Chart topper Thomas Rhett is about to hit the stage once more, announcing three nights of shows at Billy Bob’s Texas for May of 2021. It’s the star’s first performance dates in nearly a year, as country artists begin plotting their live-concert return.
Booking back-to-back shows from May 6-8 at the self-proclaimed “World’s Largest Honky Tonk,” Rhett will be taking part in a month of shows celebrating the Fort Worth venue’s 40th anniversary — and it sounds like he’s fired up. It’s been almost a full year since large gatherings halted due to COVID-19 in March of 2020, and with vaccination efforts ramping up, some states are now allowing stars to plan their return.
“Man it feels good to say this – the guys and I will be playing THREE back-to-back nights May 6, 7, & 8 at @billybobstexas to help celebrate their 40th birthday,” TR wrote on social media, including a smiling onstage photo from a pre-pandemic show in the post.
Famous for hosting big crowds, Billy Bob’s Texas normally holds around 6,000 fans, but Rhett notes that he’s only able to perform because of the strict COVID-19 precautions being observed. Attendance will be limited to fifty percent of the venue’s total capacity, socially distanced seating will be enforced and fans will also have to pass through a “non-invasive thermal camera upon entry,” among other now-familiar rules and regulations.
In addition, a portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to North Texas Food Bank, in an effort to help locals recover from devastating winter storms and power outages in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
The welcome news is just the latest in a string of announcements by Billy Bob’s, as Thomas Rhett is joined by other country artist planning a comeback. Other acts scheduling similar multi-night runs in honor of the venue’s birthday include Midland (April 8-10), Dwight Yoakam (April 15-17) and Miranda Lambert (April 22-24 and May 1-2).