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Eric Church is one of the biggest names in country music, with multiple radio hits. So why does he think radio play and labels are irrelevant for up-and-coming artists? Keep reading to find out his controversial take on the subject.
Eric Church Calls His Gather Again Tour A ‘Pain In The A**’
In 2019, Eric Church embarked on the wildly successful Double Down Tour, playing for over three hours at each tour stop. Then the coronavirus pandemic struck, and he wasn’t able to tour again until 2021.
In fact, he was among the first big acts to hit the road as soon as restrictions were lifted. Unfortunately, he didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the audience. In a wide-ranging interview with Esquire, he revealed that his Gather Again tour made him consider quitting touring completely. What happened?
First, several members of his band were sidelined at various times during the tour after testing positive for COVID. More than one city was treated to an acoustic performance from Eric Church due to a lack of backing musicians.
Another issue was the changing restrictions in different cities across the country. “I hate to say it this way because there were good shows, but it was my least favorite,” he confessed to Esquire.
During the tour, he had a custom-built stage that he ended up hating. “Our stage sucked. I didn’t like playing in the round—I felt like I was turning my back on the audience every time I went somewhere. I did not have fun,” he said of the set-up.
The tour was such a “pain in the a**” that it made him rethink touring and if he wanted to continue.
Luckily for the Church Choir, the singer was invited to perform at a Jazz Fest that reinvigorated his love of live performances. He ended up performing his song “Cold One” without rehearsing it beforehand and loved the experience. “So I don’t know where that’s gonna go, but that’s what I’m after,” he said of what he hopes his tours look like in the future.
Who Knew He’s A Swiftie?
It’s hard to believe now, but Eric Church and Taylor Swift were once looking for their big break. Church thought he finally found his when he was hired as the opener for Rascal Flatts on their 2006 tour.
However, the “Heart On Fire” singer overstayed his welcome, playing too loud and too long. Rascal Flatts kicked him off the tour and he was replaced by none other than Taylor Swift.
Does Eric Church resent her at all? Absolutely not. He had nothing but compliments for Swift during his interview with Esquire, saying, “Her music and the quality of her writing at a very young age was great, and it’s gotten better.”
The tour isn’t the only thing we’re taking worldwide…….. 🌎 Been so excited to tell you all that The Eras Tour concert film is now officially coming to theaters WORLDWIDE on Oct 13! Tickets available now at https://t.co/Oyy6tFmfeV or on your local theaters website! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/rYJUpbHPJd
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) September 26, 2023
Why Eric Church Doesn’t Think Artists Need Radio Play Or Labels Anymore
Streaming and digital downloads are changing the music industry and country music is no exception. Country singer Toby Keith recently spoke out about the lack of radio play he gets now compared to his 90s heyday.
In Eric Church’s opinion, radio play isn’t important anymore. He pointed out to Esquire that some artists are out there “selling eight thousand tickets” without ever having a song on the radio.
“I don’t think you have to have radio now,” he says. “I don’t think you have to have a label, I don’t think you have to win CMA Vocalist of the Year—I don’t think any of that is necessary anymore.” – Eric Church, Esquire.
(Eric Church himself won CMA Entertainer of the Year in 2020.)
Oliver Anthony is a perfect example of what Church said. He had one of the biggest hits of the summer with the viral hit “Rich Men North of Richmond” without a label.
As for Eric Church’s career and music, he had this to say: “It’s probably going to get wilder.”
See you guys at @Stagecoach 2024. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 15 starting at 11am PT.https://t.co/hKVyxz54Rd pic.twitter.com/0opX1Gtp9T
— Eric Church (@ericchurch) September 7, 2023
Do you agree with him that radio play and labels are irrelevant in country music these days? Share your thoughts in the comments below.