Toby Keith Returning to the Stage in Las Vegas for First Official Shows Since Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
"Instead of just sitting around and waiting, we're gonna get the band back together," said the country star in an announcement video
Stomach cancer isn't going to keep Toby Keith from performing.
On Friday, the country star announced two concerts at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on Dec. 10 and 11 — his first official headlining shows since revealing his cancer diagnosis in June 2022.
"Hey everybody! This is Toby Keith. It’s been a while. You know what I’ve been doing — been on the old rollercoaster, but Almighty’s riding shotgun. He’s letting me drive for some reason, but we’re making a big announcement," said Keith, 62, in a video shared to YouTube. "I’m doing a little deal and thought I’d start in the great Las Vegas."
Courtesy of Live Nation
Toby KeithHe noted that the concerts coincide with the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, encouraging fans to attend both while they're in Las Vegas.
"I was going to sit around here and do nothing like I have been, or get up and go outside and don’t let the old man in," continued Keith, referencing his recent single, "Don't Let the Old Man In."
"It’ll be my first two shows. They’re kind of rehab shows — get the band back in sync, get me rolling again," he said. "First time in my whole life I’ve been off over two years. I’ve never been off a year in my life."
Related: Toby Keith Says Stomach Cancer Struggle Is a 'Little Bit of a Roller Coaster': 'You're Up and Down'
Mickey Bernal/NBC via Getty
Toby KeithKeith then opened up about how his diagnosis has complicated getting back on the road. "Through COVID and cancer, the old devil’s been after me a little bit. I’ve got him by the horns right now, so instead of just sitting around and waiting, we’re gonna get the band back together," he said.
Tickets for the concerts at Dolby Live at Park MGM go on sale at 10 a.m. PT on Oct. 27 via Ticketmaster.
The "Should've Been a Cowboy" singer hasn't toured since 2021, but he's hit the stage for a few special performances, including the live debut of "Don't Let the Old Man In" at the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards — where he received the icon award — last month.
Related: Toby Keith Hopes to Be 'Out on the Road' This Fall as Stomach Cancer Tumor Shrinks by a Third
Tammie Arroyo/Variety via Getty
Toby KeithKeith also performed two pop-up shows at the historic Hollywood Corners bar in Norman, Oklahoma, in July.
In June, the country star told The Oklahoman he wants to tour by the end of the year — as long as he has the energy for a full-length show.
The "Should've Been a Cowboy" musician hopes to be "out on the road this fall," he told the outlet, shortly before he ended up doing the two surprise performances.
He added, "All I gotta do is see if I can get through two or three nights of work and get a little break in this chemo, and we'll go back to work."
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