Kenny Chesney performs at the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field in Downtown Nashville Sunday, June 14 during the 2009 CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the Country Music Association.
Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift are making big news by quickly selling out their upcoming tours — but Kenny Chesney’s still at the top of the list for now.
USA Today reported on the strongest tours in the country and found that Kenny is No. 1 in all genres.
“You know,” says Kenny of the honor, “to me, it’s about rocking the fans… and I never want to have a ticket price that keeps the people who buy my records or listen to my songs in their truck from coming out and partying with us. If I can make sure there are always seats people can afford – and even try to keep the best seats where they’re reasonable for what they are – then I feel like I can keep having the party of the summer when I go out. Again, to me, it’s about that moment and having fun with your buddies.
“And when you look at some of the other names on that list, well, I’m blown away… cause those are some great shows, too! I know – I’ve been out to see a few of them when we were off, and to be in company with Elton John – who’s out with Billy Joel –, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen or my friend Dave Matthews, it makes you extra grateful that people chose to make you a part of their summer.”
Billboard’s Touring Editor Ray Waddell noted that for seven straight years, Kenny’s sold above a million tickets sales. Even on his shortest tour to date and charging the lowest ticket prices of any major headliner, he was also the only act on the list to play NFL Stadiums across the nation.
“I don’t think anyone sets up their concert schedule or their ticket prices thinking, ‘I’m gonna be the biggest tour on the road,” Kenny says. “But these are the moments that confirm what I already know: I have the best, wildest, most committed fans any artist could ever hope for. I like to think I live their lives with’em through my songs, and they’ve made my last 8 summers the best of a very, very good life by coming out to the shows they way they do.”
Kenny won’t have a major tour next year, but you can catch the four-time and reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year at isolated summer shows here and there. “It wouldn’t be summer for me without the fans,” he states. “It just wouldn’t.”
You can also see him on Nov. 11 at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards, performing with buddy Dave Matthews.
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Chesney deserves the ETOY award, because no one else did a free stadium show (Dallas), paid $17,000 on sound equipment for Indy, and played through a show with his hand cut, (Houston) plus he had the number one grossing and attending tour in North America out of any genre including Taylor Swift.
Kenny rocks!
Kenny is what an ENTERTAINER is the best!!!. He is ETOY to me every year!! He does deserve this award this year and I will miss his next year.
To me stadium shows are a waste of money. It has to be more about the partying that goes on than the actual show and whose performing. Anyhow, I connect more with Keith Urban than Chesney. Kenny may win, but Keith is the best Entertainer….for instance, I can't even imagine Chesney hosting a show like the All for the Hall or hosting anything for that matter.
Kenny Chesney has been a favorite for me for a long time, love when he sings those laid back songs, with his guitar, moonlight and such a relaxed way of living, he is the GREATEST to me and a whole lot of folks. Cannot wait to see him on the CMA show, he is wonderful
Kenny chesney dose a very hard working at singing he dose put on a show and he really deserves the award out of of all of the other country singers he is the best and i love to hear him sing.
If he doesn't win the CMA EOTY award something is terribly wrong. He deserves this award more than any of the other nominees including Taylor Swift.
I'm glad Mr. Kenny Chesney has decided to do smaller shows than the stadiums. When I pay to see a singer to perform I want my money's worth I don't like to hear a bunch of screaming people. I want to hear him sing. I don't care if they yell and scream when he's done but then it's time to shut up when he starts singing.. I love going to concerts like the Morris Civic In South Bend, In
I tottally agree with him being the number 1 tour of the year come on he puts on the best show that I have ever seen! and I ve been to a lot of concerts and Kenny has the best shows!!!!