Introduction to Brooks & Dunn

The country music scene has been dominated by the sounds of the ’90s and early ’00s at NRG Stadium in 2025. This prevailing vibe has been evident in performances by artists such as Zach Top and Post Malone. On Saturday, March 22, Brooks & Dunn took to the stage, reminding 71,265 fans of their stranglehold on the country charts during the Clinton era.

A Career Spanning Decades

The duo’s impressive career began with the release of their debut album "Brand New Man" in 1991, followed by "Hard Workin’ Man" in 1993. These albums featured big choruses, crunchy guitars, hair metal drums, and politely raunchy wordplay, perfect for honky tonk dance floors and arenas. By 2009, their career-spanning greatest hits compilation had grown to span two discs, showcasing their prolific output.

A Legacy of Performances

Kix Brooks, 69, and Ronnie Dunn, 71, have been a staple of RodeoHouston, debuting at the Astrodome in 1992 and remaining an annual mainstay through 2010. Their iconic back-to-back stage pose has been imprinted on generations of fans over 19 shows. After disbanding for nearly half a decade, they were coaxed back to the stage by Reba McEntire and have since returned to NRG Stadium in 2019 and 2023.

Recent Releases and New Music

Brooks & Dunn’s latest releases include two editions of the Reboot album series, which feature collaborations with big country acts like Morgan Wallen, Kacey Musgraves, Megan Moroney, and Jelly Roll. These collaborations reimagine hits like "Neon Moon" and "Boot Scootin’ Boogie" with new moods and attitudes. Although they haven’t released an album of new material since 2007’s Cowboy Town, they have teased the prospect of writing new songs in recent interviews.

The Live Performance

The duo’s live performance kicked off with an extra punchy "Brand New Man," delivering a wall of surgically catchy Nashville sound. Brooks took the mic for "You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone," showcasing a voice that has aged like fine wine. Ronnie Dunn handled the rascally tunes, while Kix Brooks lamented his troubles at the end of the bar. Their biggest hits now come with an additional helping of rumpled road-weariness.

Highlights of the Setlist

The setlist featured a range of their greatest hits, including "Hard Workin’ Man," which got a hard rock makeover with four guitars upfront and some Motley Crue-biting drums. "Play Something Country" from 2005’s "Hillbilly Deluxe" was released as a reaction to that era’s identity crisis and has become a quaint time capsule. The crowd-pleasing "Neon Moon" provided the biggest singalong of the late afternoon, while "Rock My World – Little Country Girl" featured Brooks testing the limits of his lung capacity with an extended roadhouse harmonica solo.

Attendance and Setlist

With just one day left on the schedule, Brooks & Dunn has been the top-drawing act of the year, with 71,265 fans in attendance. The setlist included:

• Brand New Man
• My Next Broken Heart
• You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
• Ain’t Nothin’ ‘Bout You
• Red Dirt Road
• Lost And Found
• Never Forgive My Heart
• Hard Workin’ Man
• Play Something Country
• Cowgirls Don’t Cry
• Neon Moon
• Rock My World – Little Country Girl
• My Maria
• Boot Scootin’ Boogie
• Only In America

Conclusion

Brooks & Dunn’s performance at NRG Stadium was a testament to their enduring legacy in country music. With their unique blend of catchy melodies, crunchy guitars, and politely raunchy wordplay, they continue to thrill audiences and remind fans of their stranglehold on the country charts during the ’90s. As the top-drawing act of the year, they have solidified their position as one of the most beloved and iconic country duos of all time.