Over the past few months, Garth Brooks has ventured back out on his stadium tour, drawing record numbers of fans. But now, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the in-person fun will have to wait. Brooks has officially scrapped all five of his remaining shows in 2021.
The affected shows include two sold-out stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Cincinnati that Brooks planned to make in September, as well as shows in Boston and Baltimore that were scheduled for October.
Additionally, the singer scrapped a Nashville, Tennessee, show that was supposed to take place earlier this month, but was canceled due to inclement weather.
"In July, I sincerely thought the pandemic was falling behind us," Brooks said. "Now, watching this new wave, I realize we are still in the fight and I must do my part."
Between the five cities, more than 350,000 tickets will be refunded. No action is required, as Ticketmaster will automatically issue a refund to the original method of payment used to purchase the ticket.
"So, it is with a heavy heart we announce the decision to cancel all five shows, but with a hopeful heart, we will reschedule and start over when this wave seems to be behind us," Brooks added.
Early in August, Brooks warned that he was considering reevaluating his tour. He halted plans to put tickets on sale for a newly scheduled show in Seattle, saying he would take a three-week window to assess the developing COVID-19 situation.