Over the past few decades, country music has developed a passionate following in Boston and New England. Some of the biggest names in the genre have set attendance and sales records in Boston. From stadium sellouts to timeless tours, these are some of the top-selling country concert in our area’s history, in no particular order.
Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw - Brothers of the Sun Tour (2012)
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesKenny Chesney and Tim McGraw performing together.
Kenny Chesney’s Brothers of the Sun Tour with Tim McGraw holds the title of the highest-grossing country concert in New England history. The pair sold out two nights at Gillette in August 2012 with a combined 11,209 fans. The tour was also the highest selling in the genre that year, and of course, New England fans played a huge part in that success story. Kenny’s connection with the Boston area is undeniable, as he continues to sell out multiple nights at Gillette Stadium almost every year.
Garth Brooks - 1997 World Tour
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyGarth Brooks performing
Before it was TD Garden, it was the FleetCenter of course, and in April of 1997, Garth Brooks set a big record. At that time, it was the largest country music event in the arena’s history. He performed two shows that sold out, drawing over 35,000 fans. Brooks was at the peak of his career at this time, and demand for tickets was through the roof. This concert and his influence played a major role in expanding the country music fanbase in New England.
Shania Twain - Come On Over Tour (1999)
Shania Twain performing
Shania Twain’s Come On Over Tour was one of the biggest global tours of the late 1990s, and her stop at the FleetCenter in June of 1999 was a defining moment for country music in Boston. Twain performed for a jam-packed arena of about 17,500 fans, making it one of the biggest solo female country concerts in New England history.
Taylor Swift - Speak Now World Tour (2011)
Larry Busacca/Getty ImagesTaylor Swift performing
Though Taylor Swift made the switch to pop, her Speak Now World Tour was still deeply involving of country music. Her June 2011 show at Gillette Stadium sold out almost instantly, drawing over 50,000 fans. This tour and this stop in particular helped establish her as a stadium-level performer.
George Strait - Cowboy Rides Away Tour (2014)
Rick Diamond/Getty Images for George StraitGeorge Strait on his Cowboy Rides Away Tour
The King of Country Music George Strait brought his ‘farewell’ The Cowboy Rides Away Tour to Gillette in May 2014, selling out the venue with over 50,000 fans in attendance. The concert was emotional for fans, marking what they thought was one of the King’s final performances in the Northeast before retiring from touring. However, he is making a return to the same venue this year in June.
Luke Combs - 2023 World Tour
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for SiriusXMLuke Combs performing
One of the biggest modern-day country stars sold out Gillette Stadium with back-to-back nights. Luke Combs had over 110,000 fans across both shows in July 2023. His massive success signified a new era of country music fandom in New England, as Luke joined the list of the genre’s stadium headliners.
