You remember the first time you heard that deep, gravelly baritone vibrating through your car speakers back in 2006? It was "Alyssa Lies." It wasn't just a song; it was a gut punch that stopped everyone in their tracks. Fast forward nearly two decades, and the man behind the voice is still out there, grinding harder than ever. The Jason Michael Carroll tour 2024 wasn't some flashy, stadium-tour-sponsored-by-a-bank kind of deal. It was raw. It was sweaty. It was exactly what country music used to be before everything got so polished.
Honestly, if you missed him this past year, you missed a guy who has finally found his second wind.
Carroll didn't spend 2024 hiding in a Nashville writing room. He was everywhere from the 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis—which has basically become his second home—to tiny bars like Tipsy Teeze in Morgantown. He’s a road warrior. The schedule was relentless, hitting spots like the Ponderosa Lounge in Portland and the Toyota Event Center in Princeton. He’s not playing for the critics anymore. He’s playing for the people who still wear his 2009 tour shirts.
The Setlist That Made Us Forget It Was 2024
Walking into a JMC show in 2024 felt like a time machine, but with a new engine. He didn't just play the hits and leave. He played like he had something to prove. Usually, he’d kick things off with something high-energy like "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead" or "Waitin' In the Country." The energy in those rooms is different than a standard concert. It's more like a family reunion where everyone knows the words to the deep cuts.
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Of course, the heavy hitters were there. "Livin' Our Love Song" still gets the biggest sing-along, and yes, "Alyssa Lies" still makes grown men reach for a tissue. But what caught most people off guard in 2024 was the new stuff. He’s been testing out tracks from his upcoming Anthem project, and let’s just say, the hip-hop influence in "Nothin’ But Country" featuring Petey Pablo is a wild curveball that somehow works. It’s North Carolina pride at its loudest.
What Most People Get Wrong About JMC These Days
People think because he’s not on the CMT top 20 every week that he’s "retired." Far from it.
The biggest revelation of the Jason Michael Carroll tour 2024 was his sobriety. Jason has been vocal about being alcohol-free for over three years now. You can hear it in his voice. It’s clearer. The power is back. He’s mentioned on stage how his friend Ira Dean (formerly of Trick Pony) helped him navigate that transition back to the spotlight. Seeing him perform now, without a drink in his hand, there’s an intensity that wasn't there ten years ago. He’s present. He’s looking fans in the eye.
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He’s also leaning into his Marine roots more than ever. Partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps for Toys for Tots drives at his shows has become a staple. It’s not a marketing gimmick; it’s who he is.
2024 Tour Highlights: From Portland to Indy
If you look at the map of where he went, it’s a zig-zag of pure Americana. He hit the Huck Sansbury Recreation Complex in Roxboro and the Franke Center in Marshall. Most of these venues are intimate. That’s where he thrives.
One of the standout moments of the year was his recurring residency at 8 Seconds Saloon. He played there multiple times—January, March, April. Fans from Illinois and Ohio would drive five or six hours just to be front row. Why? Because after the show, he stays. He meets everyone. He signs the boots, the hats, the old CDs. That kind of accessibility is dying out in the industry, but Carroll seems to double down on it.
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He also dropped a new album titled Rest My Soul in early 2024. If you haven't heard the title track, go find it. It’s a return to form—soulful, dark, and deeply melodic. It set the tone for the whole year of touring.
What’s Actually Happening Next?
So, 2024 is in the rearview mirror, but the momentum hasn't slowed down. If anything, it was a warm-up. He’s already got dates booked for 2025 and 2026, including more stops at his favorite honky-tonks. The big news everyone is buzzing about is the Anthem album. It’s slated for an early 2026 release, and if the 2024 live previews were any indication, it’s going to be his most diverse record yet.
He’s bringing in his daughter for vocals on a track called "Pretty Wild Thing." He’s got "Sober," which is a raw look at his journey. And he’s still got those stadium-ready anthems like "Jeans Like That."
Practical steps for the JMC superfan:
- Track him on Bandsintown: Seriously, he adds dates at the last minute sometimes. Don't rely on old flyers.
- Check the local venue sites: Places like the Dusty Armadillo or Joe’s Live often have tickets before the big aggregate sites.
- Listen to the "Anthem" singles: Get familiar with "What Ever Happened to Heroes" before you head to a show so you can actually sing along.
- Bring a donation: If it’s near the holidays, check if his show is a Toys for Tots drop-off point.
Jason Michael Carroll isn't a "where are they now" story. He’s a "look what they're doing now" story. The 2024 tour proved that country music doesn't need a billion-dollar production to feel big. It just needs a guy with a guitar, a story to tell, and a voice that can still rattle the rafters. Keep your eyes on the 2025 schedule, because the Anthem era is just getting started.