Country music found itself being infiltrated from numerous sides over the last few years. For some, they fought against AI being used to create fake songs and singers. Others warned about the dangers of AI being used to scam fans. But for Garth Brooks, he stood on the front lines when it came to bots dominating ticket sales. Wanting to share his Blame It All On My Roots tour with fans, the singer completely shut down ticket sales over a massive wave of bots.
When Brooks announced two shows in Kansas City, the demand was so great that the hitmaker decided to add a third show. For now, the schedule included shows in Kansas City on November 6 and 7. Although excited about the reception the tour received, Brooks watched as the on-sale event was ruined by bots.
Videos by American Songwriter
While fans clamored to get tickets, bots flooded the site. This caused real fans not to get tickets for the original asking price of $155.50. At the start of the tour, Brooks listed each ticket, no matter the seat, at the same price. Brooks hoped that by keeping the cost low, he would not just deter bots but give every fan a chance to be part of the historic tour. But sadly, on Friday, the singer announced, “Due to excessive bot activity, ticket sales for Garth’s third show in Kansas City have been shut down.”
[RELATED: Remember When Garth Brooks Took on an Alter Ego for One Album in 1999?]
Garth Brooks Is Taking The Bot War Personally
Leaving fans wondering what would happen to the third Kansas City show, the team added, “Garth and the promoters are evaluating next steps and the future of the show. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as soon as possible.”
Releasing a personal statement pertaining to the bot incident, Brooks noted his main concern at that time was the fans who happened to get a ticket. “The bot situation is out of hand. It’s been progressively getting worse on this tour. With that said, my concern is for the people who managed to buy tickets today for the third show in Kansas City before the bots crashed the on sale.”
Not wanting to cancel the show or leave fans navigating a refund process, Brooks promised to handle the situation personally. “I will personally look into what can be done. You have my word that all that can be done will be done. You have my deepest apologies for the results and my most sincere appreciation for your efforts today.”
The bots might have stopped ticket sales, but Brooks wasn’t letting them win. With thousands of fans still waiting for answers, there was nothing to do but exactly that – wait.
(Photo by PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage -
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 14: Inductees Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi of Bon Jovi perform during the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 10: Zach Bryan performs at The Basement East on September 10, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) -
Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images -
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 22: ***EXCLUSIVE*** Singers and Songwriters John Anderson, Blake Shelton and John Rich (Big& Rich) backstage during the second annual ACM Honors at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on September 22, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 18: (L-R) John Anderson and Tim McGraw attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Class of 2026 Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 18, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 19: Carrie Underwood performs onstage during Opry 100: A Live Celebration at Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium on March 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry)
