Watch Garth Brooks's Emotional Plea to His Fellow Country Music Artists After Las Vegas Shooting
Given that it took place at a country music festival, the horrific Las Vegas shooting that killed at least 59 and wounded hundreds on Sunday has stirred up a strong response from the country music community in particular. While many stars have taken to social media to offer their thoughts and prayers to the victims, Garth Brooks took the time to share a poignant video message to his fellow musicians about how the power of song can help the nation heal in the wake of tragedy.
In an emotional Facebook Live video posted Monday, Brooks, sitting in front of a "Pray for Las Vegas" sign, held back tears as he explained how he saw a lot of awful things in the news following the mass shooting, but also a lot of courage and love.
For Las Vegas. love, g
Posted by Garth Brooks on Monday, October 2, 2017
He thanked first responders for their heroic efforts, as well as the everyday people in the crowd, reports WGNTV. "I'm very proud of how the audience handled itself," Brooks said. "People were laying down on people to protect them. Just proud. Character flows through country music. All our love to the victims and the victims' families. All our love to the bands and crews."
The Country Hall of Fame member choked up several times throughout the video. He paused before sharing a line about the human race from his favorite movie Starman, a 1984 John Carpenter film, saying,"When things are at your worst, you are at your best."
Brooks said that he needed a moment to digest the tragedy before his shows in Indianapolis on Thursday, but encouraged his fellow artists with upcoming shows to push through in the face of tragedy. "I can't imagine the people, the artists that have gigs tonight," Brooks said. "And I know you're probably wondering what to do. Here's my advice. The show must go on. It just does."
The "Much Too Young" singer spoke about how music has the power to heal, and how musicians should go to work when things get bad in the world, referencing the tradition of musician-run fundraisers and telethons after devastating events.
"Those people in those seats, they come to get away from it all, to be happy, to be joyous, to sing, and to love one another," Brooks said. "That's what it's all about. So, you got a gig tonight? The music starts tonight. Start it again, start spreading the love. Start creating the greatest power music holds, and that's the power to heal. All things good start with you. If you believe it, start it up. I'll be the first."
Garth then sang a short rendition of "The Change," an emotional ballad he released after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1996, according to Country Rebel.
His Thursday night concert begins a run of five shows in four nights at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The venue has tightened security after the shooting in Las Vegas, according to the Indy Star, and it's clear that fans can expect an emotional performance from Brooks.
(h/t WGNTV)
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