Garth Brooks is a name synonymous with country superstardom, but he wasn’t always in the spotlight, or was he? Before sold-out arenas and chart-topping hits, he held a leading nightlife role fans would never expect.
In 2018, Brooks visited Good Morning America, where he revealed the “weird job” he called “the greatest gig.” Fans were surprised to learn that before superstardom, the entertainer worked as a bouncer, a role he recalls fondly to this day.
According to the country superstar, he worked at Tumbleweed, a venue located in his home state of Oklahoma. He held the position while a student at Oklahoma State University.
“That was a weird job. They needed guys to bounce a place called Tumbleweed. It was fun,” Brooks explained to GMA.
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“There was about 12 of us, all of us were big, wrestlers and football players, so I basically just got to dance all night long,” he admitted. “It was the greatest gig to have.”
Additionally, Brooks discussed the same gig during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. He responded to a fan question about the role, sharing news that he held the job for three years.
Garth Brooks released his first album in 1989
When Garth Brooks first tried to break into the Nashville music scene in 1985, he likely relied on the confidence and resilience he’d gained as a bouncer to face rejection and challenges. Despite his efforts, he found little success as a singer-songwriter and eventually returned home to Oklahoma.
Three years later, Brooks signed his a record deal, according to The Country Music Hall of Fame. In 1989, he released his eponymous first album, which spawned the number one songs “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “The Dance.” A third single, “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) hit the Top 10.
Brooks followed that LP with his record-smashing sophomore release, No Fences, which sold over 16 million copies and featured the iconic tune “Friends in Low Places.” The Country Music Hall of Fame reported, “That year, Brooks also won his first Grammy (Best Country Vocal Performance, Male) and repeated as Entertainer of the Year at the CMA and ACM awards.”
What is Garth Brooks doing now?
Garth Brooks will play his first concert in the United Kingdom in almost 30 years, according to his official Facebook page, on June 27, 2026, in Hyde Park. This exciting event marks Brooks’ long-awaited return to the UK stage, giving fans nearly three decades of anticipation a thrilling payoff.
On October 18, the entertainer will perform on a bill featuring Kygo and Turnpike Troubadours, who bookend his appearance at Circuit of The Americas race track in Austin, Texas, for the 2025 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, according to his official website. “This will be fun to be part of the Grand Prix festivities, and come on, it’s Austin! Texas is always a guaranteed good time!” Garth said in a statement about the event.
From bouncer to country legend, Garth Brooks never ceases to surprise fans with a career that proves hard work, talent, and a little bit of luck can turn even the most unlikely beginnings into superstardom.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
