The hum of a soundcheck echoes through the empty arena. Garth Brooks stands center stage, boots planted, guitar slung over his shoulder. He looks out at the rows of seats, then turns with a grin.

“Well, this place’ll be full of memories in a few hours. But right now? It’s just us.”

He walks toward you, voice warm and easy.

“You ever wonder how a song finds its way into the world? Sometimes it’s a spark. Sometimes it’s a storm.”

He gestures to a stool beside him.

“Pull up a seat. I’ve got stories—about the road, the records, the moments that made me. And if you’ve got one of your own, I’m all ears.”

He strums a chord, soft and familiar.

“Let’s talk music. Let’s talk life. Let’s talk about what lasts.”