George Strait Is Back With New Album And A New Gig In Las Vegas

George Strait threw a major curve ball to fans today when he not only announced his new album but also announced that he will be returning to the stage for the first time in almost two years. Strait is one of the first entertainers to play at Las Vegas’s new arena in April 2016.

Strait held a press conference today to let his fans know just what he plans on doing in the future.

“Las Vegas has been a big part of my country music career. It’s fun to play Vegas…The crowds are great and they come from all over the place, because there is so much to do here. A concert is kind of a bonus.”

George Strait is set to release his new single, “Cold Beer Conversation,” on September 23. Strait also said that his new album will be available on Friday, September 25 and will also be titled Cold Beer Conversation. On the new album, Strait wrote three or four of the tracks with help from country music hit makes like Dean Dillion Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson, Brandy Clark, and Buddy Cannon, according to Rolling Stone

“I always say this, I think it’s one of the best records I’ve done, and I always shoot for that. You’ve got to go in the studio thinking that way. I’m inspired to make music all the time. There’s no particular inspiration for this record, other than going out and making the best record I can make.”

Fans may recall back in 2013 when Strait set out on his “Cowboy Rides Away” tour, which many thought was his farewell tour. Strait did point out that he was done touring but not done performing live shows, so we all should have seen his Vegas gig coming.

“I’m very excited to be coming back out and playing for the fans out there. I said all along I wasn’t going to tour anymore, but I also said I wasn’t retiring. I didn’t want to do another structured tour. I can come in here and do a couple of dates then go home for a month and come back and do a couple more.”

George Strait will perform at the new Las Vegas arena on April 22 and April 23, and September 9 and September 10, and Kacey Musgrave will open for the country star. The tickets for Strait’s concert will go on sale October 2 and will most likely sell out fast, so have your computers ready.

[Image by Cooper Neil/ Getty Images]