Brooks announces new music

Brooks indicated in a Facebook posting that he had planned on releasing new material sooner than that.

"I was not confident in my own writing...it is a muscle and if you don't use it, you just can't turn it back on again...it takes time...but I DID hear you. And because of that, teamed with the touring schedule, I am asking a huge favor from you, I am postponing the release of the new studio record...I ask for your patience as I explore the writing again. I have been at it for over four months now, enjoying the challenge and enjoying the studio more because of it. This new album will be the most Garth thing I have ever done... whether that is a good thing or a bad thing, you will decide," Brooks said.

Brooks released "Man Against Machine" in November 2014 and has been touring since September 2014.

Brooks said he would also let his fans in on the process via Facebook live.

"I know this may sound crazy, but I would like to invite you in on the process...see how we make records and see what goes on behind the scenes of the making of a record, from the production of the music, the manufacturing of the package, to the release of the record which should be sometime this summer. I believe the g-team and Facebook have found a way to make this happen using Facebook LIVE like you have never seen it, to pull back the curtain on this process in a very cool and personal way. I really hope you are going to like this journey with me. Who knows? 2016 could be the best year, yet??"

"When it is over, I sincerely pray I look on the year and can say, "Miss Yearwood and the girls are healthy." For as you know, your family's health is truly all that matters. Here's to a healthy and happy 2016.

Brooks also thanked fans for their support of the tour. "First of all, I can NEVER thank you enough for making 2015 the busiest year of our career, yet! What a blast that was...it seemed it went by in a blink."

" This year has started off with a bang...Florida was LOUD!!! Opening night set the pace for the year. Baltimore waited out a blizzard and everyone showed up in a BIG WAY!!! Then...MY BIRTHDAY!!! Everyone was really sweet and it was, no doubt, the best one yet☺. South Carolina got me through a very hard time and turned a loss into a HUGE gain for the music!!! Then, Worcester...the "after-show" show is becoming my favorite thing!!! THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!! The response to this tour has taken all of us by surprise. I thank God and the people for it every day☺. The tour has shattered expectations and has put a serious kink in our scheduling (and I am NOT complaining!)."

The "after show" is most of the encore where Brooks plays mainly solo acoustic and takes requests from fans, who wrote down songs on signs.