A GRATEFUL GARTH LOOKS BACK AT LONDON

Garth Brooks’ headline performance at BST Hyde Park – where he played to more than 70-thousand people, making the concert the biggest show ever at the venue that’s hosted the likes of The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and The Eagles – may have been one for the history books, but it’s not lost on him that he wasn’t alone in smashing records that day in London, England. “Those souls in Hyde Park were there all day out in the unusually high temperatures, and yet they all seemed so happy and ready to go when we took the stage,” Garth shares. “I know that didn't happen by itself.”

The mix of music-makers from both sides of the Atlantic included The Shires, a British country duo comprised of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. “We, in Country Music, all hear the noise The Shires are making all the way across the water. Their role as ‘hosts’ was my favorite part,” he says.

Garth also feels indebted to Arkansas native Mae Estes, who was part of the lineup. “Mae has an embarrassment of talents,” he says with a wide smile. “She makes every note look effortless, and her writing is on a level of future Hall of Famers.”

He has nothing but high praise – as he long has – for Ashley McBryde’s contributions to the day that Country Music enjoyed at Hyde Park. “I know we all know this, but I have to say it – Country Music…and we as Country Music fans…are so lucky to have Ashley McBryde,” Garth notes, going on to explain, “Her honesty helps us find acceptance in not only others but mostly in ourselves. When they talk about music being a gift, she is what they are talking about.”

Zac Brown Band was the last act to entertain the London crowd before it was Garth’s turn, and he realizes full well the baton they passed to him at the end of their set. “We got there when Zac was playing, and you could just feel the joy in the park. His ability to turn tens of thousands of people into a backyard party is amazing.”

“What was evident about all these performers was that each and every one are entertainers!!!” Garth says, expressing his gratitude for every artist who joined him on the bill – Alexandra Kay, Jackson Dean, Jake Worthington, Leah Blevins, Chanel Yates and McGrath – as well as to those 70-thousand-plus people who joined the celebration of Country Music in the heart of London. “There is no other explanation for the way the day turned out. It was my honor to share the day with you. Thank you for being such great stewards of Country Music and love beyond borders and across oceans.”