Country music is riding a wave of unparalleled success, and George Strait just added another impressive milestone to the genre’s banner year. On Saturday, the country legend drew a staggering 110,905 fans to his concert at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, setting a new record for the highest attendance at a ticketed concert in U.S. history. This feat surpassed the previous record of 107,019 set by the Grateful Dead in 1977 at Raceway Park, New Jersey, according to news outlets.
Strait’s performance at the Texas A&M stadium isn’t just a personal triumph but a testament to his enduring popularity and the genre’s growing influence. Known for his neo-traditionalist sound that distinguished him from the country-pop trends of the ’80s and ’90s, Strait has built a legendary career with 27 No. 1 country albums and 44 No. 1 singles. Fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming album, Cowboys And Dreamers, set for release on September 6.
This attendance record highlights the continuing golden era for country music. Recently, Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” dominated streaming charts in 2023 and Stagecoach, one of the genre’s premier festivals, sold out instantly in April. Pop and hip-hop artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone are even tapping into country influences to expand their creative horizons, further testament to the genre’s mainstream appeal.
However, Strait’s record-setting performance still pales in comparison to the most-attended concert globally. Madonna holds that distinction, having drawn a colossal 1.6 million fans to her free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro in May, during her “Celebration” tour.
For now, George Strait’s record at Kyle Field stands as a monumental achievement in U.S. concert history and a shining example of country music’s resurgence and expansive appeal. As Strait gears up for his new album release, fans and industry watchers alike will be looking to see how he and the genre continue to make history.
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