Garth Brooks announced on Monday (Jan. 18) that he will be performing at the inauguration of Joe Biden on Wednesday, January 20 at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
“This is not a political statement, this is statement of unity,” Brooks said in a press conference. “This is kind of how I get to serve this country.”
“I’ve played for every president there is, since Carter, with the exception of Reagan. This is an honor for me to get to serve… and it’s one of the things that, if my family is around, no matter who the president-elect is, it’s an honor to be asked.”
Brooks did not reveal too much about his song list for the performance, but he did state “We were lucky enough to do ‘We Shall Be Free’ at the Obama inauguration, so I don’t think you’ll see that here.”
While attendance is limited due to COVID-19, Biden’s inauguration day is still set to be a star-studded event. In additions to Brooks, the day will also feature performances from Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, as well as a TV special, Celebrating America, to air in the evening hosted by Tom Hanks and featuring performances by Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Ant Clemons, and more to come, according to the Inaugural Committee. Stars like Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington will also host segments throughout the night.