When performing in Arkansas, Luke Bryan found himself in a difficult situation when he started to lose his voice. Not wanting to disappoint fans, he not only continued to perform by refunded their tickets. Although making the best of the situation, the country star had a new set of problems as he was scheduled to perform at the Country Stampede, Nebraskaland Days, and Country Jam Colorado all within three days. Having to cancel those performances, Bryan called on Eric Church to fill in. And even with not having a great deal of time to prepare, Church offered a memorable set in Kansas.
On Thursday, Bryan hoped to entertain fans at the Country Stampede, but sadly, he revealed on social media that he needed to cancel. “I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness. I’ve been hoping to rally, but my voice is just not there yet.” With Church stepping up to help Bryan, he didn’t ride into Kansas alone as he brought backup singer Joanna Cotten with him.
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I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness. I’ve been hoping to rally, but my voice is just not there yet.
— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) June 25, 2025
Huge thanks to my buddy @ericchurch for stepping in last minute — and of course, putting on a kick ass show like he…
Recalling the call he got from Bryan just a few days earlier, Church told the crowd, “Luke’s a little under the weather. And he said, ‘Man, I need a favor. We’ve got these three festivals.’ And I’ve played these festivals. I grew up playing festivals. And he said, ‘If I have to cancel, nobody’s gonna get to see a show those three nights. Will you go play the shows?’ I said, ‘Man, half my band’s out of the country.’ I said, ‘I can bring myself and a guitar.’…”
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Eric Church Entertains Country Stampede With “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll”
With Church having limited resources and crew, he promised Bryan and the fans, “I’m gonna give you everything I have with all I have. You guys give it back to me all night and we’re gonna have a hell of a night.”
Throughout the evening, Church offered the crowd a few classic songs from his discography, including the 2015 hit song “Mr. Misunderstood.”
While a stressful situation for both Bryan and Church, the country singer shared the importance of country music festivals and helping his fellow artists. “Festivals are part of the fabric of what made us who we are. Happy to fill in for Luke while he’s on the mend.”
Outside of performing alongside Cotten, he also got the crowd to help him when he covered the iconic song, “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll.”
Besides loving “Rock ‘N’ Roll”, Bryan is loving Church right now for helping him make the most out of the stressful moment.
(Photo by Kaylee Steffel/Shutterstock)
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