Garth Brooks’ induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame was more than a mere accolade—it was a celebration of an artist whose career has been closely intertwined with the long-running PBS music television program for well over three decades.
This occasion was a tribute to Brooks’ legendary status in country music and also marked a significant milestone in ACL’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Brooks, who has performed on the show multiple times over the years, treated fans to a two-hour spectacle that showcased his charisma, musical versatility, and deep appreciation for Austin City Limits’ legacy.
This event, held at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, marked a unique moment in ACL’s history. It was the first time that a single artist was honored in the Hall of Fame ceremony’s decade-long run. The night was filled with heartfelt tributes, iconic performances, and a stirring sense of nostalgia.
Brooks first played the ACL stage in 1990 during Season 15, just as his career began to soar. His performances on the show have always been marked by an undeniable energy and authenticity, qualities that made him a perfect fit for the program’s ethos of “putting the music first.” Reflecting on his history with ACL, Brooks humorously recounted how his father, initially skeptical of his honky-tonk ambitions, changed his tune when ACL first booked him in 1989. “Dad thought something must really be happening with this guy,” Brooks joked during a media event before the induction.
Brooks returned to ACL in 2000 to celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary with two memorable performances and again in 2021 for a pair of intimate acoustic shows that closed down the original Studio 6A, ACL’s home for decades. These performances have cemented his status as a cherished member of the ACL family, making his induction into the Hall of Fame feel like a natural culmination of his long-standing relationship with the show.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a grand affair that saw Brooks initially take the stage solo with only his guitar for accompaniment and later with his full band, delivering a set that spanned his entire career. From the opening notes of “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” Brooks commanded the stage with the ease and confidence one would expect from such a seasoned performer. The show started with a mix of fan favorites and lesser-known deep cuts, showcasing his ability to connect with the audience on multiple levels. He seemed to transform the theater into his living room, sharing personal anecdotes and playing requests from the audience, highlighting his appreciation for the intimate setting of ACL compared to the massive stadiums he’s used to playing.
One of the night’s most heartwarming moments came when Brooks performed “Unanswered Prayers” for a couple who had found love after divorce, illustrating his gift for storytelling that transcends the boundaries of traditional country music. Another highlight was his acoustic rendition of “It’s Your Song,” a tribute to his mother, in which he performed a cappella at a fan’s request. These personal interactions made the night feel more like a gathering of old friends than a concert.
Brooks paid homage to his musical influences throughout the evening. He wove together an eclectic mix of covers, ranging from Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page” to the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and even Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” Each song was given the unique Garth Brooks touch, blending genres and styles to create something new and original. His powerful cover of “Turn the Page” was a standout, saluting Seger with loud guitars and commanding drums that echoed through the venue, paying homage to one of his idols while making the song his own.
He also gave a nod to his Oklahoma roots with a powerful performance of “The Thunder Rolls,” complete with staccato strobes, rumbling drums, and crashing cymbals that captured the tension and drama of a Midwestern storm. The crowd responded with a “thunderous” standing ovation as Brooks, with hat in hand, soaked up the applause with an ear-to-ear smile.
A particularly memorable moment came when Brooks was joined onstage by his wife, Trisha Yearwood, a previous ACL Hall of Fame inductee. Their duet on “In Another’s Eyes” was a professional and personal highlight, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and shared love. The audience erupted when Yearwood took center stage for her hit, “She’s In Love With the Boy,” with Brooks beaming like a proud husband.
Brooks made sure to highlight the contributions of his band members, many of whom have been with him since his early days. The camaraderie and mutual respect between Brooks and his bandmates were evident as he introduced each member and gave them their moment in the spotlight. At one point, he shared the spotlight with backup singer Robert Bailey, for a cover of the Isley Brothers tune “Shout!” Bailey has a personal connection with the classic song, having performed it as a member of Otis Day and the Knights in National Lampoon’s Animal House, the blockbuster comedy from 1977.
Brooks also took the time to honor Terry Lickona, the longtime executive producer of ACL, whom he described as the “beating heart” of a show that has remained steadfast in its commitment to showcasing music in its purest form. He dedicated his hit “The Dance” to Lickona, a fitting tribute to a man who has helped shape the program into a national treasure for five decades.
The night ended on a high note by going “low,” with Brooks leading the audience in a joyful and rousing singalong of ‘Friends in Low Places,’ one of his most beloved and enduring hits. Brooks, who had slipped off stage briefly, returned with a wink and a nod, reminiscing about his early days playing to small crowds and the dream of writing a song everyone knows. The crowd erupted as he launched into the song, joining him in a spirited celebration that shook the very foundations of the Moody Theater. It was a moment that captured the essence of what makes Garth Brooks a legend: his ability to connect with his audience, to tell stories that resonate, and to make every person in the room feel like they are part of something special.
Garth Brooks’ induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame was a fitting tribute to an artist who has always put his heart and soul into every performance. It was a night filled with music, memories, and magic that only happens when one of music’s greatest performers takes the stage in a venue with a personal connection. As Brooks and his band took their final bow, the audience felt they had witnessed something extraordinary—a celebration of a remarkable career and a deep, enduring connection to a program that has become a cornerstone of American music culture.
Happy 50th ACL!
This show was taped for broadcast and will be part of a special hour-long episode of “Austin City Limits” 50th season, which starts on Sept. 28.
