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Eric Church takes audiences to church (truly though)
Eric Church surprised fans at Stagecoach with a gospel-infused set that included covers of Leonard Cohen, Tupac, and even Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice.” The unconventional performance left some festivalgoers heading for the exits, but Church’s rendition of “Springsteen” and the talented choir accompanying him were undeniable highlights. While the meaning behind the set remains unclear, it’s evident that Church was aiming for something different. Despite not meeting expectations, his unique take on the performance showcased his versatility as an artist. Ultimately, Church took Stagecoach to church, but the festival had its own plans in mind.
Eric Church has a reputation for being one of country music’s true rebels, with songs such as his quaking blue collar anthem “How ‘Bout You” that asks “I like my country rocking, how ’bout you?” But that’s not the same guy who showed up to Stagecoach as a headliner on Friday.
After a lengthy church organ song played as the intro, Church appeared seated on a stool in front of stunning set of red stained glass windows on the production screen and began playing Leonard Cohen’s “Halleluiah” before he was joined by backing vocalists for “Mistress Named Music,” then a choir for “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “This Little Light Of Mine,” “When The Saints Go Marching In,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “I Saw The Light” and more.
The unplugged jam session sent festivalgoers for the exit of the Empire Polo Club starting about 15 minutes in, a sight that could be best described as Moses parting the Red Sea. It was a surprising move by Church, considering his recent setlists appear to be in line with the type of show many were probably expecting him to perform during his third appearance at Stagecoach.
There was a memorable moment when Church began singing a country and gospel version of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” and the line “I got a pocket full of rubbers and my homeboys too” never sounded more bizarre in the same set as gospel songs. He continued on with 2Pac’s “California Love.”
An hour and six minutes into the set, Church still hadn’t said more than “How you guys doin’?” but he did finally play his hit “Springsteen,” one of the true highlights of the baffling set. The other highlight was the talented choir that joined him the entire set, and the various solos that many of its members got towards the end.
So why did he chose to do a gospel set with the occasional country ballad (and even a Tupac song)? I think we’re all still curious what the meaning behind the set was, but it’s clear he was trying for something different.
It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t what people wanted.
Church took Stagecoach to church, but Stagecoach had other ideas in mind, even after Jelly Roll’s many references to Jesus and the Bible earlier in the evening.
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.
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Eric Church took audiences by surprise at Stagecoach with a set that was anything but traditional. Known for his rebellious spirit and rocking country anthems, Church decided to switch things up and deliver a gospel-infused performance that left fans scratching their heads.
The show began with an unexpected church organ intro, setting the stage for what was to come. Church appeared on stage, surrounded by a backdrop of stunning red stained glass windows, and kicked things off with a soulful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” From there, he was joined by backing vocalists and a choir for a medley of gospel classics, including “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “I Saw The Light.”
The decision to veer away from his usual setlist caught many off guard, with some festivalgoers even heading for the exits early on. However, Church continued to push the boundaries, incorporating unexpected covers such as Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” and 2Pac’s “California Love” into the mix.
Despite the unconventional nature of the performance, there were standout moments that shone through. Church’s performance of his hit song “Springsteen” was a highlight, as was the incredible talent of the choir that accompanied him throughout the set. While the set may not have been what fans were expecting, it was clear that Church was aiming for something different and unique.
The question still remains: why did Church choose to deliver a gospel-infused set at a country music festival? While the meaning behind the performance may be up for interpretation, one thing is certain – Church took audiences to church in a way they never expected.
In the end, Stagecoach had other plans in mind, showcasing a different side of Church that left fans intrigued and perhaps a little baffled. Despite the mixed reactions, it’s clear that Church’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries is what sets him apart as a true artist.
In conclusion, Eric Church’s unexpected performance at Stagecoach may not have been what fans were expecting, but it certainly left a lasting impression. By taking audiences to church in a truly unique way, Church proved that he is a true rebel in the world of country music.
