Eric Church Was Fired, But He Kinda Deserved It

Fun fact about Eric Church getting tossed from the Rascal Flatts tour: He wasn't the first country star to get axed for playing too long. He wasn't even first to get fired for playing too long in New York City!

Another legend did something very similar over 40 years earlier. This country king was literally carried off the stage so the show could continue without him. We're not encouraging any new artists to do the same, but we're saying that those who did have a 100 percent success rate ... well, eventually.

The act, the banishment and the rising of Eric Church are all part of Ep. 3 of the Secret History of Country Music Podcast. Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney have since weighed in on the night they told him to pack his Aviators and go home, admitting they don't regret it, but can now appreciate the humor in how Chief trolled them afterwards. Church likes to say that no one would touch him for years afterward, but that's not totally true. The fact is, he did sign on to a new tour pretty soon after being dumped.

Do you remember which future star was there for him?

Season 1 of the Secret History of Country Music Podcast is an extension of the popular video series of the same name, and a part of the Townsquare Media podcast network. Look for new episodes every Monday.

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: Eric Church