George Strait just covered a country classic. During the opening night of the icon’s 2025 stadium tour, he decided to perform Waylon Jennings’ 1977 hit, “Luckenbach, Texas.”
The moment took place at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field in front of 52,000 fans on May 10, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Videos by American Songwriter
Per the outlet, before breaking out into the song, Strait told the crowd that he and his band hadn’t played the Jennings tune since the ’70s.
@countryminute The king of country music, George Strait, kicked off his 2025 stadium shows at Lincoln financial field in Philadelphia on May 10. During his massive 31 song set, straight broke out a cover of the Waylon Jennings classic “Luckenbach, Texas,” for what he said was the first in decades. Are you seeing George this summer? #countrymusic #georgestrait ♬ original sound – Country Minute
Aside from the impressive cover, the outlet reported that Strait played 30 songs over two hours. During his set, Strait said his 1982 song, “Amarillo By Morning,” was his favorite, the outlet reported.
The outlet further noted that, during the show, Strait welcomed a Purple Heart recipient onto the stage. After the Military Warriors Support Foundation gave the military man a new home, he dropped down to one knee and popped the question to his girlfriend, the outlet reported.
Strait’s set concluded with an encore, which featured songs like “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” per the outlet.
Before Strait’s time on stage, Parker McCollum opened the show. That was followed by a 75-minute set from Chris Stapleton.
George Strait’s Summer Tour
Strait and Stapleton’s Philadelphia tour stop was the first of five shows they’re set to play this summer. McCollum will join the men for a May 31 show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a June 14 show in Buffalo, New York, and a June 21 show in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Then, on July 19, Strait and Stapleton will be joined by Little Big Town when they play SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back. Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have,” Strait previously said in a press release. “Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year. “
Photo by Disney/Frank Micelotta
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage -
Musician Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda – and broader diversity initiatives – are wilting from a decade of concerted attack. Photographer: Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns -
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performs onstage with Thunderpussy at The Showbox on December 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images) -
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Luke Bryan answers holds a Super Bowl LI football during the Super Bowl LI Pregame press conference on February 02, 2017, at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 15: Abe Olman Publishing Award winner, Caroline Bienstock poses backstage at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 48th Annual Induction and Awards at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame) -
Carrie Underwood at the "Alan Jackson: The Last Show" concert special red carpet held at Nissan Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Schramm/Variety via Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Singer Gavin Adcock performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)