Colt Ford made his triumphant return to the stage on Friday evening (Sept. 13) alongside Brantley Gilbert, marking his first live performance since suffering two major heart attacks in April of 2024. Gilbert surprised the massive crowd at his headlining World’s Largest Album Release Party, in celebration of his new album, Tattoos, with a special duet alongside one of his best friends: Colt Ford.
Colt Ford Returns To Stage For First Time Since Suffering Two Heart Attacks
The country music superstar, who kicked off the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix with his album release party, brought Ford’s signature microphone stand out on stage before shocking the crowd by introducing the “Workin’ On” singer to the stage.
“A few months back, Colt had two major heart attacks back to back. We actually were in the same state at the same time. So we were able to get into the hospital and to be completely honest with y’all, man, Colt, and I’ve been brothers for 20 years and when I left the hospital I didn’t know if I was ever going to see my brother again,” Gilbert explained.
Brantley Gilbert went on to share with the audience that Ford is doing much better and seems to have returned to his normal easygoing self. “That being said… the good news is he’s back to send inappropriate pictures on his cell phone and stuff. We kept his mic stand with us because I told him once the doctor clears him to play a show, he’s coming out with us,” he continued as Colt Ford entered the stage as the massive crowd erupted into cheers of excitement.
Ford then addressed the crowd, “I promised you I was going to get well enough to walk out on this stage with you here tonight. Guys, It’s been a long, tough road. This man is one of the reasons I’m still here. He fought for them to get me to another hospital, and they saved my life.”
Performed “Dirt Road Anthem” Together In Nashville
Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford then joined forces to perform “Dirt Road Anthem,” a track the pair of hitmakers co-wrote together that was recorded by Jason Aldean. The longtime friends delivered an energy-filled performance of the Aldean hit and traded verses of the tune, as Ford’s son and daughter watched from the front row.
“Yeah I’m chillin’ on a dirt road/ Laid back swervin’ like I’m George Jones/ Smoke rollin’ out the window/ An ice cold beer sittin’ in the console/ Memory lane up in the headlights/ It’s got me reminiscin’ on them good times/ I’m turning off of real life drivin’, that’s right/ I’m hittin’ easy street on mud tires,” Gilbert and Ford sang on the tune’s chorus.
As their one-song performance came to an end, Ford was overcome with emotion, with tears streaming down his face as he graciously thanked the crowd for their heartfelt welcome back to the stage. “I love y’all so much, thank you!” Ford said.
Gilbert then expressed a heartfelt gratitude that Ford survived the two heart attacks and was able to recover and return to the stage.
“I’m blessed enough to had that boy alive and still in my life. I don’t know what I would’ve done had he not made it. The doctor told him that there were so many people who came there half of his age and in twice as good of shape and never walked out. So, it’s a blessing to have him here, and here’s one of the reasons that were able to stand here tonight and play for y’all.”
Colt Ford Speaks Out After Making Triumphant Return To Stage
Following his return to the stage, Colt Ford took to social media and shared a clip of their performance, which he captioned, “Man, it felt good to be back out there, Y’all know I missed the Hell out of it! Thank you brothers @brantleygilbert for having me.” Ford ended his post with the hashtags: #BackAtIt #TestRun #Success.
Gilbert commented on the post, writing, “Can’t thank you enough for coming out! 🤘”
Brantley Gilbert’s World’s Largest Album Release Party also feature surprise guests Gary LeVox (of Rascal Flatts), Ashley Cooke, Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones.
