became immediately clear that this show was more than just a concert; it was a cultural event. We were all at the church of country music, and King George was leading worship.

After decades on the road, Strait was a finely tuned machine on stage. From the opening notes of the first song, "Check Yes or No," the entire audience was wrapped up in King George. People were dancing in their seats and in the aisles, holding hands with their sweethearts, and most notably, singing along with every word to every song.

It was also clear that these songs were more than just music to that audience; they were personal. As cliche as it may sound, these albums are the soundtrack to his fans' memories. In the truest sense of the word, Strait is a troubadour. The couple sitting in front of me danced to "I Cross My Heart" at their wedding, and I saw more than one little girl's dad with tears in his eyes during "I Saw God Today."

Strait isn't a publicly political man, but that doesn't mean he's without principles. Halfway through the show, he gave a beautiful, mortgage-free home to Army Sgt. Leroy Petry, a Medal of Honor recipient who was wounded in combat in Afghanistan. Through a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Foundation, Strait has provided a home for a wounded veteran at each stop on his tour.

When he played "I Believe," a tribute to the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting, Strait's teary eyes had even the tough guys all choked up. Even though it was a farewell, most of this show wasn't at all sad. It was grateful. Strait took multiple opportunities to express thanks to his Ace in the Hole Band, his contemporaries joining him up on stage and the thousands of fans in his audience. After 30 years of being on top, Strait is as humble as he's ever been.

The generational diversity of the crowd gave me hope for country music's future, especially when you consider how many of the fans in that audience knew all the words to Strait songs that were recorded long before they were born. This was a crowd that had a respect for country music's glory days and great hopes for its future -- a crowd that wants fewer Nashville gimmicks, more great songwriting and guitar picking.

It was almost as if Strait had customized the show to make it perfect for each individual person who was there. I'm not sure that there is any other artist alive who has a better command of both their craft and the desires of the audience.

As the set began to wind down, no one wanted it to end. The set list played as Strait's musical history, but everyone kept hoping for just one more song. There wasn't anyone skipping out early to beat the crowds. Nobody cared about sitting in the godawful traffic after the show, they just wanted to see more Strait.

There will ever be a better showcase of great country music than that night's encore, at least not outside of Nashville. It included all of Strait's superstar support acts, including Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Eric Church, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney.

Fittingly, Strait and his guests ended the night with "The Cowboy Rides Away." Even though there is likely still more to come from Strait, like the three records left on his deal with MCA, Saturday night still marked the end of the era. After 30 years of almost non-stop touring, Strait has hung up his proverbial spurs.

Song by Song:

1. Check Yes or No

A classic George Strait opener with a catchy melody and a playful, flirtatious tone. Perfect for setting a lighthearted, feel-good vibe for the whole concert.

2. Lovebug (with Vince Gill)

Gill's smooth, soaring vocals are the perfect complement to Strait's more grounded delivery. Expect beautiful harmonies and a masterclass in country music from two absolute legends.

3. Fool Hearted Memory (with Jason Aldean)

Aldean's signature grit adds a layer of complexity to this heartbreaking ballad. His rougher tone will create a fascinating contrast with Strait's classic voice, giving this beloved song a new depth and a touch of modern edge.

4. Arkansas Dave (with Bubba Strait)

Bubba Strait's easy-going style promises a fun, infectious on-stage chemistry with his dad. This lighthearted song will be a playful interlude in the lineup and sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

5. Cowboys Like Us (with Eric Church)

Two powerful voices with distinct styles converge for this modern anthem. Church's rock-infused attitude and Strait's iconic drawl could deliver a performance that redefines this already popular song and has the crowd ready to dance in their boots.

6. That's What Breaking Hearts Do

A timeless ballad about love and loss. George Strait's rich, emotive voice was made for songs like this, and the simplicity of a solo performance will let the raw emotion of the lyrics shine through.

7. Marina del Rey

This mellow, reflective song highlights George Strait's versatility. It's a chance to slow the pace, showcase a different side of his artistry, and give the audience a moment to catch their breath amongst the upbeat hits.

8. Here for a Good Time (with Sheryl Crow)

This unexpected collaboration promises a burst of energy and some rock and roll flair! Crow's dynamic sound will add a unique element to Strait's performance, potentially creating one of the most memorable and show-stopping songs of the night.

9. I Can Still Make Cheyenne

A classic that perfectly captures the romance and ambition of the rodeo scene. Strait is a master storyteller, and this performance will transport audiences back to the thrill of competition under the bright lights.

10. Jackson (with Martina McBride)

Two powerhouse voices join forces for this iconic duet about love, wanderlust, and chasing big dreams. McBride's passionate delivery combined with Strait's classic style promises spine-tingling harmonies and tear-jerking emotion.

11. A Showman's Life (with Faith Hill)

Hill's stunning vocals are the perfect complement for Strait's understated baritone. This duet could steal the show with its heartfelt lyrics and the undeniable chemistry between two legendary country voices.

12. Murder on Music Row (with Alan Jackson)

Two titans of traditional country music on one stage! Expect a classic performance that honors the genre's roots and celebrates the timelessness of its most powerful songs.

13. The Chair

This stripped-down, emotional song about loss and remembrance is sure to be a poignant moment. George Strait's soulful voice will convey the profound depth of the lyrics, potentially creating one of the most heartrending moments of the concert.

14. Give It All We Got Tonight

This upbeat anthem with a touch of rock energy is perfect for pumping the crowd back up. It's bound to be a singalong with the whole audience joining in for the chorus.

15. Run (with Miranda Lambert)

Lambert's fiery personality and unique vocal style are set to create an unforgettable dynamic with Strait's classic delivery. This could be a truly special and unforgettable performance of a recent country hit.

16. I'll Always Remember You

A bittersweet classic that showcases the emotional depth of Strait's voice. It's sure to create a deeply intimate moment and remind everyone of the power of country music to stir the soul.

17. Ocean Front Property (with Kenny Chesney)

This laid-back track will bring beach vibes and a carefree energy to the night. Chesney's relaxed island sound will meld perfectly with Strait's classic country style, making for a fun and memorable duet.

18. Troubadour

A powerful song that embodies the essence of George Strait's legacy. It tells the story of a life dedicated to music, serving as a perfect prelude to the grand finale of the show.

19. All My Ex's Live in Texas (with Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride)

This star-studded performance of an absolute country classic is destined to be the highlight of the evening. Imagine all those incredible voices uniting for this iconic song - it's guaranteed to bring the house down and leave everyone chanting along.

20. The Cowboy Rides Away

There's no better way to end a legendary career than with this poignant and reflective ballad. A bittersweet farewell that celebrates Strait's impact on country music and will leave a profound and lasting impression on the audience.

Featuring: George Strait - lead vocals, acoustic guitar

Guest Appearances:

Jason Aldean - vocals on "Fool Hearted Memory" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Ray Benson - vocals on "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Kenny Chesney - vocals on "Ocean Front Property" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Eric Church - vocals on "Cowboys Like Us" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Sheryl Crow - vocals on "Here for a Good Time" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Vince Gill - vocals on "Lovebug" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Faith Hill - vocals on "A Showman's Life" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Alan Jackson - vocals on "Murder on Music Row" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Miranda Lambert - vocals on "Run" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Martina McBride - vocals on "Jackson" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas"
Bubba Strait - vocals on "Arkansas Dave"

Ace in the Hole Band:

Mike Daily - pedal steel guitar
Gene Elders - fiddle, mandolin
Ronnie Huckaby - piano
Mike Kennedy - drums
Mac McAnally - acoustic guitar
Benny McArthur - fiddle, acoustic and electric guitars
Rick McRae - electric guitar
Joe Manuel - acoustic guitar
John Michael Whitby - acoustic guitar, keyboards
Glenn Worf - bass guitar