Hats Off to Garth

Batman, of course, is never to be seen without his mask.  Spiderman?  Well, I think his whole suit is one piece, so never mind his mask coming off.  Similarly, a country star will always be seen – on-stage and off – wearing his hat.

I’m not a country star and I don’t play one on TV, so I’m taking my hat off figuratively to Garth Brooks.  He can keep his on.  He deserves so because (among other reasons) he has once again done the right thing.

This coming weekend he was supposed to be performing live in Tampa at Amalie Arena, home of the Stanley Cup Finals-bound Tampa Bay Lightning.  Except for the fact that they need the hockey set up for games on not only Wednesday night, but Saturday night too.  That’s a Steven Stamkos slap shot right at the plans for Garth Brooks performing when the second Stanley Cup Final game is scheduled for.

The National Hockey League is riding a high and needs to keep its fans (and TV partners) (I know, and sponsors) happy so that everyone continues to enjoy the level that the product is at these days.  So, I’m not sure they were any too anxious to consider talking to NBC (not to mention the Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks) about when else they could play the second game instead of Saturday night.

Not to worry.  Garth Brooks stepped up to the microphone and said ‘It’s okay.  I can tell that everyone has done everything they can.  I’m happy with the effort.  We’ll just cancel (and see if something else can work in Tampa some other time) and for now wish the two teams a great Finals.’  He even went so far as to say that they’ll be watching!

Never mind that, if anything, Brooks is likely to be a Nashville Predators fan.  (So will he root for the Lightning since Chicago is in the same conference as Nashville or will he be pulling for the Blackhawks to avenge losing his Tampa dates?  I digress.)

While nothing has been reported on any settlement that might occur, it’s hugely admirable that Brooks not only handled it with class all the way, but that he is leaving money on the table.  The Tampa shows (like all other cities he’s playing) sold out in no time.  That’s a lot of ticket buying fans that won’t be purchasing his merchandise in Tampa this weekend.

We should’ve seen this coming, though.  His lead guitar player, Johnny Garcia, was the guest on Episode 24 of our “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast and spoke glowingly of Brooks.  Longtime radio man Bruce Barker was the guest on NHTE Episode 17 and recounted a story of encountering Brooks and the story was dripping with goodwill.

I just hope the Amalie Arena event staff sends him more than a thank you card and a Lightning jersey with BROOKS 15 on the back.  He might have won music awards for his songs and albums over the years, but he definitely deserves a Great PR Trophy for this.