Garth Brooks Announces New Record Deal, World Tour

Oklahoma's country music mega-star Garth Brooks and Sony Music announced a new record deal and plans for a world tour during a live news conference on his web site Thursday.

Garth announced his retirement from touring in 2001 to spend more time with his three daughters.

"We're excited about working with Garth to bring his new music to his fans," said Doug Morris, CEO of Sony Music.

12/9/2013 Related Story: Garth Brooks Starts Three-Year World Tour In 2014

"Today I feel very lucky to join Sony Music," said Brooks. "I'm scared, yes. Old, yes. I wanna thank God and everyone who has given me a second chance.”

In 2009, Garth Brooks announced he had come out of retirement to perform at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. He said he had agreed to perform at the casino for five years, until his youngest daughter headed off to college.

10/15/2009 Related Story: Garth Brooks Comes Out Of Retirement To Sing In Las Vegas

His one-man Las Vegas show was a sold-out event.

"New music is coming. I can't tell you when, because we don't know at this point," Brooks said.

Brooks will allow his music to be sold digitally on GarthBrooks.com in the coming weeks. Up until now he has never allowed his music to be sold digitally.

Brooks has canceled his shows in Ireland which were set for July 25 - 29 at Croke Park. He had sold out three shows and then added two more, only to be told at the last minute that a city ordinance would only allow three. At the news conference, Brooks expressed love for the Irish people and blamed the situation on a politician.