The world hasn’t forgotten about Chris Gaines.
It’s now been 20 years since the country giant took the left turn to end all left turns in his career. In 1999 Brooks assumed the alter-ego of “Chris Gaines,” a troubled rock star with jet-black hair and soul-patched chin.
He released a full album as Gaines, which was accompanied by a real VH1 “Behind the Music” laying out his fictional backstory, an appearance on “SNL” and plans for a feature film.
The album did go double platinum and scored Brooks his first and only pop hit, but it was clear that fans and critics didn’t get Chris Gaines. Within six months, his alter-ego vanished, for good.
However, a group of fans in Nashville are bringing Chris Gaines back — in spirit, at least — for one night.
On September 28, “Gainesfest 2019: A Celebration of The Life of Chris Gaines” will be held at East Nashville bar The Cobra.
The free event will feature a tribute band, a Chris Gaines look-a-like contest and Gaines-inspired art for sale.
The event falls on the 20th anniversary of the release of the album “Garth Brooks in…the Life of Chris Gaines.”
