Eric Church is one of the most unique artists in the history of country music. Live shows that go 200 minutes or more, set lists that get near 40 songs a night, secret album releases, duets and appearances with some of country music’s finest, including the late Merle Haggard and George Strait, its no secret how he has earned himself one of the most rabid fan bases in all of music, but what might set him aside more than anything else, is his ability to associate a city with a sound, and unleash cover songs that others wouldn’t try attempting. Eric has appeared on several tribute albums dedicated to legends, Waylon Jennings and Gregg Allman to name a few, but he also set out to dedicate a special moment on his 2017 Holdin’ My Own Tour in the shape of a cover song dedicated to each different stop on the tour. Here are some of our favorites from over the years, but really this is just the tip of the iceberg.
10. ‘Red Rocks Medley’
Church’s 2016 two night stand at the famous Red Rock Amphiteathre in Colorado might go down as a highlight moments in his career, announcing his 2017 tour plans, and performing songs from his recently released ‘Mr. Misunderstood,’ but none more special than the latter half of ‘Mistress Named Music.’ As the song wore to an end, Church transitioned to a medley of songs that have shaped his career, Bob Seger’s ‘Like a Rock,’ Kenny Loggins’ ‘Danny’s Song,’ Little Feat’s ‘Willin,’ Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man,’ and wrapping it up with George Strait’s ‘Troubadour.’ Later released as an EP, allowed listeners a peak inside this incredible performance.
9. ‘Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More’
Recorded in January of 2014, Eric got together with some of southern rocks finest musicians to celebrate the life and legacy of Gregg Allman, later turned into an album titled ‘All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman.’ Those of us lucky enough to attend his Manchester, NH stop on his 2017 tour were treated with a live performance of this tribute, joined on stage at the SNHU Arena by former Allman Brothers Band member, Chuck Leavell.
8. ‘Country Boy Can Survive’
Primarily found in set lists during the ‘Chief’ era, this nod to Hank Williams, Jr’s famous hit even found its way into the vinyl edition of Eric’s first live album, ‘Caught in the Act.’
7. ‘Seminole Wind’
At his stop in Tampa, Florida on May 4th, 2017 during the last leg of his record breaking ‘Holdin’ My Own’ tour, Eric told the audience that he struggled finding a song that tied to Tampa, until listening to the radio the day before and hearing John Anderson classic, ‘Seminole WInd.’ With less than a full day to nail it down, Eric and his band delivered one of his most memorable covers of the tour.
6. ‘Lonesome, On’ry and Mean’
On July 5th, 2015, some of country music’s greatest got together to celebrate the life of the late Waylon Jennings. Later released as an album, Eric’s dedication of ‘Lonesome, On’ry and Mean’ arrives near the end, and leaves a lasting impression.
5. ‘Midnight Rider’
The final night of this year’s Holdin’ My Own Tour was hosted at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, bringing joy to many, but also its fair share of sorrow. Earlier that day the music world was shocked upon learning the death of one of the greatest singers in rock & country history. Eric took note, and decided to dedicate the night to the late Gregg Allman with this rendition of ‘Midnight Rider.’
4. ‘Cowboys Like Us’
While this may not be entirely a cover song, there is no way that this collaboration with George Strait could be left off the list, first performed at Strait’s farewell from the road concert in Dallas, Texas, and later performed at the 2014 CMA Awards.
3. ‘The Weight’
A favorite of the Chief’s cover songs to play, there are many differant performances of this classic from The Band to choose from, but this one from May of 2015 in Bozeman, Montana, sharing the stage with Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton, and Joanna Cotton is our favorite.
2. ‘Hallelujah’
Eric has been long performing this Leonard Cohen classic, but made it a staple of his live shows as the song he appeared on stage to. It’s inclusion on his live album, ‘Mr. Misunderstood On The Rocks: Live and Mostly Unplugged‘ has made it not only a favorite cover amongst fans, but a favorite song.
- ‘The Ballad of Curtis Loew’
Originally recorded for ‘Sweet Home Alabama: The Country Music Tribute,’ Eric was featured alongside Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, and more, but from the beginning it was clear that Church’s rendition of ‘The Ballad Of Curtis Loew’ was miles ahead of the other songs on the album. Bringing a new, fresh sound to a southern rock classic is a near impossible task, but Eric made the song his own, and has been piecing it into set lists since.