George Strait, the iconic country music legend, made a triumphant return to the stage at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night (May 4, 2024), marking his first live performance in six months. From the moment he stepped onto the stage alongside the Ace in the Hole Band, it was evident that both he and his band had sorely missed the electrifying connection with their fans.
Addressing the sold-out crowd of 51,132, Strait expressed his joy at being back, declaring, “It’s so good to be back…man, it’s been six months, and that’s too long.” He then teased the audience with hints of what was to come over the next two hours, promising to intersperse the setlist with new material from his upcoming album.
True to his word, Strait debuted ‘Three Drinks Behind,’ the first of three new songs from his forthcoming album, which he revealed would be titled ‘Cowboys and Dreamers.’ Throughout the night, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and connection. During ‘Check Yes or No,’ a couple in the audience got engaged, a moment that was captured and shared by surrounding fans, amplifying the sense of celebration.
Strait, known for his heartfelt connections with his audience, took poignant moments to honor those who have influenced his journey. Before performing ‘How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,’ he fondly remarked, “I always like seeing some cowboys in the crowd because that means cowgirls are nearby.” He also paid tribute to his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, who had recently passed away, dedicating a song to him and expressing his deep sense of loss.
Joined on stage by Stapleton for a collaboration on ‘Pancho and Lefty’ and ‘You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,’ Strait unveiled their first-ever collaboration, ‘Honky Tonk Hall of Fame,’ a track featured on his upcoming album. The evening also featured a heartfelt moment when retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco presented a new home to Retired US Army Private Issac Boshi, marking Strait’s 113th home presentation via the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program.
Acknowledging the recent losses within his touring family, including Woolsey and members of his team, Strait reflected on the challenges of the past months. “The last couple of months have been a tough time… music makes it all better,” he confessed, before dedicating the performance to their memory.
In a fitting conclusion to the unforgettable evening, Strait treated the audience to a six-song encore, leaving his fans with a sense of gratitude, nostalgia, and anticipation for what lies ahead in his storied career.
