George Strait’s Music City Farewell
There seemed to be a touch of emotion in George Strait’s final Nashville concert Friday night. Perhaps it was the song “Troubadour” that summed it up. The first line is “I still feel 25 most of the time.” That’s how old Strait was when he first rode into Nashville back in 1977. He had picked up the music bug while in the Army, and played in a couple Texas bands upon his discharge. So in 1977, he came to Nashville to get a record deal. It took three years before he got it done, and his first single, “Unwound,” was released in May of 1981. And even though he was a recording artist at a major Nashville record label, George Strait never moved to Music City, or even spent a lot of time there. He even turned down membership in the Grand Ole Opry.
But on Friday, March 21st, George Strait played his final concert in Nashville as part of his “Cowboy Rides Away Tour.” He played a wide range of songs from his career, from the big hits like “Check Yes Or No” and “Ocean Front Property” to some of the lesser known songs and album cuts. As usual, he was joined by his Ace In The Hole Band. Two of them actually pre-date George: Steel player Mike Daily and bass player Terry Hale, were in the band with a different lead singer. George joined in 1975. Ron Huckaby, Benny McArthur, and Gene Elders have been in the band for 30 years. It’s been a long ride for all of them.
The final Nashville show began with Sheryl Crow. She had her first success when George was starring in the movie “Pure Country.” Today, she makes her home in Nashville, and records country music. George invited her back on stage during his set. She admitted being nervous as the two sang “Here For a Good Time” and “When Did You Stop Loving Me.” The latter song was a hit the same year Sheryl had her first hit. Four songs later, Eric Church came on stage to sing “Cowboys Like Us.” George confessed even he was surprised by that appearance. The final guest of the night was Kenny Chesney, who joined George for “Amarillo By Morning.” Kenny got a thunderous ovation when he was announced. He’d been off the road since last September, and hasn’t been visible lately. Kenny & George had a hit duet in 2007 with Shiftwork. George announced that all three, Sheryl, Eric, and Kenny, will join him for his final concert in Dallas .
Even with the superstar guests, the focus of the night was the music. George didn’t say much all night. The few words he said were to introduce some of the lesser known songs, like recent ones he’d written with his son Bubba, who he said was at the Nashville show. And even though he performed about 20 #1 songs, there were still 40 more he didn’t play, like “Blue Clear Sky” or “I Cross My Heart.” But no one in the sold out arena seemed disappointed. No one was counting. And when he played his final song”The Cowboy Rides Away,” he stayed on stage a long time, waving to the crowd, who were all still standing.
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