Keith Urban Announces 2011 Tour Dates

The fourth track on Keith Urban’s new album is titled “Long Hot Summer” and that’s exactly what the country singer is looking forward to with the announcement of the 44-U.S. dates on his “Get Closer 2011 World Tour.”

Urban is touring in support of his seventh studio album, Get Closer. He recorded the album after losing most of the music equipment he owned to last spring’s flood, which caused more than $2 billion in damages in Nashville alone. Get Closer was released last week on Capitol Records.

The summer trek kicks off June 16 at Mobile Civic Center in Alabama, with U.S. dates booked through an Oct. 15 gig at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Fans can also catch the tour in St. Louis (June 29), Boston (July 8), Philadelphia (July 15), Cleveland (July 21), Washington, D.C. (July 28), Nashville (Aug. 6), Cincinnati (Aug. 11), Dallas (Aug. 28), Seattle (Sept. 29), Los Angeles (Oct. 8), and Denver (Oct. 11).

Photo: AP Photo

CMA Awards, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn.

“Playing live is what it’s always been about for me,” Urban said in a statement on his website. “It’s creating in the moment, it’s the joy, the electricity, the unexpected, the passion and the unknown journey that we’re all taking together. I’ve always felt that the best live concert experiences tap into a deep need in all of us to feel a part of something … to belong. I’m bringing the big boom box and an arsenal of songs and I can’t wait to throw this party!!!!”

Urban promises the tour will feature all-new stage production as well as special guests.

Tickets go on sale beginning Feb. 11.

Earlier this year Urban picked up the best male video of the year award at the 2010 CMT Music Awards. He was also recognized as the favorite male artist at the People’s Choice Awards.

Click here for Keith Urban’s website.