Jason Aldean riding wave of headlines, new songs into Rupp Arena concert

Country music reconvenes at Rupp Arena on Oct. 23 with the return of Jason Aldean, fresh off the Top 5 success of his recent duet single with Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You.”

Aldean has long been a favorite of Lexington audiences, from regional club shows early in his career to mid-size showcases (including a New Year’s Eve outing at Heritage Hall) as stardom began to build to numerous headlining dates at Rupp and Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Especially noteworthy was a sellout 2009 performance at the latter venue (then known as Applebee’s Park) where Aldean and show-opener Miranda Lambert performed during non-stop rainstorms.

Aldean is making headlines this fall for activities on and off the county charts. Over the next few months, he will gradually release music from a 30-song album named after his hometown, “Macon, Georgia.” A total of 15 tunes will surface on Nov. 12. The rest will roll out sporadically until album’s official full release in April 2022.

The singer has also gained notoriety in recent months for giving voice to his political and pandemic views. Both he and wife Brittany have been outspokenly critical of President Biden.

Aldean also gave an audience his opinion on pandemic-related mask-wearing at a Jones Beach Theater performance in Wantagh, N.Y. The concert was held on Aug. 7, when the Delta variant of COVID-19 was triggering a nationwide increase in coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations.

“The coolest thing to me right now is that I’m looking out, seeing all you guys, and I don’t see one (expletive) mask,” Aldean told the Jones Beach audience.

At this time, event organizers for Jason Aldean are not requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for fans attending the show. If there is any notification of a change, ticket holders will be notified immediately through an email to the original purchaser of the ticket.

According to COVID guidelines on Rupp Arena’s website, “While there is no requirement to wear a mask at this time, patrons are encouraged to wear a mask at Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center events. Venue staff and event crew members will be wearing masks during events until further notice.” CDC guidelines recommend masks for those not fully vaccinated, according to Rupp.

Jason Aldean

Opening sets by Hardy, Lainey Wilson and Dee Jay Silver

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23

Where: Rupp Arena

Tickets: $23.50-$118 through ticketmaster.com