Since I was a child I have loved country music. Among the many artists that I grew up loving, a special entertainer burst onto the scene in 1989 that impacted my life. His name is Garth Brooks, and since he hit the status of super star I have wanted to attend one of his live concerts. Well, as of Saturday, September 2, 2017, that item on my bucket list has been checked off.
Along with some good friends, Heather was online as soon as ticket sales for his announced September concerts went on sale earlier this summer. We bought the tickets that could be considered the worst tickets in the arena. They were behind the stage and up. To be honest, I was a little disappointed that we didn't have anything better, but I was going to go and enjoy myself no matter where I was sitting. I had gone almost three decades wanting to see him live, and I felt that it would be worth it.
The six of us arrived at 7 pm (the show started at 7:30), but the throng of fans waiting to go see him was so large it wasn't until almost 8 that we found our seats. There was a delightful lady named Karyn Rochelle who was singing a beautiful acoustic set while we were climbing the stairs to our seats. It turned out that we were in one of the highest rows in the Saddledome. The stage was an oval and for us sitting behind the stage we had a large screen that showed us everything that was happening up front. I noticed how high up we were and my acrophobia started kicking in. As I did my best to enjoy the opening act, I couldn't help but feel my irrational fear of heights gnawing at my insides. I was figuring that it was going to be a long evening.
The opening act finished, and people were heading to the bathrooms and concession stands, as nobody wanted to miss a minute of the big show. When the countdown timer hit on the big screen and we saw the band members in the shadows take their places as the lights went down. The first chord was struck and the crowd went crazy. Then, on cue, the man himself appeared, and we all lost it. He started with one of his most recent hits, "Lay Down and Dance", and then it was hit after hit. The screens around the stage were raised so we could see everything. The floor of the stage itself became a screen, so those of us in the nose bleed seats could experience our own show. I learned that at a Garth Brooks show, every seat is the best seat in the house.
As we danced and sang along with "Two of a Kind", "Two Pina Colodas", and "Rodeo" (which in Calgary is as big as anything), Garth engaged with the audience as only he can. A couple on the floor became engaged, and Garth stopped the show for a moment so he could congratulate them. He then serenaded them with "To Make You Feel My Love". The show continued and it soon became apparent that the crowd knew all the words to each of his songs. The entire stadium transformed into the greatest karaoke party of all time. When Garth began the first lines of "In Another's Eyes" is started searching the stage for where Trisha Yearwood would make her appearance. As far as country music goes, I loved the 80s and 90s era the most, and of all the artists that I have wanted to see perform, Garth was #1, and Trisha Yearwood lands in the Top 5 easily. Her voice is as sweet and melodious as it has ever been, and the lady still has it. While she only sang five songs, it felt as if a lifetime of musical bliss was passing by. Ending with "She's in Love with the Boy", she showed us all that Trisha is still one of the finest voices in music.
Garth took over again and it was apparent that we wouldn't be "Going Down Till the Sun Came Up". "The Thunder Rolls" was as Magical as I had imagined it would be, and the when he started to strum the opening chord to "Friends in Low Places", I was finally able to participate in the best bar song of all time. As he sang "The Dance", I couldn't help but cry for the only person I knew who was a bigger Garth Brooks fan, and that was my brother TJ. I was sure he was watching from even higher above us, and enjoying every minute of it. When Garth came back for the house cleaning segment, he started playing the songs that fans had wanted that were not on the main show, and did some amazing cover songs. I got chills when he was singing "Amarillo by Morning" and his fiddle player came on to accompany him. We all sang with "The Piano Man" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today". When the show ended, we proceeded to exit the Saddledome. I can't think of how anyone would have been upset with the show, except, perhaps, that it was over.
What makes the Garth Brooks live show such an event is the artist himself. I have seen several big names perform, and have usually enjoyed every show. Garth adds something extra special to it, however, and it truly is an experience to behold. He makes sure that every seat gets something special. He recently announced that he wanted even the upper most seats made available, setting the price at a reasonable $30 each. Some would argue that he is just trying to milk us out of even more money to line his pockets, but then he said all of those sales would go to the Calgary Flames charity. He wouldn't take a dime from opening those extra seats. All he wants to do is sing with his fans. He is an artist who knows that he is where he is because of his fans. He soaks up the cheers and the love and gives it right back. He is all about the music and the fans. He wants to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves. He also has an infectious energy that lasts the whole night long. I felt tired just watching him, and at the end of it all he did look exhausted yet rejuvenated.
His concert is more than a show, more than a party, more than an event. It is a true legend that must be experienced. I don't know how ling he will keep this up, but go see him if you get the chance.
Oh, and my acrophobia? It was gone by the end of his second song.
Even if it ate at me the whole show, Garth is worth it.
