The "Austin City Limits" music showcase, a staple of American television, is rolling out the red carpet for country music heavyweight Garth Brooks, as it celebrates its 50th season. On September 5, Brooks will become the latest addition to the esteemed "Austin City Limits" (ACL) Hall of Fame, an event set to be held at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, KVUE reports. The songster, whose ties with the show date back to his 1990 appearance, will grace the stage with a performance that marks this golden milestone.
According to KVUE, tickets flew off the virtual shelves, leaving many fans to settle for the televised special on PBS, which airs on September 28. Brooks has pervaded the ACL scene, not only in broadcasted gigs but also in intimate, non-televised events, such as the two shows he played in 2022 to say goodbye to Studio 6A, the original venue of the show on the University of Texas at Austin campus. "To be part of anything 'Austin City Limits' is and always has been an honor," Brooks said in a statement, reflecting his sentiment for the long-standing musical tradition.
Yet, ACL's executive producer Terry Lickona adds a personal note on Brooks' acclaim, "Garth is a special friend — there’s no one else quite like him," he told the Austin American Statesman. Brooks' relationship with the show and its stage remains one of fond milestones and notable performances. Perhaps, the most emblematic were his return for the 25th season and the homage he paid to the original Studio 6A, reinforcing his respect and affection for the ACL heritage.
