Country Icon Toby Keith Makes ‘Big Announcement,’ Plotting His Grand Return to The Stage
“Y’all been waiting a long time to hear this, I’ve been waiting a long time to do this,” he says.
Toby Keith; Photo Courtesy YouTube
Country icon Toby Keith is making his official return to the stage with two headlining shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas this December.
Keith will perform on Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11, at the Vegas venue. The Oklahoma native unveiled the exciting news on Friday (Oct. 20) via social media with a video message to fans.
Back-To-Back Shows In Las Vegas
“Hey everybody, this is Toby Keith,” he begins. “It’s been a while. You know what I’ve been doing? I’ve been on the old rollercoaster, but Almighty’s riding shotgun. He’s letting me drive for some reason, but I’m making a big announcement.”
Wearing his signature cowboy hat and sunglasses, Keith went on to reveal the news his fans have been waiting for. “I’m doing a little deal and thought I’d start in the great Las Vegas. Be at the MGM at Dolby Live at the Park at MGM December 10th and 11th. You do the Rodeo, National Finals Rodeo and the show if you want to. But I’m announcing two dates. December 10th and 11th.”
Keith’s shows coincide with the National Finals Rodeo, which is set to take place in Las Vegas from Thursday, Dec. 7 through Sat. Dec. 16.
“I was going to sit around here and do nothing like I have been, or get up and go outside and don’t let the old man in. You know what I mean?” The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee says in the clip, referencing his song of the same name.
Watch His Video Message
“So come out, catch a rodeo. December 10th and 11th. Be my first two shows, they’re kind of rehab shows. Get the band back in sync. Get me rolling again,” he explains.
“We’re Going To Get The Band Back Together”
The “I Love This Bar” singer has spent more time away from the stage than ever before in recent years. His battle with stomach cancer put his touring plans on the sidelines, but now, he’s back and ready to rock.
“First time in my whole life, I’ve been off over two years. I’ve never been off a year in my life. And through Covid and Cancer Old Devil’s been after me a little bit. I got him by the horns right now. So instead of just sitting around and waiting, we’re going to get the band back together,” he shared. “So come on out, hang out the rodeo, watch the shows. We’re going to have a blast. Get it all going again. Big Dawg Daddy style. Should have been a cowboy! Go to the rodeo.”
How To Get Tickets
Tickets for the pair of shows will go on sale beginning Friday, October 27 at 10 am local time via LiveNation.com.
In recent months, Toby Keith has slowly returned to the spotlight. In July, he performed two impromptu concerts in his home state of Oklahoma, and most recently, he captured the hearts of millions with his poignant comeback performance of “Don’t Let The Old Man In” on the People’s Choice Country Awards.
“Y’all been waiting a long time to hear this, I’ve been waiting a long time to do this. I’m back, come see me,” he shared in a statement. “You’ll have the best time, I will too. We’ll never forget it. Can’t wait to see you there. Let’s go.”
The news comes after Keith made a surprise appearance on stage with Jason Aldean last weekend. The pair joined together to sing Keith’s breakout hit, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” sending fans inside the Oklahoma venue into a frenzy.
“I’m on my rehab tour,” Keith joked from the stage. “If I’m not at my bar, I’m down at Hollywood Corners or I’m on stage with Jason Aldean. The Almighty’s been riding shotgun and my ass is ready to get back to work!”
His comeback continues at country radio with the announcement that “Don’t Let The Old Man In” is getting a second chance on the charts. Thanks to a new partnership with BMLG Records, the song will officially impact country radio on October 30. This follows the massive digital resurgence of “Don’t Let The Old Man In” following the PCCAs. The song topped Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart for two consecutive weeks. Additionally, the poignant tune placed in the Top 3 on the all-genre sales chart and claimed the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Country Songs and Videos charts.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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