Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney kick off tour to Tampa

You could hear them coming outside Raymond James Stadium on Friday, but the sound check is nothing compared to when two music superstars join forces for Saturday's show.

It's expected to be one of the biggest music tours of the summer, and it all begins right here in Tampa.

"We're going to have a blast all summer long.  I think it's pretty special that Tim and I are out here together. He's the brother I never had," said Kenny Chesney.

Chosen family and the chosen name for their blockbuster show reflects that.

The "Brothers in the Sun" world tour kicks off with a stage in the endzone of Raymond James Stadium, right across from the famous pirate ship.

"I have talked them in to released that cannon out there right when McGraw sings his first song.  That thing is going to go off down there," Chesney said. 

"I'm always prepared for that.  Are you kidding me?  I'll sound better the louder the cannon is," Tim McGraw said.

The pair met at a restaurant in Nashville more than 20 years ago back when these headliners were struggling singers dreaming of the big time.

"We had ideas and we wanted to build our career, but we never had any idea it would get this big," McGraw said.

"It seems like we've always started in Florida for some reason or another," Chesney said.

As co-headliners they're ready to join forces and welcome fans.

"We're just excited to be still out making music and the people still want to hear it. We're very blessed.  Absolutely.  Very lucky to ever do this," Chesney said.

Their tour is about more than the music.

They'll be presenting homes, paid for in full, as a homecoming gift to soldiers at selected stops along the way.  One of the first presentations is in Tampa before Saturday's concert.