Rascal Flatts call it quits: Band announces final tour after 20 years together
Beloved country music trio Rascal Flatts have decided to end on a high note and disband after being together for 20 years. The band was first formed in 1999 and will be playing out their triumphant Farewell Tour in 2020 before calling it quits for good.
Making an appearance on 'CBS This Morning', the group noted that while it was definitely a breakup and not a hiatus, they wouldn't rule out the possibility of reuniting at some point in the future to make music again.
It is also understood that the hyper-competitive and ever-changing music industry was one of the factors that contributed to their retirement decision.
The most-awarded country music group of the last decade also made their 'Farewell: Life Is a Highway' tour announcement on social media earlier today.
"When we started out 20 years ago, we could not imagine all of the people, places, and gifts we would encounter,” said Rascal Flatts on Twitter. "There is no sadness. Just new chapters, new journeys, and new beginnings."
Their official site also carried the following comments from the musical trio, which comprises lead vocalist Gary LeVox, his second cousin Jay DeMarcus on bass guitar, and Joe Don Rooney on guitar and banjo:
“The greatest feeling ever, is being told [by people] that our music has been the soundtrack to their lives," said singer Gary LeVox. "What greater gift can an artist receive than to be told 'I got married to 'Bless The Broken Road'' or 'We played 'My Wish' at my graduation'."
Bassist Jay DeMarcus was similarly grateful, saying "We're really looking forward to getting to spend this entire year loving on our fans, and thanking them for allowing us to have the most amazing career over the last 20 years."
Guitarist Joe Don Rooney echoed their sentiments, admitting that "Dreams do come true, and we are three walking examples of this truth."
He continued, "I'm most proud of the fact that we’ve pursued our dreams together and with courage, hard work, and dedication, we’ve been able to cultivate our dreams into reality, it's simply incredible!"
Rascal Flatt's 'Farewell: Life Is a Highway' tour is set to commence in June this year and continue till October 2020. The 25-date tour has been scheduled at venues all across North America, including stops at major cities like Boston, San Diego, Toronto, and Dallas.
One city that is incongruous by its absence on the itinerary is the spiritual home of country music, Nashville.
But considering that their farewell tour begins a week after the 2020 Country Music Awards Festival, there’s a distinct possibility that Rascal Flatts will get to have one final hurrah at the Nissan Stadium. For complete tour dates and ticket information, click here.
