Blake Shelton Says He Started Resenting Touring in 2012
The superstar explains why he had to cut back on his touring schedule.
Country superstar Blake Shelton is at top of his live-performance game these days, packing arenas each year as one of the most popular performers in the genre. But he’s also spent a decade as a TV personality, working hard as the most-beloved coach on NBC’s The Voice. And it almost ruined his love of the stage.
Chatting with fellow country artist and podcaster Kelleigh Bannen on Today’s Country Radio on Apple Music Country, Shelton says that back in 2012 — during the second season of The Voice — he was totally burned out. He hadn’t yet figured out how to balance his two jobs, and something had to give.
“I was touring full time, or as much as I could, and it became too much, it was too much for me personally,” Shelton admits. “I mean, there was never a day off, it was just crazy, and I started resenting touring a little bit. I was like, ‘Oh my God, what is the point, what are we doing? I’m not enjoying it anymore.'”
Luckily, Shelton made changes before it was too late. The following year he dramatically cut back on live touring, aiming for a number around 25 shows each year. And while his fans might wish for more, they get ultimately benefit from the move.
“That’s obviously not very many for any artist that is trying to maintain that touring profile,” Shelton explains.”But what it has done is, it’s kept me so excited about when I go on stage now. It’s like, ‘Hey, we get to go be country stars this month.’ And it’s so exciting, and it’s something that I look forward to, I really do.”
Blake Shelton just wrapped Season 20 of NBC’s The Voice, and his Friends & Heroes Tour 2021 will begin August 18 with Lindsay Ell, plus special guests Martina McBride, Tracy Byrd and Trace Adkins. He’s got 17 dates confirmed so far.
