Fresh Horses is a high energy tribute show band, now touring North America, that performs the hits of Garth Brooks.
Band leader Les Smith looks and sounds so much like Brooks that people comment that they forget they are watching a tribute act, officials say.
“I guess it started when I got into country music 10 years ago,” Smith said.
“I cut my hair and put a cowboy hat on . . . and what started happening was people came up to me and told me how much I looked like Garth Brooks,”
The long-time musician took a look in the mirror and discovered those people were right.
“Our features are kind of the same, his mannerisms are kind of the same as mine,” Smith said.
“I started thinking ‘Well, maybe I should try something that involves Garth Brooks.’”
Smith soon started performing Brooks’ songs on a casual basis with the other five members of his band.
Five years ago, he was approached by an agent, who encouraged him to hone the act and take it on the road.
Fresh Horses now tours from April to the end of October every year.
Smith said he prides himself on the authenticity of his performances.
“Everything’s authentic to Garth Brooks, the hat right down to the Wrangler jeans,” he said.
Although he is sometimes approached for an autograph by people believing he is the real Garth Brooks, Smith said he avoids playing along with the act.
“I always let people know who I am,” he said. “There are a lot of people in the business who take it too far.”
Fresh Horses is known for their professional attitude and excellent showmanship, officials say.
The show will take place at the Fergus Grand Theatre on Oct. 27 at 8pm.
