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Here’s Why Garth Brooks Turned Down Performing at 2017 Inauguration

Garth Brooks caused quite a stir yesterday. Many fans of the country icon are in an uproar after the announcement that Brooks would perform at Joe Biden’s inauguration. While Brooks has said that the decision is not a partisan one, some still have their doubts. Many fans are stuck on the fact that he is playing for Biden but turned down Donald Trump’s invitation to play his inauguration in 2017. This leads them to believe that it is, in fact, a political move.

However, just like accepting this gig, turning down the 2017 performance was not a political decision. In fact, Garth Brooks had a good reason for turning down the 2017 inauguration. He had a show to play in Cincinnati. That string of shows actually started the day after the inauguration. However, much planning and preparation go into something as big as a Garth Brooks concert. In short, Brooks prioritized his fans and concert obligations over a one-off inauguration performance. In hindsight, he was in a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation. Letting down paying fans in Ohio obviously would have been worse in the country icon’s eyes. Can’t say we disagree.

Garth Brooks may not have performed at Trump’s inauguration but he did play for Trump at least once. Brooks has performed for every sitting President of the United States since Jimmy Carter except Reagan.

During a socially-distanced press conference yesterday, Garth Brooks told reporters that it is an honor to play the inauguration, no matter who is taking office. To him, these gigs are a way for him to serve the country. He hopes that by lending his music to the event, he can help bring some much-needed unity to the country.

Garth Brooks’ Political Views

Garth Brooks has never been really open about his political views. In recent years, he has been very diplomatic when discussing politics. Though, he did joke about being the only Republican at Biden’s swearing-in ceremony.

After turning down the inaugural performance in 2017, Brooks said, “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.”

In the press conference yesterday, he hit many of the same notes. In the end, he is excited to perform at such a prestigious event. According to his statements, he isn’t interested in left or right, he is interested in an America that moves forward in unity and love. No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, that’s a hard viewpoint to disagree with.