Opening for Morgan Wallen is an opportunity few would turn down. Yet, for Brooks & Dunn, the offer led to some soul-searching. After all, the country duo is a legend in the country music business. They're used to headlining shows, not opening up for another act.
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In a recent appearance on Bobby Bones' 'The Bobbycast' podcast, Ronnie Dunn discussed the decision to open for Wallen, and why it's been mutually beneficial.
"We had to think about just all the implications and the perceptions, stuff of what would happen. And at first it was uncomfortable, 'cause you walk up there and go, 'Man, I'm the opening act!' in a scenario where we're used to headlining," Dunn said. "What it proved was he brings such a younger [audience]."
Wallen had first invited the country duo to join him on his 'I'm The Problem' tour in 2025. Dunn noted that since going on tour with Wallen, he and Brooks often stop their show midway through to ask the crowd how many are seeing Brooks & Dunn for the first time.
"Eighty percent of that audience goes off. Like, what? And that's what doing the Morgan show is all about," he said. "He tells me, 'The reason I have you guys up there is because of the people who say that I'm not country enough.' So it really works. It has worked well for both of us."
Brooks & Dunn Have Joined Morgan Wallen in Both 2025 and 2026
Clearly Brooks & Dunn are happy with the setup. Otherwise, why would they have joined Wallen in both 2025 and 2026? Moreover, if they weren't pleased with the situation, they wouldn't have signed on for seven additional shows. They'll be joining Wallen on his "Last Time I Checked" tour in 2027.
"I always want to give them their flowers. They have done so much for this genre and for music as a whole," Wallen previously said of the country duo. "Shoutout to them."
The partnership is proof that a rising tide can lift all ships. For Brooks & Dunn, they get to tap into a whole new audience. While for Wallen, he gets to have a legendary country act on his show, shutting down any talk of whether he's 'country enough,' at least for the time being.
