Garth Brooks may have been criticized by many of his fans for not performing at the inauguration of Donald Trump on Friday, but he has a reason.
Responding to comments on his weekly “Inside Studio G” Facebook live show, Brooks clarified that his not agreeing to perform was due to tour conflicts.
“We go up to do the Christmas tree lighting in D.C., and TMZ — they always stick a camera in your face — they go, ‘Hey man, what about the inauguration?’ And the response was, ‘It’s always an honor to serve.’ I wasn’t asked at that point,” Brooks told his viewers.
Brooks was later approached by Steve Wynn and the inaugural team. “Steve Wynn is my brother,” Brooks said of Wynn. “I love him to death.”
But being in the middle of scheduling a two-year worldwide tour, things were still up in the air for Brooks. “We left it up to karma. If Cincinnati goes two weekends instead of one, then of course we are out.”
Strong ticket sales urged three additional shows to be added in Cincinnati, thus booking the country star during the inaugural weekend.
“I’ll tell you with this whole presidential thing: We got one going out. Pray for him and his family. And for the president going in, pray for him and his family to guide this nation. Let’s stay together,” Brooks said. “Love, unity — that’s what it’s all about.”
The singer spoke on both the incoming and outgoing administrations, saying “we can’t thank the Obamas enough for serving this country, and may God hold Trump’s hand in the decisions that he makes in this country’s name as well.”
Watch Garth Brooks address inauguration concerns at around the 4:30 mark here:
