Turnpike Troubadours are One of the Hottest Tickets in Country
The Turnpike Troubadours will be appearing this Saturday and Sunday evening (5-14/5-15) at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, with Shovels & Rope and Reckless Kelly opening the shows. The Saturday night show will be streaming live with pro audio and video for those interested. Tickets are $20.00, and you may want to take advantage of it. It might be your best opportunity to see Turnpike perform in the near term.
When the first Turnpike Troubadours show at Red Rocks show was announced, it was the very first announced show from the band after a nearly three year hiatus. Because of this, demand was super high, with tickets selling out almost immediately, and ending up on the secondary market with big markups. When they added a second show for Sunday, the same thing happened.
But that wasn’t only because these were Turnpike’s big reunion shows. As the band continued to announce more shows, demand remained just as strong, if not stronger, crashing numerous websites and servers as venues and festivals announced dates for the band. Even now with about two dozen Turnpike appearances on the calendar for 2022, demand for Turnpike Troubadours tickets still remains robust.
How robust? Well according to one metric, the Turnpike Troubadours are one of the hottest tickets in all of country music when considering the prices those tickets are fetching on the secondary market. In the same company as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Morgan Wallen, and Luke Combs, the Turnpike Troubadours are in the Top 10 for country ticket price according to a recent analysis done by TickPick.
- Garth Brooks – $216
- George Strait – $191
- Keith Urban – $180
- Alan Jackson – $179
- Morgan Wallen – $176
- Luke Combs – $170
- Sam Hunt – $162
- The Avett Brothers – $150
- Turnpike Troubadours – $131
- Brooks and Dunn – $130
It’s pretty crazy to see the Turnpike Troubadours in the same company of some of the biggest heavy hitters in all of country music. Shout out to The Avett Brothers too for continuing to be one of roots music’s most consistent draws as well.
When you consider that before the hiatus, the Turnpike Troubadours weren’t even regularly selling out many shows, it verifies that the break only helped elevate Turnpike’s status and fan base. Distance made the heart grow fonder, and even as Turnpike has announced more shows closer to fans, they’re still consistently selling out. Their two shows at the Whitewater Amphitheater for October 21st and 22nd in New Braunfels, TX in late October near the end of their calendar? You guessed it, sold out, with tickets on the secondary market going for over $100.
This is a new dilemma for Turnpike Troubadours fans who were used to easily securing tickets for their shows, and at more affordable prices. The same goes for fans of Billy Strings, who headlined Red Rocks on Thursday and Friday this week. The same also goes for fans of Tyler Childers, who will be playing Red Rocks once again in September. But it also verifies that these non radio-supported stars are finding an entirely new level of support and recognition.
The Turnpike Troubadours have always been one of the greatest bands in country music. Talk to any of their long-term fans who watched them come up in clubs and honky tonks, and they will verify that. But now, the rest of country music is finally waking up to it.
May 14, 2022 @ 8:55 am
In a column a while back you wrote that popularity doesn’t always equal quality….
My wife listens to the Highway on XM. Every once in a while a decent song will come along. It keeps getting to be more of a rarity. The other day a Kane Brown song called Whiskey Sour played. After the song ended I looked up the lyrics trying to find one single line that could redeem such terrible songwriting,
“Hell, I know you got my message
All my X’s and my O’s
And it kills me by the hour
Now I take my whiskey sours alone”
I can’t wrap my head around how someone thinks this is anything other than a hot steaming pile of lyrical vomit.
Then somewhere in my mind, this question came about…what if songs in the mainstream country aren’t written for quality but rather for the sole purpose of being easy to sing along to? But in my opinion, that doesn’t justify a 28-year-old man singing about X’s and O’s.
Compare that song with 7&7 and it takes just one line to find better writing “And these days you ain’t nothin’ just an interstate daydream”. I love seeing Turnpike get its due recognition. But I think it also shows that there are still people out there that value quality music.
May 14, 2022 @ 10:32 am
Just published an article with some quotes from Hall of Fame songwriter Dean Dillon that speak to this exact thing. “7&7” is a 12-year-old song, and still hits like it’s 2010. Since then many radio hits have come and gone that maybe some will remember with nostalgia someday, but a song like “7&7” will never go out of style, or out of favor, and over time has only grown in prominence and popularity. That is one of the reasons you’re seeing such a run on Turnpike tickets.
May 15, 2022 @ 3:29 am
Turnpike troubadours lyrics are offal. Those poor women, they write about in their songs, they bored the life out of. Not too mention, does anyone believe they work as hard as they profess.
May 15, 2022 @ 7:30 am
Hey John,
Thanks for chiming in. But with all due respect, your assessment couldn’t be more far off. You may think Turnpike’s writing is nothing special. But the reason this band has found such appeal (see article above) is very specifically that their music appeals deeply to women.
Across the board, one of the issues you see with many independent country artists—including some of the bigger ones such as Cody Jinks and Sturgill Simpson—is that their music just doesn’t appeal to women at the same level as men. That’s what sets Turnpike apart, is that women connect very emotionally to songs like “Every Girl,” “7&7,” and “Good Lord Lorrie.” The last time I saw them play a few weeks ago in Tulsa, I saw multiple women outright and openly sobbing during these songs. Maybe you think these audience members are simple, and don’t know good music. But its Turnpike’s appeal to women that’s very much at the heart of their success.
May 15, 2022 @ 7:54 am
Thanks, Trigger. That makes more sense. I heard about these guys from girlfriend.
May 14, 2022 @ 9:18 am
Pass.
May 14, 2022 @ 9:28 am
You can stream tonight’s Red Rocks show for $19.99 at Nugs.net.
May 14, 2022 @ 9:31 am
I just ain’t gonna reward these bad people by buying a secondary market ticket. My only exception to this is if Bonham resurrects from the dead and Zeppelin reunites, I’d pay anything for that
May 14, 2022 @ 9:32 am
You had to dis on Kane Brown, to tell the world you’re an Evan Felker, fanboy?
i do believe Mr. Brown has tons of fans who like his music, as well.
Let’s see …
Isaac Rudd & The Revolvers – kill it just as much (if not, more) as the TT’s. They are a blast, live.
Rob Leines & the guys – they bring the WHOLE party.
Etc.
Wishing great weather & a wonderful time at Red Rocks, for everyone this weekend.
“In a column a while back you wrote that popularity doesn’t always equal quality….”
In total agreement with you there …
May 14, 2022 @ 5:01 pm
Kane Brown has talent. It’s unfortunate that he squanders it by recording and releasing such utter shite.
May 14, 2022 @ 5:43 pm
@sbach66,
i understand what you’re saying.
He has a couple good songs.
Just starting out, as it were.
Wouldn’t it be really cool if Dean Dillon wrote a couple new songs, and Kane decided to record them?
Would Love to see that collaboration.
May 15, 2022 @ 3:57 pm
Cool mention of Isaac Rudd here Di. Saw him with the new band at Duke’s a couple weeks ago. I miss the fiddle. And the pedal steel. We’ll see what direction he takes with more of a rock setup but Isaac’s star is rising for sure.
May 15, 2022 @ 6:11 pm
@Rich,
Was just online looking to see if Isaac and band are scheduled to be at Hard Truth, this summer.
Not sure if i like hearing that Isaac didn’t have a fiddle and pedal steel in the band.
Did you smack him upside the head and ask what he was thinking? : D
Next weekend should be a blast. Getting together with cousins, at Lake Monroe. 3 of the 4 sibs in that fam. have cabin cruisers docked there. Big retirement party for cousin who just retired from Crane Naval. Interestingly, that cousin has become friends with the Petersen’s and Franz families, & has recently taken up the mandolin. Certainly hope he has it with him this coming weekend. Also hoping there are guitars there as well. (Should be)
In any event, taking jammies, & sleeping on someone’s boat. My cousin ordered special rum from the Caribbean for his paradise punch. 1 glass of that & yeah … taking jammies
May 14, 2022 @ 9:36 am
That feeling when you think that maybe your average Joe is becoming less of an NPC, only to see most of the other names higher on the list…
Good for Turnpike though.
May 14, 2022 @ 12:32 pm
Kane brown (laughing uncontrollably )really
May 14, 2022 @ 2:44 pm
You mean the Kane Brown who sold out Staples Arena in LA a couple years ago?
: D yessir, Tim, that’s who we mean.
He has some good songs
May 14, 2022 @ 9:53 am
Got my front row nugs.net ticket and plenty of cold bevs in the fridge.
May 14, 2022 @ 9:58 am
Got nothin on orville peck at ryman last night.turnpike is rehashin 10 year old songs we are pretty tired of now …must be rough playin se shit from a decade ago every night
May 14, 2022 @ 10:20 am
I don’t know, maybe there’s something about songs good enough to be, like, timeless or something.
May 15, 2022 @ 5:23 am
So, if Willie Nelson plays old songs, is that just “playin se shit from a decade ago every night?”
Hard to have all new material when on hiatus for 2 years. Maybe they are writing and recording and will drop something in the future. Likely will. But to dismiss them b/c they are singing songs from their past records is an argument that holds no water, whatsoever.
Here is something-if you don’t want to listen to them, then don’t.
May 14, 2022 @ 10:02 am
Dont know youre currentt take on orville ,trigger u seem to not like ,but no one left early last night,and he gives alot of inspiration to people through his songs.
May 14, 2022 @ 11:07 am
Hey Tim,
Thanks for the report on Orville Peck at the Ryman. Not ignoring him. Hope to have a review of his recent album up soon. If I had received a review copy and it wasn’t 15 tracks, it probably would have been up already.
May 14, 2022 @ 11:16 am
Do we ever see Turnpike having radio and mainstream success? I’m not a huge stan of theirs but I really enjoy their music. I would love to see them win a few ACMs & CMAs but am not sure if their chance at radio/mainstream is over.
May 14, 2022 @ 11:29 am
Their next album will probably decide their fate in this regard
May 14, 2022 @ 11:33 am
I do not see them having radio hits. Turnpike doesn’t need country radio, thankfully. Country radio is worthless to me. I can remember being a kid and hoping to hear a Steve Earle or Dwight Yoakam song. Seemed liked that time lasted about 14:59.
May 14, 2022 @ 2:02 pm
I agree with Darren. At this point, they’ve proven they don’t need radio or major awards. Sure, it would be nice to see this stuff, but the independent world has risen up to make these things unnecessary for sustainability or success.
May 15, 2022 @ 5:30 am
Dude. Turnpike trubadours lyrics and music is all the same lame songs. Boys trying to write love songs. I dont think they know love. And, they come across a little bit of wanna be outlaw country. They write about a lifestyle that is virtually non existent. Just my lame, no business hating on them, opinion. Life is too short to bore yourself to death listening to them.
May 15, 2022 @ 8:26 am
Life is too short for you to be taking the time to write about them if you don’t like them…go love on the ones that you do enjoy.
May 26, 2022 @ 6:32 pm
John, I have been a critic and lover of music– especially sophisticated songwriting– for decades. Dude, I can take apart Leonard Cohen and Steely Dan songs, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell and Tom Petty, Marshall Crenshaw and JJ Cale. Turnpike’s songs floor me. This is not my style of music, not by the longest shot, but the quality of their songs moved me and made me a fan. Took me by surprise. Evan Felker may be the best lyricist of his generation– any genre. The Bird Hunters, The Funeral, Ringin in the Year, The Housefire, Every Girl, I could go on and on. Tornado Warning. The quality is there. I only come to Trigger’s site to get TT news. I appreciate all Trigger does to keep me up with the TT news. I eagerly await more great songs. Enjoy, John, or whatever.
May 14, 2022 @ 12:55 pm
By contrast, the CMA and ACM new male artist of the year Jimmie Allen is playing Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth in a few days and there are still tickets available, starting at $18.
I’ve nothing against Jimmie Allen, but it appears the ticket-buying public doesn’t give a crap about the Nashville industry awards anymore.
May 14, 2022 @ 2:04 pm
This is what industry folks refer to as “can’t sell hard tickets.” Breland is another artist that you see propped up everywhere, but they have few real fans, partly because they never paid dues by touring the bar rooms and leaving impressions, sowing grassroots. They just wait for the next awards show to make an appearance on, and hope that translates into success.
May 14, 2022 @ 1:08 pm
$400 a pop at the Ryman for either show.
May 14, 2022 @ 1:15 pm
Extra Impressive when you consider the other acts on that list are doing arena tours and the GA/Good Seat resells are pulling those averages up higher than the initial sale -which baselines much higher than TT GA-, whereas TT numbers are likely being driven almost entirely by secondary market demand.
Can’t say I’d disagree either. I’d pay $100+/per if they were coming to an indoor venue anywhere around me.
May 14, 2022 @ 1:33 pm
The Turnpike Troubadours are proof Nashvegas and its hype machine have become irrelevant. Personally I hope mainstream so called country music dies a much deserved death. I will have to watch the live stream tonight they are truly best enjoyed live.
May 14, 2022 @ 3:39 pm
Great news.
Release new music! We need it!
May 14, 2022 @ 5:52 pm
Thanks to SCM I found Turnpike only 3 short years ago. About the same time I found SCM. Living under a rock – I know. And I was one of the lucky ones to attend the third show at Billy Bob’s with an actual firsthand ticket. I felt like I had cheated a long-time fan out of seeing them as I sang along to 5 songs and the other 4,999 people in the room sang every word to every song. The energy and sheer happiness in that room was incomparable. I will forever feel incredibly lucky to have been there. Thanks Trig for all you do promoting all this incredible music. Based on my experience, TT’s success is every bit deserved.
May 14, 2022 @ 6:00 pm
Thanks for reading Rich.
May 16, 2022 @ 4:09 am
I had to spend triple the face value to see Turnpike in Boston 5 years ago, haha!
Worth it, but I’ve always viewed them as a ticket you buy ASAP.
May 16, 2022 @ 6:14 am
Saw them front row last night at Red Rocks. …and yes, the whole crowd, male and female, sang along to every song. I agree with a poster above, new songs are needed, but they just reformed so give them time, and Evan Felker confirmed that they were recording a new album and played one new song at the show. The show was great and the whole band sounded awesome and seemed genuinely happy to be back together on stage. Fun night.
May 17, 2022 @ 10:32 pm
Good job Evan!!!! You did it! All seems to be right with the Felkers. Hopefully Kyle N and the others are well squared away ready to put out the strongest
Red dirt out there!