Eric Church Surprises Ashley McBryde Fans With 'Midnight Rider'

Ashley McBryde played the first of three straight shows at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on Thursday night (Aug. 26), and she started big. Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Eric Church joined her for a cover of the Allman Brothers Band's "Midnight Rider."

The crowd went wild when Church took the stage alongside McBryde (shoutout to opening act Lainey Wilson's Instagram Story for the proof). The two have split a bill and even shared the stage previously. In 2019, the sang Church's song "The Snake" at the ACM Awards. It was an unusual song choice for a mainstream event, but the performance received positive reviews.

On Thursday night, they chose a song released 41 years ago. The Allman Brothers Band dropped "Midnight Rider" as a part of the Idlewild South album and it would become among their most famous songs.

Between fan favorites and radio singles, McBryde performed at least one new song. CMT shares that she sang "Whiskey and Country Music," a song written during the pandemic quarantine. The "Girl Goin' Nowhere" singer has two more shows planned for the Ryman, as part of her This Town Talks Tour. On Friday she'll play with Caylee Hammack opening. On Saturday, Caitlyn Smith will open.

Church is set to begin his Gather Again Tour on Sept. 17 in Lexington, Ky. He has played several festival dates this summer.

The Top 10 Eric Church Songs — Country Music’s Most Important Modern Artists [No. 21]

Eric Church has built his career by doing things his own way. Since releasing his debut album, Sinners Like Me, in 2006, the North Carolina native has become one of country music's most respected artists thanks to his rebellious spirit, electrifying live shows and knack for writing unforgettable songs.

From "Springsteen" and "Drink in My Hand" to "Talladega," "Record Year" and "Hell of a View," Church has amassed a catalog packed with hits and fan favorites. Narrowing that list down wasn't easy, but these are the 10 best Eric Church songs, ranked.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Filed Under: Ashley McBryde