Amidst his headlining Backroad Baptism Tour, Jelly Roll took a few days to join Eric Church on Church’s sprawling The Outsiders Revival Tour, supporting the country star for two shows at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington on Saturday and Sunday along with Hailey Whitters.
Jelly Roll got to perform twice during Sunday night’s show, playing his own set before returning to the stage to join Church for a rendition of Church’s song “Homeboy,” from his 2011 album Chief.
Church stood at a microphone stand and played acoustic guitar during the song, which Jelly Roll took the lead for much of, receiving enthusiastic applause from the crowd. After the performance, Jelly Roll left the stage and shouted, “One of the greatest to ever do it y’all… Eric f—in’ Church!”
Watch Jelly Roll And Eric Church’s Live Duet Below
The “Need a Favor” singer had used X to express his gratitude at being able to open up multiple shows for Church. “Got to open a show up for the living legend Eric Church and it was special,” he wrote. “Thank y’all – headed down to do 2 nights at the Gorge- blessed.”
Church Offered Fans A One-Of-A-Kind Experience
During Sunday’s show, Church performed Chief and his 2015 album, Mr. Misunderstood, from top to bottom, a new experience for both the singer and his fans.
“Last night we did something that we’ve never done before,” Church wrote on X alongside a series of photos from the show, including a snap of himself and Jelly Roll on stage. “We played the entire Mr. Misunderstood and Chief albums from top to bottom. Thank you to those who joined us for such a special weekend.”
“This Tour Won’t Be Replicated”
The unique set list was one of many ways Church is making his current tour different from any of his prior treks, having previously told Rolling Stone that fans will never get the experience again.
“This tour won’t be replicated,” he said. “Once it’s done, we won’t do this again.”
The North Carolina native had also noted that much of the set list would consist of his most recent albums, 2018’s Desperate Man and his 2021 triple album, Heart & Soul, a decision he scrapped for Sunday’s concert.
“Most of [the set] is those two albums,” he explained. “If you’re coming to hear ‘Talladega’ and ‘Record Year,’ you ain’t gonna hear them. There are a ton of songs people are leaving going, ‘He didn’t play his hits.’ And, no, we didn’t.”
First-Ever Outdoor Amphitheaters
The tour is visiting exclusively outdoor amphitheaters, which Church did purposefully.
“We have never done an outdoor summer tour,” he said in a statement when the tour was announced. “Never headlined amphitheaters. Never brought a summer experience to your town that featured artists we want to share the summer with. Until now. See you in the season of sunshine with some fellow outsiders that shine brightest when the sun goes down.”
Eric Church And Jelly Roll Are Both On Tour
The Outsiders Revival Tour continues through the end of the month with support from Jelly Roll, Paul Cauthen and Whiskey Myers.
Previous support included Cody Jinks, Ashley McBryde, Koe Wetzel, Midland, Parker McCollum, Travis Tritt, Elle King, Jackson Dean, Morgan Wade, Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & The Saints, Lainey Wilson, Red Clay Strays and Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Jelly Roll will join Eric Church for one more show on September 16 and continues his own tour before and after that date. Meanwhile, the “NEED A FAVOR” singer’s Backroad Baptism Tour runs through October 14 with support from Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia and Yelawolf on select dates.
