George Strait Left “Heartbroken” Over Death Of Another “Good Friend”

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George Strait’s Longtime Road Manager & Friend Tom Foote Dies

George Strait is “heartbroken” following the unexpected death of his longtime friend and road manager, Tom Foote.

In the early days, Foote played drums in Strait’s “Ace in the Hole” band. He eventually became the singer’s road manager and served in that role for 48 years.

Foote was at rehearsal with Strait and his band just hours before he died on Monday (April 29). Strait shared the news of Foote’s passing in a post on social media the following day (April 30).

“We lost another one of our good friends and a huge part of our musical journey yesterday,” Strait wrote. “Tom Foote, our one-time drummer and long-time road manager for around 48 years, suddenly passed away at his home after our rehearsal. The band and I were with him most of the afternoon and he was great. Just doing what he loved to do which was making sure we were taken care of.“

Strait ended his tribute with a heartfelt message for Foote, writing, “Rest in peace brother Tom. You will be hugely missed. I’ll see you down the road amigo.”

 

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George Lost Two More Friends Earlier This Year

Strait referenced how this is the third loss he and his band have experienced recently. His manager of 45 years, Erv Woolsey, died on March 20 due to complications from surgery.

Strait’s longtime fiddle and mandolin player, Gene Elders, died later that same day.

“Hard to believe we lost two of our music family members on the same day,” Strait wrote in a tribute to Elders on social media. He said Elders died “Shortly after we lost Erv,” but did not share a cause of death.

After losing Woolsey, Elders, and Foote within a matter of weeks, George Strait and his band are left feeling “heartbroken” without them.

“2024 is taking its toll on the Ace in the Hole group,” Strait wrote in his recent post announcing Foote’s death. “We’re all heartbroken to say the least.”

Strait’s next concert is scheduled for May 4 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis with Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town. The concert is the first in a series of stadium shows Strait has planned for this year. We can only imagine how difficult that show will be for him without Woolsey, Elders, and now Foote.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Foote’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.