Introduction
Travis Tritt Reflects on Glenn Frey’s Influence — and Shares Why He Declined Touring With Riley Green
Country music legend Travis Tritt has long been recognized for his soulful voice, authentic storytelling, and the respect he commands across generations of artists. Recently, Tritt opened up about two defining moments that illustrate both his deep reverence for musical history and his pragmatic view of the changing landscape of the music industry.
In a heartfelt tribute to Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey, Tritt described what it was like to be around the rock icon and the lasting inspiration he drew from him. The two first connected during the recording of Tritt’s cover of the Eagles’ classic “Take It Easy” for the 1993 tribute album Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles. At Tritt’s request, members of the Eagles — including Frey, Don Henley, Don Felder, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit — joined in the music video, marking their first performance together in more than a decade. That collaboration helped set the stage for the band’s celebrated Hell Freezes Over reunion tour the following year.
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Reflecting on Frey’s legacy, Tritt spoke of the humility and generosity that defined him. “He didn’t have to stop and encourage anybody, regardless of their stature in the business,” Tritt said, highlighting Frey’s down-to-earth nature despite his immense success. For Tritt, being in Frey’s presence was more than just a professional encounter — it was a reminder of why many musicians pursue this art in the first place.
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But as much as Tritt honors the music of the past, he also acknowledges the realities of the modern music business. A recent flashpoint for many fans and industry watchers was the revelation that Tritt once passed on a touring opportunity with rising country star Riley Green — not because of musical differences, but for a reason that may seem unlikely to traditionalists.
According to Green’s recounting on The Pat McAfee Show, he was once in line to open for Tritt. However, the opportunity was ultimately withdrawn because Green did not yet have a substantial social media following — specifically on Facebook — at a time when digital presence increasingly influences touring decisions. “I was like, ‘I don’t even really have Facebook. What’s that got to do with anything?’” Green said, laughing at the memory. This unexpected criterion illustrates how the industry’s emphasis on metrics has reshaped even veteran artists’ touring choices.
The Boot
For his part, Tritt’s decision — and the story behind it — underscores the balancing act between honoring musical roots and navigating a business that now often measures success by online engagement rather than purely by musicianship or heritage.
From his admiration of Glenn Frey’s timeless influence to his pragmatic tour planning in the digital era, Tritt’s journey offers insight into how a seasoned artist adapts to music’s evolving rhythms while staying grounded in its soulful heart.