It’s always fascinating to learn about the early days of celebrities and musicians, especially when their journeys to success are anything but straightforward. Luke Combs, a name that has become synonymous with modern country music, has a story that exemplifies this notion. Before he became a beloved country star, Combs was a bouncer, a role he humorously admits he wasn’t particularly good at.
In a recent conversation with the legendary Garth Brooks on the BIG 615 radio station, Combs opened up about his humble beginnings. The discussion, part of an ongoing series, delved into how Combs transitioned from working as a bouncer at The Town Tavern in Boone, North Carolina, to performing on stages across the country.
“I was a bouncer. Not a very good one, but I was,” Combs recalled. He lived above the bar, which made it convenient for him to work and pursue his passion for music. “I could just walk downstairs, go to work, come back upstairs… play guitar, you know whatever. And then eventually started getting shows there.”
Brooks, who has a knack for asking insightful questions, inquired about the timeline of Combs’ transition from part-time bouncer and musician to a full-time artist. Combs explained that his bouncer days were short-lived as his music career began to take off. “Not very long. By the time I left Boone, we were probably playing three nights a week minimum in Boone, then four to five nights a week around North Carolina.”
Combs reminisced about the early days of loading up gear in his bass player’s Chevy Avalanche and renting U-Haul trailers for gigs. “We had these speakers that were barely loud enough to play anywhere we went. It was a trip. I’m doing all of it. I’m cold calling bars trying to get gigs, and I’m making and sending press packets and mailing them out to people. I was just trying to get gigs because I was like, ‘This is my job. So I have to apply myself.’”
His dedication and work ethic were evident even in those early days. Combs treated his music career with the seriousness it deserved, which ultimately paved the way for his success. “I was always – unknowingly almost – moving myself towards the next goal,” he reflected. “Which was now let’s put a band together, now it’s get a show in another state, and then it’s get a show in South Carolina, then it’s visit Nashville, and then it’s put music out.”
Combs’ journey was marked by a series of small, incremental steps that led him to where he is today. “Until eventually, the next logical step is playing stadiums. It was always these baby steps. I wish I could say I was smart enough to have known at that time what I was doing, but I was just doing what I thought made sense.”
The conversation between Combs and Brooks highlighted the importance of perseverance and hard work in the music industry. Combs’ story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere, showing that success often comes from a combination of talent, dedication, and a willingness to hustle.
As Combs continues to rise in the country music scene, he remains grounded in his roots. He often reflects on the significance of the honky tonks and dive bars where he honed his craft. “Those were the best days, really,” he said, recalling the excitement of playing smaller venues. “You feel like you’re playing these rooms that – you start out in rooms that are smaller than that. If you can put 250, 300 people in a place you’re killing it, especially when you’re starting out.”
Despite his current success, Combs cherishes the memories of those early performances. “It’s all new, it’s all exciting, you’re achieving all these dreams that you’ve had. That’s what it is, man. You put 1,500 people in a honky tonk where you might have sold 800 tickets and the rest of the people might just be in there to go there. So you have an opportunity to gain new fans.”
Even as he sells out stadiums, Combs remains committed to connecting with new audiences. “It’s crazy to me that that’s still happening. We went and played in Dallas and I remember asking the crowd how many people had been to a show with me before and I was shocked at how few people were – like man, this is the first time that 30 or 40,000 people are seeing me, which is nuts.”
Combs’ love for performing is evident in every show he plays. “I just love playing music, I really do,” he said, emphasizing the joy he finds in sharing his passion with others.
As he prepares to open a new bar and entertainment venue in downtown Nashville, Combs is excited to create a space that reflects his journey and love for music. The venue, set to open in the summer of 2024, will be located on Second Avenue and aims to capture the essence of the honky tonks where he got his start.
“There’s going to be that streetfront area that’s going to have that honky tonk feel. That’s what I wanted it to have because that’s what I love the most,” Combs shared. He envisions a space that not only showcases his music but also serves as a gathering place for fans and fellow musicians.
In a city filled with competition, Combs sees his new venue as an opportunity to offer something unique to his fans. “I don’t see it as necessarily a competition. I guess from a business standpoint it probably is. But for me it’s an opportunity to do something for my fans that’s unique.”
With multiple levels and diverse spaces, the venue will cater to a variety of audiences, from songwriters to sports fans. Combs is determined to create an environment that feels welcoming and authentic, reflecting the spirit of the dive bars that shaped his early career.
As he looks ahead to the future, Combs remains grateful for the journey that brought him to this point. “Probably just the fans, honestly. It’s cool to be able to do anything with the fans,” he said when asked who he’s most excited to share a drink with at his new bar.
Luke Combs’ story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a love for music. From his days as a bouncer to becoming one of country music’s biggest stars, his journey is a reminder that success is often built on a foundation of humble beginnings and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
Source: BIG 615 Radio
