The country legend brings his iconic catalog to Austin’s Moody Center, joined by William Beckmann for an unforgettable Texas concert experience.

There’s something different about a George Strait show in Texas, especially in Austin. It’s not just another stop on the schedule. It feels personal. And walking into a sold-out Moody Center, you could feel that before the lights even went down.

Before King George took the stage, William Beckmann kicked things off, and he was a perfect fit for the night. There’s a smoothness to his sound that leans traditional but still feels current. You can hear the influence, but it never feels like he’s trying to be anyone else.

Songs like “Bourbon Whiskey” landed well with the Austin crowd, as did his cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” and by the end of his set, he had people paying attention. Opening for George Strait in Texas isn’t easy, but Beckmann held his own. There’s an authenticity there that goes a long way, and it felt like the kind of set that wins over new fans.

George Strait has never been one to overdo it. There’s no flash for the sake of flash, no long speeches between songs. It’s just one song after another, delivered with the kind of ease that only comes from doing this as long as he has. And honestly, that’s the whole point. In a time when so many shows feel overworked, this one just felt real.

The setlist felt like it was made for that crowd, and you could feel it from the first few songs. “Amarillo by Morning” hit the way it always does, “Ocean Front Property” had the entire place singing every word, and “Check Yes or No” turned into one of those moments where you find yourself looking around, taking it all in. Even when he played some of his newer songs like “Three Drinks Behind,” nothing slowed down. People weren’t just watching, they were right there with him.

Looking around, you could see it clear as day—folks who’ve been with Strait since the early years, standing next to younger fans who were raised on those same songs. This show was special for me because I was able to share this moment with my mom who is a long time George Strait fan. He may not have played her favorite song, “You Look So Good in Love,” but I could tell this moment was special for her. 

Once the main set was over, the band took a quick respite before coming out for an encore. The four song set featured some of George’s best hits such as “All my Ex’s live in Texas,” “Codigo,” “Take Me to Texas,” and a song which fittingly ended the night “The Cowboy Rides Away.” After a couple waves and tips to the crowd, George left the stage and slowly walked away. 

When “The Cowboy Rides Away” ended the night, I looked over at my mom and just took it in for a second. It wasn’t just about the songs, it was everything that came with them. Years of memories, all showing up at once. That’s what makes a George Strait show in Texas feel different. It’s not just what you hear, it’s who you share it with. And that’s the part that stays with you long after you leave.

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Cover photo Justin Cook 

Brian Maass is a native Austinite, writer and photographer covering live music, travel, and culture, with a passion for storytelling through the lens of his camera. He lives in Round Rock with his wife, Dana Kent Maass, and their rescue dog, Chester. Instagram @brian_maass_adventures.