Toby Keith Puts the Brakes on His American Ride Tour

Toby Keith's American Ride tour with Trace Adkins this year has been red-hot, but Toby doesn't see it becoming an annual event, despite rumors to the contrary.

"We'll probably give it a break," the superstar tells the Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Times-Leader. "But I can see us going at it again, after we get a couple years' separation [between tours]."

In the immediate future, Toby sees himself edging -- at least in some arenas -- toward mainstream country. He's already started the process with the December merger between his label Show Dog Records and Universal South, which formed Show Dog-Universal Music.

"It's been a really nice union. We [merged] artists, and right off the bat Joe Nichols had a No. 1 record (with 'Gimmie That Girl') and Trace debuted at No. 1 on the album charts [with 'Cowboy's Back in Town.'] We're a pretty good force."

Although Toby says he's tainted by an outlaw image, he sees the merger as a way to keep other artists on his label away from the negative consequences he's endured and also focus more fully on his own music.

"I'm kind of blackballed from the CMA [Country Music Association] for calling them corrupt and not participating in their bull," he says. "But the other acts on my label deserve it, and if they want to play that game and be in that political world, then they need somebody politicking for them -- I'm not their guy. But [Show Dog-Universal Music president] Mark Wright can be the guy to help them get the attention they need from the awards-show people."

Although Toby has made news as an actor and writer, notably for the 2006 film 'Broken Bridges,' and 2008's 'Beer for My Horses,' he says it took a toll on him personally and professionally.

"My music suffered, and my health suffered from doing too much and not getting enough sleep. I just wasn't on my game," he admits, adding he still receives scripts but simply doesn't have the time to pursue them. To go do a project, try to carry it and be the guy is just too much. I have to keep driving with my music."

Toby and Trace continue the 'American Ride' tour with their next concerts September 9 in Manchester, N.H. and September 10 in Scranton, Pa. For complete dates, check here. Toby's new album, 'Bullets in the Gun' is due October 5.