George Strait delivered a standout live performance of “New Year’s Countdown / Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve 1986 at Dallas’ Reunion Arena, capturing a moment where tradition and country music came together seamlessly. As the clock ticked toward midnight, Strait and his band marked the transition from 1986 into 1987 with a heartfelt blend of the classic New Year’s anthem and his signature country style.
The performance took place during a concert filmed on December 31, 1986, which featured several of Strait’s hits from that era. In later years, fans circulated recordings of the “New Year’s Countdown / Auld Lang Syne” segment, preserving the moment as a rare glimpse into how the country star welcomed a new year—equal parts celebration, reflection, and unmistakable George Strait charm.
At that point in his career, Strait was already gaining momentum as a rising force in country music. Having formed his Ace in the Hole Band earlier in the decade, he had built a reputation for tight musicianship and consistently powerful live performances. That chemistry was on full display as the band carried the crowd through the final moments of the year.
The New Year’s Eve performance now stands as a snapshot of Strait’s early live energy, pairing his growing star power with one of the most enduring traditions in music. “Auld Lang Syne,” long associated with remembering old friendships and welcoming what’s ahead, took on new warmth through Strait’s country interpretation.
Though George Strait would go on to define generations of country music with countless hits, this 1986 New Year’s Eve performance remains a special early chapter—an intimate reminder of a time when his career was accelerating and fans were just beginning to associate his voice with life’s most meaningful moments, including the arrival of a brand-new year.