George Strait revealed his recording contract status and plans for new music in an interview with Pollstar ahead of his headlining appearance at the grand opening of the 15,000-plus seat Moody Center arena in Austin, Texas on April 29.
Strait has spent his entire career with MCA Records and plans to stay with them for the rest of his life. “I just re-signed with MCA records and I’m really excited about that and the fact that they still want me around,” he told Pollstar. “They’re the only record company I’ve ever been with, and I guess the only one I’ll ever have. They can bury me under the building when that time comes.”
The Texas troubadour has slowed his touring pace since his “Cowboy Rides Away” tour in 2013-2014 and has found the perfect rhythm in his work. He just wrapped up a run of shows at his “Strait to Vegas” residency at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in February, marking more than 30 performances at the venue since April 2016.
He plans to do eight shows in 2023, giving him plenty of time off while still satisfying his craving for live shows.
“I also want to make another record soon,” Strait revealed.
The Country Music Hall of Fame member has recorded 33 platinum or multi-platinum records so far (ranking third behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley), selling more than 68.5 million records.
With 60 number one singles, the most of any artist in any genre, how is Strait able to put together a set list? For the “Write This Down” singer, it’s relatively easy.
“My setlists aren’t that hard for me,” says Strait. “There are some songs that I absolutely have to do, then the rest I fill in with some of my other favorites. Those I’m able to change around from time to time. Pace is the biggest thing to try and get right when making a set list. Four or five ballads in a row doesn’t cut it.”
Fans of the “King of Country Music” have been dedicated to him since day one and he’s thankful that they’ve stuck by his side.
“I’ve always said I have the best fans out there,” Strait reiterated. “They’ve been extremely loyal throughout my career – and they don’t seem to be slowing down any.”
George Strait currently has four tour dates remaining for 2022:
April 23 – Lincoln, Nebraska (Pinnacle Bank Arena)
April 29 – Austin, Texas (Moody Center with Willie Nelson & Family)
April 30 – Austin, Texas (Moody Center with Willie Nelson & Family)
July 30 – Kansas City, Missouri (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium)
