The Oak Ridge Boys have recently announced a significant change in their touring plans, marking an upcoming series of concert dates as a “farewell tour.” While this may sound like the end of an era, fans can rest assured that the band intends to continue performing into 2024. However, due to the challenges of aging and health concerns, they will be scaling back their performance schedule.
Joe Bonsall, a member of the group, candidly shared the reasons behind this decision. He mentioned that his own physical condition has necessitated him singing from a stool in recent years, a change from their earlier performances. Richard Sterban has also faced some health issues, although he has successfully overcome them. On a positive note, Duane Allen is doing well, and William Lee Golden, who will celebrate his 85th birthday in January, seems to have boundless energy.
As a result of these considerations, The Oak Ridge Boys have made the decision to reduce their tour dates substantially. In contrast to their previous schedule of 120 to 140 shows, they now plan to perform between 50 to 60 concerts in the coming year. This adjustment reflects their desire to prioritize their health and well-being while continuing to entertain their dedicated fan base.
It’s worth noting that, unlike some artists who announce farewell tours with definitive end dates, The Oak Ridge Boys have not specified when they might perform their final show. This is not unusual in the music industry, as artists like Alabama have embarked on variations of farewell tours for several years, still booking shows well into December 2023. Similarly, renowned artists such as George Strait and Shania Twain have hinted at retirement from touring only to return to the stage for ambitious tours in subsequent years.
The Oak Ridge Boys, with their current lineup dating back to 1973, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. They have achieved seventeen No. 1 hits, including classics like “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “Trying to Love Two Women,” and “Elvira.” Their impressive contributions to music were recognized with induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
While the “farewell tour” may signify a shift in their performance schedule, it is clear that The Oak Ridge Boys are committed to making the most of their time on stage, continuing to bring their music to adoring audiences for the foreseeable future.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ American Made: Farewell Tour Dates:
Sept. 20 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Sept. 21 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Sept. 22 — Jefferson City, Mo. @ Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater
Sept. 23 — Huntington, Tenn. @ Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center
Sept. 28 — Minot, N.D. @ Norsk Hostfest Great Hall of the Vikings
Sept. 29 — Grand Forks, N.D. @ Cheste Fritz Auditorium
Sept. 30 — Brookings, S.D. @ Swiftel Center
Oct. 1 — Deadwood, S.D. @ Deadwood Mountain Grand
Oct. 4 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 5 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 6 — Kansas City, Mo. @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
Oct. 7 — Powderly, Texas @ Richard Drake’s Party Barn
Oct. 11 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 12 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 13 — Arlington, Texas @ Arlington Music Hall
Oct. 14 — Arlington, Texas @ Arlington Music Hall
Oct. 18 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 19 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 21 — Rome, Ga. @ Rome City Auditorium
Oct. 26 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 27 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 28 — Independence, Kan. @ Neewollah Celebration – Jim Halsey Auditorium
Nov. 1 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Nov. 2 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Nov. 4 — Corinth, Miss. @ Crossroads Arena
Nov. 8 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Nov. 9 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Nov. 11 — Nashville, Tenn. @ The Grand Ole Opry
Nov. 15 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Nov. 16 — Branson, Mo. @ the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Nov. 21 — Portsmouth, Ohio @ Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
Nov. 24 — Wabash, Ind. @ Honeywell Center
Nov. 25 — Anderson, Ind. @ Paramount Theatre
Nov. 30 — Roanoke Rapids, N.C. @ Weldon Mills Theatre
Dec. 1 — Mount Vernon, Ky. @ Renfro Valley Barn Dance
Dec. 2 — Hiawassee, Ga. @ Anderson Music Hall
Dec. 7 — Battle Creek, Mich. @ Firekeepers Casino
Dec. 8 — Harris, Mich. @ Island Resort & Casino
Dec. 9 — Harris, Mich. @ Island Resort & Casino
Dec. 12 — Nashville, Tenn. @ Ryman Auditorium
Dec. 14 — Paducah, Ky. @ Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center
Dec. 15 — Effingham, Ill. @ Effingham Performance Center
Dec. 16 — Wisconsin Dell, Wisc. @ Crystal grand Music Theatre
Dec. 17 — Dekalb, Ill. @ Egyptian Theatre