NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music legend Gene Watson is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his career-defining hit, “Love in the Hot Afternoon,” with a national tour in 2025. The single, which launched his major label journey with Capitol Records, soared to No. 3 on Billboard and was the No. 4 song of the year in 1975. The tour also marks a special milestone as Watson approaches his 81st birthday on October 11.
See Watson’s current list of tour dates below and purchase tickets at GeneWatsonMusic.com.
In 2024, Watson and the Bellamy Brothers joined together for a “sublimely country (MusicRow)” cover of the duo’s “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” which was released on Feb. 9 via Select-O-Hits. People.com exclusively debuted the music video for “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” where “the musicians perform the moving, nostalgic-sounding ballad together — with Watson’s twangy croon taking the lead on the vocals, Bellamy Brothers on guitar, the addition of two more guitarists, keys, percussion and two backing vocalists.” Shot just south of Nashville at Rory Feek’s Homestead Hall, the location and concept spotlights the simple and classic nature of the song, written by David Bellamy.
The Texas native’s most recent album Outside the Box, was released in Sept. 2022. The album ranked number four by Country Music People magazine’s editor on the Critics Choice list of 2022, stating Watson is, “As good as ever.” Outside the Box featured 12 tracks of Watson’s signature vocals with newly recorded songs as well as re-imagined hits across multiple genres, from Willie Nelson to Etta James.
Watson’s first single “If It’s That Easy” was released to radio in 1962 via Sun Valley Records. Since then, he has charted 75 titles including 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and five No. 1 gospel records. “The Singer’s Singer” continues to perform to sold-out crowds, singing in the same key as he did more than five decades ago and thrilling fans with his famous octave jumping ending to “Farewell Party” night after night.
GENE WATSON 2024 ALL THE HITS & MORE TOUR DATES:
Oct. 11 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 12 Kentucky Opry – Benton, Ky.
Oct. 19 Lincoln Theater- Marion, Va.
Oct. 20 Lincoln Theater – Marion, Va.
Oct. 26 Municipal Auditorium – Greenville, Texas
Nov. 2 The Oaks Event Center – Vidor, Texas
Nov. 9 Mansion Theater – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 14 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
Nov. 15 Social Circle Theatre – Social Circle, Ga.
Nov. 16 Newberry Opera House – Newberry, S.C.
Nov. 17 Tuck’s Bar & Grill – Minor Hill, Tenn.
Nov. 23 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Dec. 13 The Texas Theater – Waxahachie, Texas
Dec. 14 La Salle Steakhouse & Bar – Cotulla, Texas
Dec. 20 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 21 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 22 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
GENE WATSON 2025 ‘LOVE IN THE HOT AFTERNOON’ TOUR DATES:
Jan. 17 GEM Theatre – Calhoun, Ga.
Jan. 20 Key West, Fla. – PRIVATE
Jan. 31 Walhalla Civic Auditorium – Walhalla, S.C.
Feb. 7 Winstar Casino – Thackerville, Okla.
Feb. 26 Arlington Music Hall – Arlington, Texas
Feb. 28 Rome City Auditorium – Rome, Ga.
March 1 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
March 2 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
March 14 Heart of Texas Music Festival – Brady, Texas
March 22 Mayborn Auditorium – Temple, Texas
April 10 Bluegate PAC – Shipshewana, Ind.
April 11 Niswonger PAC – Greenville, Tenn.
May 2 Little Roy & Lizzy Festival – Lincolnton, Ga.
May 31 Old Town Theater – Huntsville, Texas
June 13 City Hall Performance Center – Marshall, Texas
June 14 Reno Bound Reunion – Bonham, Texas
July 12 The Pines Theater – Lufkin, Texas
July 18 Historic State Theater – Elizabethtown, Ky.
July 19 Jackson Live & Event Center – Seymour, Ind.
Aug. 9 Liberty Hall – Tyler, Texas
Aug. 15 Hippodrome Theatre – Waco, Texas
Aug. 21 Georgia Mountain Fair – Hiawassee, Ga.
Aug. 22 Reidsville Showcase Theatre – Reidsville, N.C.
Aug. 23 Liberty Showcase Theatre – Liberty, N.C.
Sept. 6 Paramount Theatre – Abilene, Texas
Sept. 13 11th Street Cowboy Bar – Bandera, Texas
Oct. 10 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 11 Municiple Auditorium – Greenville, Texas
Oct. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 8 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.