George Strait And The Heartbreaking Loss Of Tom Foote

George Strait and the members of his longtime backing band, the Ace in the Hole Band, are mourning another death in their ranks. The country icon turned to social media on Tuesday evening (April 30) to share the news that his former drummer and longtime road manager, Tom Foote, has died. This tragic announcement comes during a significant time for Strait, as he prepares for his upcoming stadium tour, which is set to kick off on May 4 in Indianapolis.

In a heartfelt post, Strait expressed his grief: "We lost another one of our good friends and a huge part of our musical journey yesterday. Tom Foote, our one-time drummer and long-time road manager for around 48 years, suddenly passed away at his home after our rehearsal." Strait's words reflect not just the loss of a friend but the profound impact Foote had on his musical career and the Ace in the Hole Band.

As they grieve, the band members are reminded of the importance of their shared experiences. Strait noted, "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." This statement underscores the deep bond shared among the band members and the lasting legacy that Tom Foote leaves behind.

Tom Foote was instrumental in George Strait's rise to fame. He began as the drummer for a band called Stoney Ridge in 1975 before Strait joined as their new singer. The band evolved into the Ace in the Hole Band, and Foote played a pivotal role throughout Strait's career, first as a drummer and then as a road manager until his passing. His dedication and love for music will be missed not only by his bandmates but also by countless fans who have followed Strait's journey over the decades.

The loss of Tom Foote comes just over a month after Strait experienced two other significant losses in his band. On March 20, 2024, he announced the death of his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, who had been with Strait for 45 years. The very next day, the band mourned the passing of fiddle player Gene Elders. This series of losses has undoubtedly weighed heavily on the Ace in the Hole group, leaving them heartbroken as they continue to prepare for their upcoming tour.

As the Ace in the Hole Band looks ahead to their tour, they carry with them the memories of their beloved friend and colleague. George Strait's tribute to Foote not only honors his legacy but also serves as a reminder of the close-knit community that exists within the world of country music. Fans and fellow musicians alike will remember Tom Foote for his contributions to the genre and the impact he had on those around him.

While the cause of Tom Foote's death has not been publicly announced, funeral plans are yet to be disclosed. As the music community continues to mourn these losses, they unite in remembering the lives and legacies of those who have shaped the sound of country music.