We’ve known for a while that Chris Stapleton’s much-anticipated sophomore album and the follow-up to his landmark debut Traveller will be released on May 5th, but despite the looming deadline, details on the new release have been quite limited. We still don’t have a track list or even a title, and contrary to the customs of major country music labels, the album has not been preceded by a lead single. But all of that is about to change.
According to the Chris Stapleton camp, the singer and songwriter will reveal a new song on Sunday’s (4-2) ACM Awards to be broadcast on CBS, where Stapleton is up for three major accolades—Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Tennessee Whiskey” and Video of the Year for “Fire Away.” Though it appeared perhaps that Mercury Nashville might be dropping the ball with Stapleton when details and promotion of the new album were virtually non-existent, the strategy of launching new music on an awards show may not be a bad one. Radio, despite Stapleton’s overwhelming sales success, continues to elude him, while awards shows have been his bread and butter, starting with the CMA’s in late 2015.
Expect whatever new song Chris Stapleton performs to be released to the public shortly after the performance on the ACM’s, along with details of the new album and pre-order options.
Chris Stapleton has also added new dates to his massive 2017 “All American Road Show” tour that just wrapped up its first leg in Canada with Lindi Ortega opening. 13 of the next 15 dates are already sold out, so folks wanting tickets should be quick on the draw. The new dates include shows in Texas, Louisiana, and the Upper Midwest, and are presented below in bold. Marty Stuart, Margo Price, and Brent Cobb will be the openers for the new dates.
Chris Stapleton Tour Dates:
March 30—Las Vegas, NV—9th Annual All-Star Guitar Pull @ Red Rock Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
March 30—Las Vegas, NV—Pearl Theater – Palms Casino Resort* (SOLD OUT)
April 6—Columbus, GA—Columbus Civic Center* (SOLD OUT)
April 8—Ft. Lauderdale, FL—Tortuga Music Festival
April 20—Roanoke, VA—Berglund Center† (SOLD OUT)
April 21—Pikeville, KY—East Kentucky Expo Center† (SOLD OUT)
April 22—Pikeville, KY—East Kentucky Expo Center† (SOLD OUT)
April 27—Columbia, MO—Mizzou Arena‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 28—Cape Girardeau, MO—Show Me Center‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 29—Bloomington, IL—U.S. Cellular Coliseum‡ (SOLD OUT)
May 5—Alpharetta, GA—Verizon Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
May 6 – Alpharetta, GA – Verizon Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
May 11—Virginia Beach, VA—Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at VA Beach§
May 12—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek§ (SOLD OUT)
May 13—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion§ (SOLD OUT)
May 18—San Diego, CA—Mattress Firm Amphitheatre§
May 19—Phoenix, AZ—Ak-Chin Pavilion§
May 20—Los Angeles, CA—The Forum§
May 23—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
May 24—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
June 1—Fresno, CA—Save Mart Center at Fresno State§
June 2— Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre§
June 3—Wheatland, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre§
June 9—Southaven, MS—BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove#
June 10—Birmingham, AL—Oak Mountain Amphitheatre# (SOLD OUT)
June 11—Nashville, TN—CMA Music Fest
June 15—Charleston, WV—Charleston Civic Center# (SOLD OUT)
June 16—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center#
June 17—Indianapolis, IN—Klipsch Music Center#
June 22—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center#
June 23—Manhattan, KS—Country Stampede
June 24—North Platte, NE—Nebraskaland Days
June 29—Chicago, IL—Wrigley Field†† (SOLD OUT)
July 5—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest††
July 6—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest††
July 14—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center#
July 15—Hartford, CT—The XFINITY Theatre#
July 16—Darien Lake, NY—Darien Lake Performing Arts Center#
July 20—Holmdel, NJ—P.N.C. Bank Arts Center#
July 21—Wantagh, NY—Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater#
July 22—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Lube Live#
July 28—George, WA—Watershed Festival (SOLD OUT)
July 29—Central Point, OR—Country Crossings Music Festival
July 30—Mountain Home, ID—Mountain Home Country Music Festival
August 3—Duluth, MN—AMSOIL Arena** (SOLD OUT)
August 4—Prairie Du Chien, WI—Country on the River
August 5—St. Louis, MO—Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre**
August 10—Hershey, PA—Giant Center**
August 11—Pittsburgh, PA—KeyBank Pavilion**
August 12—Philadelphia, PA—BB&T Pavilion**
August 17—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage**
August 18—Cleveland, OH—Blossom Music Center**
August 19—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre** (SOLD OUT)
August 25—Gilford, NH—Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion**
October 6—Des Moines, IA—Wells Fargo Arena**
October 7—St Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center**
October 19—Baton Rouge, LA—Raising Cane’s River Center Arena+
October 20—San Antonio, TX—AT&T Center+
October 21—Bossier City, LA—CenturyLink Center+
October 26—Austin, TX—Austin360 Amphitheater+
November 4—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena+
*with special guest Maren Morris
†with special guest Brent Cobb
‡with special guest Lucie Silvas
§with special guests Brothers Osborne and Lucie Silvas
#with special guests Anderson East and Brent Cobb
**with special guests Margo Price and Brent Cobb
††with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
+with special guests Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb
March 30, 2017 @ 9:19 am
P.S.: Make sure to stop by Sunday for the always-scandalous ACM Awards LIVE blog! It almost makes the thing bearable to watch.
March 30, 2017 @ 9:27 am
You have the date as 6-2 instead of 4-2. I was confused how he was releasing in album in May and debuting music in June. Shows how much I’ve been paying attention to the ACM Awards.
March 30, 2017 @ 9:51 am
The ACM Awards are this Sunday, meaning in 3 days from now.
March 30, 2017 @ 10:18 am
Trigg – ever thought of making up a drinking game related to the ACM? I am sure you could come up with some good “take a swig of beer every time you see xyz happen” rules. That would also make it more bearable!
March 30, 2017 @ 11:31 am
Farce The Music has posted some things such as that over the years. He’s much better than I at that stuff. Not much of a drinker.
March 30, 2017 @ 6:11 pm
Will you post your predictions? Thanks
March 30, 2017 @ 3:19 pm
I’ll tune in for your Live Blog! (at least for a little while).
March 30, 2017 @ 9:39 am
I thought the Tulsa show on June 22nd was sold out too.
March 30, 2017 @ 11:33 am
It might be at this point. I would expect most all dates to eventually sell out.
March 30, 2017 @ 9:43 am
Exciting times.
March 30, 2017 @ 9:58 am
Chris is also on some homecoming special tomorrow night on cmt . The Waylon special finally airs next Friday on cmt
March 30, 2017 @ 10:19 am
I’m wondering why he goes from baton rouge to San Antonio then back to Louisiana for bossier city then back to austin
March 30, 2017 @ 11:35 am
It all has to do with venue scheduling. Stapleton will be on a private plane. It’s grueling for the roadies though.
March 30, 2017 @ 10:43 am
Central Texas with Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb ? Absolutely yes, please. I like Margo, too, but I’ll see her with Sturgill in May. Great openers, guys.
March 30, 2017 @ 10:55 am
I’m already seeing him in ATL but holy smokes! Chris, Morgane, Brent Cobb…AND MARTY STUART & FAB SUPERS!!! Ok, I may need to check airfare for San Antonio or Austin.
ps Faith & Tim also performing their new song on ACM
March 30, 2017 @ 10:59 am
Chris played a new song at his Houston rodeo, maybe that’s it.
March 30, 2017 @ 11:17 am
Halos
March 30, 2017 @ 12:21 pm
You don’t think they’ll release it tonight at midnight?
March 30, 2017 @ 1:26 pm
Um, I guess there’s that possibility. I’m not hearing anything about that at the moment.
March 30, 2017 @ 1:42 pm
You confused me. What would significance of tonight at midnight be?
March 30, 2017 @ 2:35 pm
Its typically when new music is released.
March 30, 2017 @ 2:37 pm
A lot of times even when a single is set to premiere that weekend.
March 30, 2017 @ 4:30 pm
Yea, I get that but usually midnight of the release date. Hope you’re right.
March 31, 2017 @ 10:19 am
It didn’t happen. But its usually Thursday nights because at Midnight then its actually the day of release.
March 30, 2017 @ 2:31 pm
Chris Stapleton may be the greatest soul /blues /rock singer of our time. It’s a crying shame that he calls his music country.
March 30, 2017 @ 3:01 pm
Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind
it sounds rather similar to Stapledon’s Tennessee Whiskey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9sq3ME0JHQ
March 30, 2017 @ 3:09 pm
Agree that he fits much better in those categories, with some country influences. I am not the hugest Stapleton fan, although I respect his music and think it is great that he has made inroads into country radio, the award shows, etc. Sure as hell beats the alternative, which would be even more pop country crap getting promoted and played out there. I am also guessing that he wouldn’t call his music purely country, or if he has ever said that he thinks it is traditional country…but I could be wrong.
March 30, 2017 @ 4:30 pm
Define country music.
March 31, 2017 @ 7:43 am
You first, Matt. Give it your best shot.
We’ve been listening to country music all our lives, we know the people, and many of us play it. We already know what it is.
March 31, 2017 @ 8:35 am
First, wasn’t a dig at you. I think we can all safely say that bro-country is not “country” music. Other than that, it can get muddied, so to say whether or not something is entirely “country” in my opinion can be difficult. I also don’t think that the instrumental arrangement — simply adding a dobro or steel guitar — makes a song country. The context and the way it makes you feel is how I define country music. I know thats very subjective but as I posted below, any good music is Soul music.
March 31, 2017 @ 11:37 am
What I can’t stand about the Stapleton “isn’t Country enough” debate is how it feels like a race to the bottom. Why can’t we just be happy that someone that actually has talent, records music that ranges from good to great, doesn’t look like a male model, and doesn’t record stuff that insults the intelligence of his audience is getting airplay on radio? I get it, Stapleton isn’t as “pure” as some other artists (which I also love) like Cody Jinks, Jason Eady, Turnpike Troubadors, Marty Stuart, etc., but that shouldn’t preclude visitors of this site from being happy that someone who isn’t a total embarrassment to the industry has the best selling album, is getting awards, and getting booked on industry award shows.
If he goes all Dierks Bentley and sells his soul to maintain his relevance and starts recording garbage, then I will join your side. Until then, let’s just be happy someone like Chris Stapleton is getting mainstream attention in an industry that wants to clone Same Hunt.
March 31, 2017 @ 12:41 pm
This biggest adversity for Chris Stapleton’s music for some people is that he can sing and he’s successful. Not sure how he’s supposed to change any of that. As Stapleton has said himself, “I’ve lost all my street cred.”
March 31, 2017 @ 12:09 pm
That was kinda my point Mike W. but it got lost in trying to understand ones tone through a computer screen. Nice post.
March 31, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Agreed Mike. I don’t think it is a bad thing that Chris Stapleton doesn’t give me a country vibe. I listen to all kinds of music, and could care less. I do agree that there are others on here who try to be the standard bearers of country and hate everything that doesn’t fit their narrow view of being country enough. You see the same nonsense with discussions about Sturgill.
March 31, 2017 @ 5:55 am
You’d be hard pressed to say there is no country on Traveler.
March 31, 2017 @ 7:55 am
There’s country on Traveller alright.
Stapleton skirts this fine line. On the one hand, his voice is like the Michael Bolton of country music. He can sing ballads, soul, rock, and country — in that order. He’s kind of reserved so it’s hard to tell, but he seems like a real guy. For all his vocal power, it’s hard to tell what he’s really passionate about. Whiskey? Nah. The outdoors? He looks it, but there are no songs about mountains and rivers.
In the end, I think of Stapleton as like a married version of Travis Tritt: the voice of bourbon, lots of power, not yet sure of what it’s for. Tritt started out wanting to be a rock star …
Jury’s still out on Stapleton, at least as an artist. But whatever.
Fire away.
March 31, 2017 @ 8:26 am
No fire from me, Corncaster. Tend to agree with most of your comments here. This was more in response to Honky, who claims Stapleton is not country. Not sure if he’s listened to the whole album, maybe he has. I’m guessing no, or else he wouldn’t have made his proclamation.
New album will make or break him, in my opinion. Then, the jury can render a verdict.
March 31, 2017 @ 8:43 am
Stapleton has played a bunch of new songs on his Canadian tour. All of which were pretty good. And I imagine he has been keeping the good stuff close to his chest for the album. I think it’ll be good, crowd pleasing, and ensure his trajectory continues. A verdict will come at album three. Why? Because he’s had years and years of songwriting experience, which means he’s got a back catalogue of songs that he can rest on: I was wrong, either way etc etc. It’ll be really interesting when he runs out of those tunes. What will a truly ‘new’ album sound like?
Ultimately, the dude is an extremely good singer, and and exceptional songwriter. These two attributes will make up any shortcomings he might have artisically. That said, The Steeldrivers stuff is awesome.
I say this as a huge Stapleton fan. Pretty much committed to buying whatever he puts out, and seeing him whenever he shows up in my town.
March 31, 2017 @ 9:04 am
Good stuff, Mark, thanks! Will see him live, for the 1st time, next month. Can’t wait, really enjoy Traveller, the mid-album stuff still blows me away.
March 30, 2017 @ 4:31 pm
Pulling from SS, all good music is soul music.
March 30, 2017 @ 5:37 pm
I won’t be listening to that boring shit…gimme some FGL, Luke, Sam, Thomas, Cole, Brantley, Jason, etc.
March 31, 2017 @ 4:34 am
This will be interesting, especially if the rumours of Shania Twain using th ACM’s to introduce her new single is true. We could have a Chris/Shania showdown.
March 31, 2017 @ 5:03 am
I’m looking forward to new music from Chris Stapleton. I still listen to his work with the Jompson Brothers and kinda wish there would be another Jompson Brothers album sometime in the future.
March 31, 2017 @ 6:26 am
I wish I’d had the chance to see Chris before I was priced out.
Saw Margo for 15 bucks, saw Brent for 15.
Stapleton tics are $199.
I guess awards will do that for ya.
Maybe I’ll try another venue since a road trip would be cheaper.
March 31, 2017 @ 8:11 am
I know this is about CS ….but this past week I’ve been listening to the SCM -referenced Cody Johnson’s last album again and I have got to say that this may be the most unheralded record in the past year or so .
The songwriting is superb throughout …lots of classic country- clever in theme and execution , lots of trad arrangements ( instrumentally ) ,a clean production that features EVERYTHING without being ” in your face ‘ (like mainstream radio -compression loves to do ) and Cody’s vocals are every bit as country -capable if not more-so in some respects , as Chris Stapleton’s are bluesy . YES , I’d go so far as to speak of those two guys in the same breath. The more you listen to Cody’s vocal delivery , the more you get where he’s coming from and its MORE than all good . This record is settling like Randy Travis’ classic Storms Of Life ….every song and performance a gem and treated as such by Cody , players and producers . If you are into Chris ( and who CAN’T be into his soul ) you owe it to yourself to get into Cody Johnson . Here’s a voice that has far more character , conviction AND nuance than ANY of the mainstream bros , more passionate than anything this side of Eric Church , more naturally capable than pretty much any male vocalist since Mr. Jones ( IMHO ) and Cody is S-T-E-E-P-E-D in tradition ….the tradition missing from just about every mainstream male vocalist’s recordings right now .
Love Chris ?…you’ll love Cody ….
March 31, 2017 @ 9:07 am
I tend to agree with most of what you post here, guess I better listen to this. Thanks for your input.
March 31, 2017 @ 10:10 am
I just got tix to see Cody Johnson.
Club holds 350.. Should be fantastic.
March 31, 2017 @ 1:30 pm
SO JEALOUS
March 31, 2017 @ 8:43 am
Damn! How they gon’ get all them dates on the back of the t-shirt?
March 31, 2017 @ 9:08 am
might have to hit Grand Rapids in November… with Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb?
ring me up
April 3, 2017 @ 2:04 pm
Good lord Trig, we ever going to get any news on this album?
April 4, 2017 @ 11:13 am
48 hrs post debut of a new song & nothing from Stapleton’s team on Twitter or FB since prior to the ACMs. Wasted opportunity don’t ya think?
April 4, 2017 @ 11:20 am
May have something more in depth on this soon, but yes, very disappointing.