Garth Brooks Takes Over SXSW 2017 With Free Concert, Keynote Talk [PICTURES]
Garth Brooks was one busy guy during the last couple days of SXSW 2017. The country superstar, who was announced as one of the festival and conference's music-focused keynote speakers in early March, not only showed up for his talk -- he also performed, twice, during the annual event.
On March 17, Brooks and and Amazon Music Vice President Steve Boom took part in a keynote conversation about their exclusive streaming relationship and the changing face of music services. In late 2016, Brooks partnered with Amazon Music for an exclusive streaming deal through Amazon Music Unlimited; Brooks also made his music catalog available for purchase and digital download on Amazon Music exclusively.
During his talk with Boom, Taste of Country reports, Brooks discussed not only his relationship with Amazon, but also his favorite artists and the importance of albums and songwriters.
“The people who are really grabbing me right now? Lady Gaga; I think she’s a fabulous writer,” Brooks told the audience. He also named Katy Perry, Beyonce and Bruno Mars, as well as Joe Nichols, whom Brooks says brings "muscle" to his music.
Unforgettable Garth Brooks Comeback Moments
On Friday night, Brooks played his hits during an unannounced set at the Broken Spoke in downtown Austin, but his big SXSW show came on Saturday night (March 18), when he performed, for free, on the event's Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake. Austin-area residents were eligible to obtain free tickets, and SXSW 2017 registrants were also able to attend. Readers can flip through the photo gallery above to see pictures from Brooks' Austin concert, and a few shots from his keynote talk.
On Friday morning, Brooks announced his new single, “Ask Me How I Know;” the song is off of his most recent studio album, Gunslinger.
See Video From Garth Brooks' Free Austin Concert
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