Tim McGraw nearly quit music after surgeries, now back on tour

Tim McGraw told fans at a concert in Highland, California, on Oct. 25 that he nearly walked away from his music career this year after a series of surgeries and related physical and emotional struggles. The 58 year old country star said he had undergone four back surgeries and double knee replacements over the past few years and that the pain and setbacks left him depressed and considering retirement just before his most recent spring operation.

McGraw recounted the struggle from the stage at the Yaamava Theater, saying, "So I was seriously contemplating and figuring out how to walk away." He added that he did not want to quit but feared his condition would not improve. McGraw told the audience his health has since gotten better and acknowledged medical staff in the crowd who treated him and his wife, Faith Hill, who he said has also had multiple neck and hand procedures.

The experience helped inspire a new song, King Rodeo, which McGraw co-wrote with Tom Douglas and performed that night. He described the song as an exploration of aging and the changes that come with a physically demanding life. McGraw released a live version of the song earlier this year and has included it in...