Chris Stapleton, the renowned country music star, has made it clear that he won’t be partaking in a unique Australian tradition known as a “shoey” during his upcoming tour stops in the country. The tradition involves drinking beer out of a shoe, with the drinker expected to wear the wet shoe for the rest of the evening. Stapleton, who is 46 years old, has politely declined to participate in this customary practice that has gained popularity among performers in Australia.
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In an interview with Australian news outlet news.com.au, Stapleton shared his thoughts on the “shoey” tradition. He mentioned, “I’ve heard about this. I asked somebody before I went on for the first night, ‘Is there anything that I should be prepared for?’ And then they’re like, ‘Yes, a shoey. They’ll want you to drink beer out of a shoe.’ And I said I will graciously decline to do that.” The country singer expressed his reluctance to partake in the trend but joked about the potential consequences of refusing, wondering if there would be any penalties or if the audience would respond by throwing things at him.
Stapleton acknowledged that while no one had directly asked him to do a “shoey” yet, he wouldn’t be surprised if his comments in the interview sparked new requests. He mentioned, “But no one has asked me to do that yet and maybe this interview will make someone want to do that. I don’t know. But I’m probably going to decline that request.” The singer’s decision sets him apart from other country artists like Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, and even pop sensation Harry Styles, who have all engaged in the shoey tradition during their performances.
The debate around the unhygienic practice of the shoey tradition is not new, with past participants expressing mixed feelings about the experience. Harry Styles, for example, shared his discomfort after doing a shoey in 2023, describing it as one of the most disgusting traditions he had witnessed. On the other hand, artists like Lizzo have engaged in the practice, albeit with reservations, emphasizing the unusual nature of drinking from a shoe.
As Stapleton gears up for his tour dates in Australia and New Zealand in February and March, followed by concerts in the United States starting in May, fans can expect a spectacular performance from the singer. Joining him on his U.S. tour stops are a lineup of talented artists, including Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Marcus King, Nikki Lane, and more. Stapleton’s All-American Road Show Tour is scheduled to conclude in October in Hollywood, Fla, promising a memorable musical experience for country music enthusiasts.
Stapleton’s decision not to participate in the “shoey” tradition adds a unique twist to his upcoming tour, showcasing his individuality as an artist and his focus on delivering exceptional music performances. As the anticipation builds for his tour stops, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Stapleton’s musical prowess on stage, making each concert a moment to remember for country music lovers.