Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” Tops Hot Tour Rankings
Over the last couple of years, Chris Stapleton has been rewriting the rules and breaking records when it comes to the possibilities of artists who don’t fit the mainstream country mold. His album sales have bested everyone else, and have only just recently begun to slow down a bit since it’s been so long since his last release. The accolades and awards started to pile up so high for Stapleton, some in the independent and Americana ranks began to feel resentment for the man, and soured on seeing so much attention go his way. But the accolades and shattered ceilings just keep coming.
One caveat pop country fans have loved to flaunt whenever Chris Stapleton’s gaudy album sales come up is he couldn’t match the live numbers or tour grosses of the titans of the industry such as Luke Bryan or Jason Aldean. But now even that is changing.
In the most recent tabulation for Billboard’s Hot Tours list compiled via Boxscore numbers, Chris Stapleton’s current All-American Road Show tour with Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb came out on top, beating out massive artists such as Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, and U2. Now granted, Stapleton and The All-Americana Road Show benefited from fortuitous timing since Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and others didn’t play as many shows during the reporting period. But nonetheless, this is a massive development for an artist that you still can barely find on the radio, is not some classic rock legacy act known for selling out stadiums, and has two independent artists opening his shows for him.
According to Billboard, Chris Stapleton grossed $14,746,285 over 17 shows between July 13th and August 23rd, with a total of 236,527 tickets sold. The next highest grossing act through the reporting period was Ed Sheeran with $9,331,557. In total, the second leg of the All-American Road Show grossed over $18 million, with 287,261 tickets sold, and 17 total sellout dates going back to mid June.
Again, this is a little bit of an anomaly considering how the calendar fell and how many shows Stapleton played through the reporting period, but the numbers don’t lie. What this means is Chris Stapleton is starting to see the same success live as he’s enjoyed with album sales, and is starting to challenge the big fish not just in country, but in all of music for tour ticket sales and gross earnings.
And the implications go deeper than just a bit more pocket change for Stapleton. As we’ve seen over the last few years, The CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year awards have begun to be determined more and more by touring numbers. Chris Stapleton is nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs coming up on November 14th. He was thought to be an outsider for the award, but right as final ballots are shipping out, here’s Chris Stapleton cresting the tour sales lists. He’s still probably an underdog for the award, but we know awards shows love Chris Stapleton (he’s won more hardware in the last 3 years than anyone), and now all of a sudden there’s serious justification for Entertainer of the Year consideration.
Either way, Chris Stapleton has shattered yet another barrier, opening up similar possibilities for independent-minded artists, and also exposing massive crowds to Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb in the process. All of a sudden, Americana is challenging mainstream country in the money department, and in more ways than one.
Billboard Hot Tours Rankings – October 6th, 2018
- Chris Stapleton – $14,746,285
- Ed Sheeran – $9,331,557
- Arctic Monkeys – $8,102,480
- Britney Spears – $8,036,362
- Andre Rieu – $7,073,923
- Helene Fischer – $5,251,970
- Billy Joel – $4,500,555
- Chris Young – $4,320,419
- Jennifer Lopez – $4,274,801
- U2 – $3,844,620
Remaining Dates on the All-American Roadshow Tour
w/ Brent Cobb, Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives
Oct. 6 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Oct. 11 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion – SOLD OUT
Oct. 12 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – SOLD OUT
Oct. 13 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
NEW DATE – Oct. 18 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Ampitheater
Oct. 19 – Alpharetta, GA – Verizon Amphitheatre – SOLD OUT
Oct. 20 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheater – SOLD OUT
Oct. 25 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena – SOLD OUT
Oct. 26 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson Boling Arena – SOLD OUT
Oct. 27 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena – SOLD OUT
Nov. 2 – New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – SOLD OUT
Nov. 3 – Charlottesville, NC – John Paul Jones Arena – SOLD OUT
NEW DATE – Nov. 4 – Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena
October 6, 2018 @ 8:53 am
Chris, Marty and Brent put on an excellent show when they came to Missoula. I hope the thousands of people that have seen Marty and Brent translate into huge numbers of new fans. Both deserve it. What does history show for success for lesser known acts growing their audience after being undercards on massive tours?
October 6, 2018 @ 2:41 pm
It would be really cool if Marty made a John Anderson type comeback. Brent already has gotten more exposure than he deserves imo. I’m not knocking him, because he’s a great artist, but he has definitely gotten a hand up from cousin Dave & Company that other artists deserve way more than he does.
October 7, 2018 @ 3:38 pm
Brent Cobb’s “Providence Canyon” has been one of my favorite albums this year. He’s been working hard, songwriting and performing for a long time now, but his mellow down-home vibe and persona might give the impression he’s not very ambitious and maybe doesn’t deserve to run in the circles he runs in now (by virtue of his family name).
Not sure I entirely agree with that impression. I’m really rooting for him and I think he deserves all the exposure he can get. However, he’s going to have to level-up on the next album and headline his own shows nationally, because he can’t open for Stapleton foreve
October 7, 2018 @ 8:38 pm
I definitely don’t take anything away from him as an artist, and it isn’t his fault he’s related to a big name, so I understand what you’re saying.
October 6, 2018 @ 9:59 am
Who roots against Chris Stapleton in pop country and who’s ever called his sales gaudy? Let’s just say good job Chris for finally reaping the rewards of his hard work because comparing him to the second and third acts on the list make him look stupid.
October 6, 2018 @ 2:31 pm
The radio industry, music row, tweens who have no musical education, etc. I think Trig said his sales are gaudy….in this article. Who does he need to qualify his assessments with to satisfy you? And his album sales out pace any country artist by a long shot, so I think it’s accurate to call them gaudy. Comparing him to second and third acts makes those acts look stupid. It shows how much they’ve sold out to be at the same level as Stapleton. Your complaint is silly.
October 6, 2018 @ 6:05 pm
How is success gaudy? Tweens don’t listen to country and couldn’t tell you who Chris Stapleton is. Who in the radio industry. Quotes and names please.
How the hell has Ed Sheehan a pop singer sold out? He’s not even in the same industry as Chris. Chris is a great artist and doesn’t need the dumb comparisons to make himself look good. He stands on his own merit. Stop being so dramatic.
October 6, 2018 @ 6:39 pm
Uhm you’re being the drama queen, bud. We can compare him to anyone we want whether a libtard like you likes it or not. Every time you comment on this site, you show everyone that you’re just an insecure nitwit who can’t wait to spew his/her (idk what you are) PC bullshit. He didn’t say success is gaudy, he said his sales numbers are gaudy. But why give a fuck about one fucking adjective that was praising his success? Get a life.
October 6, 2018 @ 6:40 pm
In this article gaudy is not being used as a perjorative.
October 7, 2018 @ 7:15 pm
You’ve got to love people who have a meltdown the minute somebody disagrees with them. Hope you weren’t wearing those Nike devil sneakers when you were smashing your Keurig.
October 7, 2018 @ 8:34 pm
No meltdown here. I just like putting little bitches like you in their place. You need to get a better grasp of the English language before you start running your mouth and make yourself look like an idiot. And fuck Keurig lol. Espresso everyday for this motherfucker.
October 7, 2018 @ 9:14 pm
One of the funnest meltdowns seen here on SCM. Thumbs up!
October 7, 2018 @ 9:19 pm
Seriously fellas, let’s move on from this. Thanks!
October 6, 2018 @ 6:57 pm
In this article gaudy is not being used as a perjorative
October 7, 2018 @ 9:35 pm
Sorry Trig, but this guy is an idiot.
October 6, 2018 @ 12:35 pm
Still need to see Stapleton
Something suspicious just went down with Cody Jinks tickets in Pittsburgh. They sell tickets for the Thursday, December 13th show for a couple weeks, then add “due to great demand” a second show Friday, December 14th. Problem is the first show didn’t sell out and there isn’t a great demand for tickets for that first show on the secondary market. And Jinks didn’t sell out here last year (same venue) … not even close.
This pissed off me and a lot of fans because we’d rather go Friday night. Why didn’t they book the Friday night show first? Why the “great demand” smoke screen when the first show isn’t sold out?
October 6, 2018 @ 1:07 pm
That’s what I’d call a “Champagne problem”…..lol You’re getting him 2 nights he’s still got no Chicago show at all. We got Tyler, Whitey, and Sunny coming but no Cody. 🙁
Stapleton here tonight too but I don’t go to outdoor shed shows. I’d go to both Cody shows though.
October 6, 2018 @ 1:29 pm
Going to both shows might be the only plausible solution.
The following week we are going to Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road 30th Anniversary show. Say what you want about Earle and his politics, but a concert playing every track in order of Copperhead Road is a must for any side of the isle!
October 7, 2018 @ 6:30 pm
“Isle” and bringing politics into a discussion of good music gives me a good idea of your side of the aisle.
October 7, 2018 @ 10:52 pm
Isn’t truthiness trademarked by Colbert?
October 8, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Taking a pot shot at someone just for using the wrong word gives me a good idea about you, too. As it is, I don’t think he brought up politics so much as he acknowledged that Steve Earle is highly political, but that country fans on either side of the political divide could maybe come together over hearing the Copperhead Road album live from start to finish.
October 8, 2018 @ 8:04 am
I mow lawns for a living. I don’t get many opportunities to use the word aisle and I mess it the one chance I get!
October 6, 2018 @ 2:23 pm
I could see the floodgate opening for quality music to enter the mainstream if he wins entertainer of the year. Here’s to hoping for that, at least.
October 6, 2018 @ 3:50 pm
Stapleton isn’t my thing but good for him and his success. I do see this as a bit of the Garth Brooks thing where he’s attracting tons of non country music
October 6, 2018 @ 3:57 pm
Accidentally added post…..Chris is attracting non country music fans. Knowing quiet of few minorities they love Chris as they did Garth but really can’t name other country singers. Sadly, I think those people are missing out on Marty Stuart. Chris played out here in Los Angeles and the people I knew who went didn’t catch the opening acts.
October 6, 2018 @ 7:59 pm
Nice plot twist by way of inadvertent cliffhanger.
October 6, 2018 @ 4:09 pm
Chris Stapleton is phenomenal! I take him everywhere I go! His music has changed my life! I will see him in person one day! May God continue his success!
October 6, 2018 @ 7:55 pm
all as it should be . an artist this real SHOULD be the artist selling the most tickets , garnering the most awards and selling the most records. it not only says all you need to know about HIM as an artist but says everything the industry needs to know about what people want and will respond to given the ‘ authentic ‘ option ( Springsteen ) . his success , based solely on undeniable talent ,not ass-shaking ,trend-chasing or airplay , somewhat restores one’s faith in the capacity of listeners to recognize REAL when they hear it .
October 6, 2018 @ 8:10 pm
I’m happy for him. He’s not exactly my cup of tea but I know he’s good, has the talent, and his music is made by humans. I hope his success isn’t isololated or inconsequential. As we all know, there’s tons of other great artists who aren’t selling a fraction of what he is…on that note, it’s great that he’s out there with Marty, Brent, etc as opposed to the arm bronzing types out there.
October 6, 2018 @ 9:30 pm
Hearing him with the Steeldrivers back in the day I’d never believed he’d blow up this much. A truly phenomenal musician and writer that can sing, play or write practically any genre.
October 7, 2018 @ 4:41 am
Ya girl, Britney holding it down after 20 years. It’s Britney, bitch!
October 7, 2018 @ 6:23 am
I’m sure the All American Road Show is a good one but personally I think the Sweetheart Of The Rodeo concert with Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives would be more interesting.
October 7, 2018 @ 7:10 am
Sold out Madison Square Garden. Dayum, son.
October 7, 2018 @ 8:30 am
I’ve been priced out.
Glad for his success but for the price of his last show here w Margo I could buy his entire catalog and go out to dinner.
Marty has toiled for years and deserves it and Cobb will be a bonafide star soon.
Damn fast rising stardom.
October 7, 2018 @ 11:18 am
Congrats to him, that’s an impressive accomplishment. I’d love to go to one of his shows.
October 7, 2018 @ 10:04 pm
As it should, that was one of the best shows last year.
October 8, 2018 @ 1:01 am
both of his shows in my area, in good size suburban shed venues sold out… I was gonna try to go, but I guess I waited too long to try to get tix.
So, good for him…
-Woog
October 8, 2018 @ 1:21 pm
Actually had a friend tell me that Chris had “no chance” to win Entertainer of the Year, because compared to Luke, and Keith Urban, he’s “just so boring”. I need a better class of losers in my sphere.