The Deal That Dragged Garth Brooks Back Into the Spotlight—And Why He Couldn’t Walk Away. ML
On October 15, 2009, Garth Brooks surprised fans and the music world alike when he officially announced his return to the stage after nearly a decade in semi-retirement. Standing beside Las Vegas mogul Steve Wynn at the Encore Theatre, Brooks confirmed he would launch a weekend residency at Wynn’s luxury resort — a move that marked his first major live commitment since stepping away from touring in 2000.
The announcement came years earlier than many expected. When Brooks initially took a step back from his career, he promised fans that he wouldn’t return until his youngest daughter graduated high school. But when Wynn extended an offer that combined creative freedom with family flexibility — including access to a private jet — the legendary entertainer reconsidered.
“He started talking about bringing this show, just Garth and a guitar, to people,” Brooks recalled. “I thought that was sweet, but I told him he couldn’t afford me. I was wrong.”
Brooks’ decision to retire in October 2000 came at a time of personal upheaval. He and his then-wife Sandy Mahl were going through a divorce, and he was determined to be present for his three daughters. While he didn’t disappear completely — releasing a handful of albums and performing at select charity events — he avoided major tours in favor of fatherhood.
According to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Brooks continued to support causes he believed in and maintained a modest public profile, but never returned to the spotlight in full until Wynn’s offer came along.
The resulting acoustic residency ran from 2009 to 2013, totaling 186 performances. Unlike his stadium-filling concerts of the ’90s, this show was intentionally stripped down: just Garth, his guitar, and an intimate crowd hanging on every word.
The Las Vegas run served not only as a reintroduction of Brooks to the live stage, but also as a model for how an artist could prioritize both career and family. And while the details of the financial agreement remain private, it’s clear that Brooks found a balance — and a renewed joy — in performing again.
