Walking through a room full of reporters and camera with sweatshirt and ball cap, sporting a big warm smile, you would have excuse to think that the man who is possibly the most famous voice in country music was one of the crew members.
But whether it’s the façade of an experienced performer or genuine seriousness, Garth Brooks seems like he could be the best friend of anyone, or at least for two nights, everyone’s friend in Edmonton.
“You know, I think what’s going on with Edmonton is, the same for all the places you enjoy, it’s the people, right?” he said as he sat on the edge of a stage, talking to reporters Friday afternoon.
“And these people, not only show up, but show up willing to play and show up with anticipation.”
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Garth Brooks talks to reporters before his concerts in Edmonton, Alta. on Friday, June 24, 2022. Global News
Brooks is no stranger to Edmonton: in 2017, he sold out not one, not even two or three, but nine gigs with his wife Trisha Yearwood at Rogers Place: “Every night of those nights was bad nights.”
In all, about 160,000 fans attended these shows five years ago. He said the level of dedication raises the bar for him and his crew.
Read more: Garth Brooks exhausts Edmonton’s second show in 45 minutes
Brooks said the 2017 shows also left him with high expectations of the crowd that performed at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday and Saturday night.
“We want these people to leave here thinking this was a better show than the arena show. So that’s what we’ve come to do.”
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The sold-out shows in Edmonton are the only Canadian dates on a tour that has taken him around the United States and will end in Dublin, Ireland.
1:33 Garth Brooks fans pack the Commonwealth Stadium just for a Canadian stop on the tour.
Brooks said he expected polite but energetic people, adding that there is a level of sincerity for his fans.
“They know their country music inside and out.
“When you play country music for a multitude of country music, there’s a way that goes deep into your soul.”
Music brings back memories, Brooks said, explaining that his goal is to make a quick transition from a concert show to a big party of 61,000 people.
“If you can get into that party mode in the first two songs, then just Katie slams the door, it’s going to be fun.”
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4:33 Garth Brooks excited about the second show in Edmonton Garth Brooks excited about the second show in Edmonton – May 11, 2022
Brooks said his goal is to get people out of Commonwealth Stadium to love each other more than when they came in: “It’s not an easy task here, because they already love each other!”
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“Garth Brooks’ music (is) about inclusion, not exclusion. We can’t do it on our own. We need each other. So blacks and whites need to learn to work together. The red and blue has to work together. Canadians and Americans have to learn to work together, right? So that’s what we do. “
Music brings together people who would otherwise have nothing in common, Brooks said.
“Perhaps if they were in the same room, they would not agree on anything. But there they are, friends in low places, arm in arm, right on the river.
“That’s a beautiful thing, which tells me that music, to me, could very well be the voice of hope.”
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Read more: Garth Brooks ready for the “family reunion” when he returns to Edmonton in June
Brooks said he records the audience for his concerts and listens to them singing The River: “I’ve been doing this for 100 years. Right? And I still cry like a baby when it happens. So I think it’s a fun thing I feel like.”
The stadium tour began in 2019, but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brooks said canceling the tour was the right thing to do, but added that he is now much more excited.
1:42 Edmonton companies expect boost with Garth Brooks concerts Edmonton companies expect boost with Garth Brooks concerts
There’s nothing that compares to acting live, he said, adding that he “1,000 percent” feeds on audience energy.
He said he learned this lesson during the COVID-19 pandemic, when live concerts were not possible, so in the United States they were replaced by car shows. Brooks organized a filmed concert, which he said about 750,000 people attended in theaters across the United States.
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“All you’re doing is acting in front of the cameras,” he said, explaining that the singing and cheers of the fans make a difference for him as a performer.
Edmonton, THANK YOU for reminding me why Canada is one of the BEST places to play country music! 2 nights at #YEG, life is good !!!!! amor, g pic.twitter.com/WWqo5DVlKK
– Garth Brooks (@garthbrooks) June 25, 2022
He also noted that it’s only a part of making the show come to life. He was performing with Blake Shelton in Boise, Idaho when they encountered technical difficulties.
“So Blake Shelton will surprise us at the Dive Bar, everyone knows he’s coming, and the sound system is starting to squeak and start going off. Now you’re in front of all these people. Now you realize what you’re without your crew. .
“Without the crew, without the band, without the people, it just doesn’t happen. That’s why this is a statement of honesty, not humility, I’m lucky to be a part of that. “
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Read more: Edmonton companies expect boost from Garth Brooks fans who only attend the show in Canada
For anyone attending the concert, it’s important to remember that Commonwealth Stadium has a clear bag policy. Bags or clutches that you cannot see through will not be allowed.
3:09 Setting up for Garth Brooks concerts in Edmonton Setting up for Garth Brooks concerts in Edmonton
The city of Edmonton will operate parking and travel to and from the stadium in six locations, similar to how it does during the Edmonton Elks games, however, it will cost $ 6 for the one-way fare. and return from the special event.
All Commonwealth Stadium parking service begins two hours before the start of the event and ends once the stadium clears up after the event.
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