Toby Keith Says “You Have To Be The Captain Of Your Ship”

Toby Keith is a living legend and a country music star who, throughout his career, has never taken a year off. When he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021, he said, "It was just a constant battle."

Following his three sold-out shows in Las Vegas this week, the 62-year-old singer-songwriter is now gearing up for the future. While guest hosting Shawn Parr's Backstage Country, Keith shared some inspiring words with us.

"You have to be the captain of your own ship. You have to have a lot of faith in your creator, the Almighty. And then you just have to pray for direction," Keith told Shawn Parr. "You just have to go with your gut and pray for direction until you finally get everything in the right place. And I feel like we're there."

With his triumphant return underway, that only means one thing: Keith confirmed with Par that, if the "Good Lord's willing," he will have somewhere around 60 shows scheduled in 2024.

"That team's on it, and they have not discussed it with me yet. But I know the set is being designed and we're going to break most of it out in Vegas. And then we're going to get geared. I'm going to play some arenas and [venues] that I haven't played in over a decade," Keith said.

Keith continued, "You have to lay a plan out. After you get your brain wrapped around it and everything, you get to a point, you're like, 'I can't sit around no more. I'm a working boy.' So you just say, 'Yey, plan it and let's go do it.' And you pray for the best. But right now I'm strong enough to do it and and rebounded enough."

For more information, visit tobykeith.com and follow Toby Keith on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see more.

In my opinion, you haven't lived until you've attended a country music festival. As a fan, what's better than having all of your favorite artists in the same location for a few days along with thousands of people who love the genre as much as you do?

If you've come this far, you're most likely looking to travel with friends, plan a road trip with the family, or attend a festival right in your backyard. From the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between, there's most likely a festival scheduled near you.

Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Hardy, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, and Thomas Rhett are just a few of the country superstars named as headliners across the United States in 2024.

In 2023, CMA Fest alone welcomed more than 90,000 daily attendees in Nashville, Tennessee, while reaching its largest stadium audience in its 50-year history. Festivals such as Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, and Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are already sold out for 2024, however, you can join the waiting list for tickets.

If you're looking for something new in the coming months, then Jason Aldean and Kid Rock's latest announcement will have you kicking up your boots. The inaugural Rock The Country festival will take over Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Missouri, and South Carolina next year.

"The first EVER Rock the Country is bringing big names to small towns. From rising stars to country icons, this is two nights that you won’t want to miss," Rock The Country Facebook post stated.

Now, we hope you decide to attend at least one of the festivals listed below. We will continue to provide updates here too, as soon as official announcements are released.

Tortuga Music Festival will return to Fort Lauderdale Beach from April 5-7, 2024, with headliners Lainey Wilson, Hardy, and Jason Aldean. The three-day, multi-stage music festival originally launched in 2013 bringing some of the biggest names in country music right to the beach.

The Stagecoach Festival has become one of the biggest country festivals and tourist attractions across the United States. Although it is already sold out for 2024, fans can join a waitlist to purchase tickets. The three-day festival hosted in Indio, California will welcome Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen as headliners next year.

The CMA Fest is a four-day country music festival held in Nashville, Tennessee. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced. Fans from across the United States and even all over the world head to Music City for nonstop days filled with country music. The 2024 CMA Fest lineup will be announced closer to the festival dates, however, passes are now on sale.

Yes, Carolina Country Music Fest is sadly sold out already, however, you can join the waitlist now for tickets. We highly suggest doing so as the 2024 lineup includes headliners Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Parker McCollum, Old Dominion, Lady A, and more.

If you're looking for a beach vacation next summer, then look no further than Wildwood, New Jersey. The Barefoot Country Music Fest will return with headliners Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and Old Dominion in 2024.

Country Fest was founded over 30 years ago and has become the largest three-day Country Music Fest and camping event in the United States. The festival will welcome headliners Eric Church, Keith Urban, and Jake Owen. Country Fest, which was previously nominated for Festival of the Year at the ACM Awards, will return to Cadott, Wisconsin June 27-29, 2024.

Country Jam USA will welcome Hardy, Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett, Ernest, Shane Smith & The Saints, and many more to Eay Claire, Wisconsin in 2024. The three-day annual country music festival first launched in 1990, making it one of the longest-running country festivals.

Are you ready to Rock The South with some of the biggest names in country music? Rock The South is returning to Cullman, Alabama July 18-20, 2024 with headliners Eric Church, Hardy, and Jelly Roll. The three-day festival offers a VIP experience, Honky Tonk Hideaway, and much more.