This week, Billy Bob’s Texas launched a renovation of its showroom. The general manager explained they had originally planned on a standard golden shovel situation, but Fort Worth demands a better show from the world’s largest honky tonk.

Randy Rogers and Josh Weathers held a golden guitar ceremony, hacking at one of the pillars they’re removing.

Randy Rogers will be the first to play the renovated showroom later this month.

Josh Weathers will play the following weekend.

Maybe I’m doing it wrong. I’ve lived in Fort Worth almost almost a decade, but I’ve considered the Stockyards to be the Times Square of North Texas. I take family there when they visit, but I don’t often go unless I want a tourist experience.

I’ve seen several shows at Billy Bob’s. In fact, I’ve seen Josh Weathers there before, but I can’t say I’m a connoisseur. And Billy Bob’s was apparently aware of that. They’re removing pillars to take out obstructed views. They’re also raising the ceiling. That’ll improve acoustics but also give artists more room to move around.

Turns out Trace Adkins’ “Songs About Me” could have included a verse about being too tall for the Billy Bob’s stage.

And the GM of Billy Bob’s explained even Tom Jones thinks I’m doing it wrong.

Tom Jones also considers Billy Bob’s the Ryman of Texas. Or whatever is the Ryman of the UK is. Let’s say Abbey Road. In fact, like many up-and-coming artists, Jones had apparently been trying to break into Fort Worth for a while.

I look forward to hearing his take on the Boot Scootin’ Boogie.