Key Points
- Garth Brooks discusses final ‘Anthology’ volume, summarizing his comeback years and key performances.
- ‘So when I say this wraps it up. It does kind of wrap it up,’ says the country music icon.
- Brooks reflects on not retiring again and future possibilities: ‘Buckle up.’
Country music icon Garth Brooks offered a rare and unusually introspective moment during a 30-minute TalkShopLive livestream on Monday, December 1, where he promoted his upcoming project, The Anthology, Part VI: The Comeback, The Next Five Years. The sixth and final volume of his Anthology series arrives Friday, December 5—and during the conversation, Brooks made a striking admission about what this chapter represents.
While reflecting on the scope of the new book-and-music collection, he said, “So when I say this wraps it up. It does kind of wrap it up.”
The comment stood out as Brooks described how Anthology Part VI brings together stadium shows, arena dates, dive bar gigs, his Las Vegas residency, his return to Ireland, and the challenges of performing through a global pandemic.
‘I’ll Never Use the “Retire” World Again’
Brooks also addressed his earlier retirement in 2000, reiterating that he does not plan to frame his career in that way again.
“I retired once,” he said. “And God and the people were sweet enough to let me come back. I decided then I would never use the ‘retire’ word again.”
Instead, he framed his future with a mixture of gratitude and realism, saying, “Time is going to do what time is going to do,” he said. “I’m just lucky to have the chapters in my life.”
‘Is There Life After This?’
One of the most compelling lines of the night came as Brooks reflected on closing out the Anthology series.
“It’s everything from dive bars to stadiums,” he said of the new volume. Then he added, “Is there life after this? Only God and the people know that.”
Just moments later, he continued with a note of momentum and possibility: “If there is for me… buckle up.”
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Revisiting the Comeback Era
Throughout the livestream, Brooks explained that The Anthology, Part VI covers what he describes as the intense, unpredictable, and defining years of his comeback period. The project includes:
- Six discs and 60 songs
- More than 150 behind-the-scenes photos
- Stories from his stadium tour
- Moments from his Caesars Palace residency
- Dive bar performances
- His long-awaited return to Ireland
He emphasized that this chapter isn’t only about him—it’s about everyone who helped make it possible.
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“Anthology 6 might be my favorite in a way that I think it pays more tribute to the people that actually are Garth Brooks,” he said, noting the band, crew, and teams who kept major shows moving during difficult stretches.
‘If I Wake Up in the Morning, I Got a Job to Do’
Though Brooks acknowledged that this volume “wraps up” the Anthology era, he also made it clear he isn’t slowing his creative drive.
“If I wake up in the morning, I got a job to do. I’m going to have fun,” said the country music superstar.
Whether Anthology Part VI signals the end of a major chapter or simply the completion of a long-running project, Brooks described the entire journey as one he never takes for granted.
“This is my life,” he said. “This is what God and the people have allowed me to do. I can’t thank you enough.’
And as for anything beyond this milestone? He’s leaving the door open—with one final reminder:
“If there is [life after this] for me… buckle up.”
