The group behind classics like “Elvira” and “American Made”, The Oak Ridge Boys spent several decades touring the country, releasing albums, and leaving their mark on the music industry. Their legacy appeared timeless as each passing year brought another set of performances. And in 2015, the band landed in the Country Music Hall of Fame. But it all seemed to come to an end in 2023 when the band announced one last tour, yet they continue to perform today. With some fans confused, singer Duane Allen revealed why the band decided to keep going.
Back in 2023, the Oak Ridge Boys announced they would retire after the American Made: Farewell Tour. Not leaving much room for confusion, since it read “Farewell Tour”, the band never stopped playing. And now, with two years passing, Allen explained why they have a slew of tour dates throughout 2025.
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Although Allen prepared to step away from the spotlight after their tour in December 2024, he revealed that his fellow band members William Lee Golden, Ben James, and Richard Sterban urged him to continue on. “They said, ‘We’ve all talked, and we want to keep working. We’re not through singing yet.’”
[RELATED: The Oak Ridge Boys Share a Major Change of Plans for 2025]
Duane Allen Admits “I Have No One To Come Home To”
While continuing to schedule shows, Allen didn’t see an end to the Oak Ridge Boys. Having poured six decades into the band, he insisted it was all he had. “Right now, I don’t have any end date in sight. I just started my 60th year with the Oak Ridge Boys, and I have no one to come home to.” The singer continued, “Singing and the fans on the road, they’re all my family now. And this group of guys I work with, we all love each other, and we love what we do. So I don’t know when the end date will be.”
Thanking God for their continued success, Allen revealed he would step away when God “made up” his mind. “The fact that God has blessed us for so many years … when He gets His mind made up that we’ve done enough, He will tell us, ‘It is enough. Go on home.’”
Recording, performing, and touring, fans can rest easy knowing that the Oak Ridge Boys aren’t ready to call it quits just yet. But like all things, the end will eventually come. But until then, there is nothing to do but enjoy the legacy of the Oak Ridge Boys.
(Photo by Tammie/AFF-USA/Shutterstock)
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