The second night of Garth Brooks' Dallas run felt just as vibrant as the first.
Crowds flooded the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas before the first of two concerts Friday night, and anyone who attended undoubtedly left wondering how the country legend might pulled off an encore performance.
The set list was more or less the same as Brooks' epic kick-off in Dallas Thursday, but the energy he put into it felt equivalent to watching someone sprint through a marathon. Brooks strutted the stage for two and a half hours, ripping effortlessly through the hits as though he was speaking a fluent second language. The only time he took a break was mid-set when wife Trisha Yearwood steered the ship with a handful of hits.
But as much as fans swooned, Brooks made clear the feeling was mutual. More often than not, the singer seemed elated and overwhelmed by the audience's ability to finish his musical sentences. He made clear this run of shows is as much about Texas fans as it is about himself.
In honor of that, we'd like to introduce you to some of the fans we met at Garth Brooks' second concert in Dallas.
Name: Lori Maxwell from Haslet, Texas
Last time you saw Garth Brooks: 17 years ago in Fort Worth (that's when she bought that epic shirt!)
Fondest memory of Garth Brooks: "I actually used to work for Reunion Arena and American Airlines so I actually got to meet Garth and Trisha when she used to sell T-shirts for him, way back in the day."
If you could see him collaborate with any other artist, who would it be? "Elton John."
Names: Cameron Smalley, Trae Talent, Deanna Williams and James Williams from Combine, Texas
Last time you saw Garth Brooks: "1990-something," says Deanna.
What would you consider Garth Brooks' signature? "His hat," says James. "The way he shapes his hat is one of a kind."
The youngest one, Trae's favorite song? "The Thunder Rolls"
Names: Julian and Valerie Peña from Fort Worth, Texas
Favorite Garth Brooks song: "Mom" -- "I just heard it recently," says Valerie. "I'm a new mom, so it kinda tugged at the heartstrings a lot."
Name: Willie Almendarez from Kaufman, Texas
Favorite Garth Brooks song: "Friends in Low Places" -- "I think it fits me."
If you could see Garth perform with any other artist tonight, who would it be? "George Strait," he says. "I think they go together."
Names: Rachel and Levi Cowsert from Fort Worth, Texas
Fondest memory of Garth Brooks tunes: "I remember being little and we set up this little roller rink in the garage, and 'Ireland' was the song," says Levi. "Ireland I'm coming home."
If Garth Brooks came over for a dinner party, what would you serve him? "My pulled pork," Rachel says. "I'd go with brisket," says Levi. "Can't go wrong with a good brisket."
Name: Martha Gonzalez from Grand Prairie, Texas
What would you consider Garth Brooks' signature? "I think he just has a big fan loyalty because of his upbringing and how he just interacts with the crowd, and he's genuine."
Name: Amy Monson from Grand Prairie, Texas
Favorite Garth Brooks song: "Unanswered Prayers" -- "Just because what the song's about. Most people can relate."
If Chris Gaines had a life motto, what would it be? "Well, that song -- thank God for unanswered prayers, ha."
Names: Brigette Diaz and Jake Offield from Fort Worth, Texas
If you could see Garth collaborate with any artist, who would it be? "George Strait," says Jake. "That would be the best."
Name: Jason Johns from Wilson, Oklahoma
Fondest memory of Garth Brooks: "My parents said in junior high I used to sit in there and sing all the time."
