Eric Church recently took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry to mark its 100th anniversary, a monumental occasion for country music. Celebrating the rich history of the Opry on March 19, 2025, Church’s heartfelt performance resonated not only with the love for the genre but also served as an emotional tribute to the victims of the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting.
The Grand Ole Opry, a cornerstone of country music since its inception, played a significant role in Church's musical journey. "I was 14 years old when I went to the Opry for the first time. We visited Nashville and went to the Opry, so I knew the tradition of it," he recalled, a reflection on how he had long admired the venue and its storied performers. Church’s admiration for the Opry was influenced greatly by his grandmother, an avid listener throughout her life. He said, “My grandmother has listened to the Opry her whole life, so as a young kid, I can remember listening to it.”
In light of the tragic events that unfolded on October 1, 2017, at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, where 58 individuals lost their lives, Church's performance was imbued with both nostalgia and somber reflection. He stated that he felt shattered after having performed at the festival just days before the shooting. “On October 4 of 2017, I stood on this stage a broken man. I was shattered. I had just played what is now known as the deadliest mass shooting in US history,” he shared, offering a glimpse into the profound impact that event had on his life and career.
As he stood in front of a packed house for the centennial celebration, Church honored the victims with his poignant song, “Why Not Me.” The atmosphere turned heavy as the crowd listened intently, emphasizing the importance of remembrance during such moments of joy and celebration. “Paying homage to the Las Vegas massacre victims, solo and bathed in red, was chillingly poignant,” one observer remarked. “You could’ve heard a pin drop in this full house. Kudos to Eric… We mustn’t forget the horror of that day.”
An important aspect of Church’s relationship with the Opry is his personal history there. He first performed at this iconic venue on April 1, 2006, bringing his roots full circle. He recalled performing his debut single, “How 'Bout You,” as well as a last-minute rendition of “Black Betty,” which blended a sense of irreverence with respect. Church remembered, "It was funny — we thought, ‘Can we do Ram Jam at the Opry?’ It was a last-minute decision before the late show, right before we walked out onstage. I told the guys, ‘I’ll give you a thumbs up or thumbs down.’ So I gave them a thumbs up, and we went for it. And the crowd loved it.”
Reflecting on his debut, he noted how special it was to perform in front of his family, particularly his grandmother, who he described as his greatest supporter. “For her, there is nothing bigger than the Opry,” said Church, echoing her famous words, “The Opry’s bigger than Oprah.” His poignant tribute at the Opry 100 became not just about celebration but also a tribute to family, legacy, and the enduring spirit of country music.
The significance of this anniversary extended beyond personal memory, touching on collective grief and resilience. Performing at a venue that has birthed countless iconic moments in country music, he made an effort to connect past tragedies with current celebrations. Commenting on the emotional weight of the performance, Church said, “I’ve played a lot of gigs, but I’ve never felt this anywhere else. In that situation, it’s almost like everybody’s pulling for you.”
As country music lovers from all over gathered to commemorate this historic milestone, it was evident that the Grand Ole Opry remains a living testament to the resilience of the genre and its fans. Eric Church's performance was a reminder that music is more than entertainment; it serves as a medium for healing, reflection, and remembering those we have lost.
In light of this historic occasion, the intertwining of joy and sorrow paints a broader picture of the music community’s journey through tragedy and triumph. Eric Church’s heartfelt tribute combined with the centennial celebration of the Grand Ole Opry will linger in the hearts of fans and performers alike.
