Country music star Chase Rice is stepping away from full-scale touring in 2026, marking the first time in 13 years he’s paused his road schedule. This decision follows a hectic 2025, during which he brought his “Go Down Singin’ International Tour” coast-to-coast, dropping new music and expanding his schedule multiple times.
Why Now? A Grueling 2025 Tour Cycle
2025 became one of the busiest years of Rice’s career. He launched the “Go Down Singin’ International Tour” in March, hitting major cities across the U.S., Canada, and even internationally. As fan demand soared, he added 24 new dates in spring and another 13 dates later in the year — pushing his run deep into fall.
By November, fans reporting show after show noted the intensity: months on the road, packed venues, long travel — it all stacked up. The nonstop cycle of shows draws heavily on energy, time, and vocal endurance. For Rice, the schedule appears to have taken its toll.
At the same time, Rice has remained creatively active. He dropped new music in 2025 and kept releasing songs during the tour, balancing concert life with studio time. The dual demands of producing music and performing nightly reportedly contributed to his decision to take a step back.
What Rice’s Statement Means: Pause, Not Goodbye
In his announcement of the break, Rice emphasized that this is a pause — not a retirement. He confirmed there will be no full national tour in 2026. However, he left the door open to a handful of live appearances, particularly at festivals and special events.
Those still hoping to see him live may get lucky: rumblings suggest he might appear at select festivals or one-off concerts next year. But for fans used to a constant stream of tour announcements and ticket sales, 2026 will likely feel quieter.
For now, the official touring map shows fewer dates, and no major tour routing has been scheduled. A major factor appears to be Rice’s desire to rest, regroup, and recharge after more than a decade of relentless touring.
What This Means for the Artist — and His Music
Taking time off the road could offer Rice several long-term benefits:
- Creative Reset: Freed from the nightly grind of concerts, Rice can dedicate more time to songwriting, studio sessions, and refining his next album — possibly exploring new sounds or themes.
- Personal Recovery: Touring can be grueling physically and mentally. This break gives Rice space to rest his voice, recover from travel fatigue, and spend time away from the road.
- Strategic Comeback: Exiting on pause gives Rice room to plan a comeback that may reintroduce him with fresh music, renewed energy, and perhaps a different artistic direction.
For fans, the break may feel disappointing, especially for those hoping to catch him on tour next year. But if Rice uses this downtime wisely, his return may bring richer performances and deeper music.
Could 2026 Still Feature Some Live Shows?
Yes — but only on a limited scale. While the full tour is shelved, Rice’s announcement and current scheduling allow for the possibility of festival appearances, benefit concerts, or occasional headline shows. He hasn’t ruled those out.
This approach isn’t uncommon for artists seeking balance: some take periodic breaks from touring, then book selective shows to stay connected to fans — without the full commitment of a traditional tour.
So, while 2026 won’t offer a typical tour run, die-hard fans should keep their eyes peeled for surprise gigs or festival slots.
What It Signals for the Broader Country Scene
Rice’s decision reflects a growing trend among major artists: after years of nonstop touring, there’s increasing emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and creative integrity. Touring nonstop can lead to burnout, vocal strain, and diminishing returns. By taking a break, Rice sets an example: success doesn’t always mean nonstop touring — sometimes it means stepping back to preserve what matters.
It also underscores how the music industry may evolve. As streaming, social media, and digital presence continue to matter, artists may choose to prioritize recording quality music over relentless touring schedules.
The Road Ahead for Chase Rice
What comes next is anyone’s guess — but several possibilities stand out:
- A creative near-silence for several months, culminating in a new album or project.
- A handful of high-profile festival or one-off performances to maintain connection with fans.
- A thoughtful, well-planned return to touring in 2027 or later, refreshed and reinvented.
For now, fans can view 2026 as a pause — a recalibration — for Rice. And if history is any indicator, what comes next could be even more distinct, meaningful, and powerful than what came before.
We’d love to hear from you — what do you think this break will mean for Chase Rice’s music and future shows?