Luke Combs’ bandmates aren’t just anybody — they’re family. And while some of them have gone on to pursue other dreams, they will always remain close.
That was proven over the weekend during Combs’ hometown show, which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, at Bank of America Stadium as part of his ongoing 2023 World Tour.
Rob Williford, a longtime member and guitarist of Combs’ band, who has also co-written several of the 2022 CMA Entertainer of the Year winner’s hits, left the band earlier this year. But, between the dates of July 14-15, the guitarist returned for one final hurrah, joining the band onstage in front of thousands of fans.
One Final Show Together
After sharing the stage with the “5 Leaf Clover” singer, Williford took to Instagram to share his enthusiasm for getting to play with his buddies for one last show.
In the sentimental post, he wrote, “Thank you to Luke, the band, and all the folks in Charlotte who made this ‘ol boy feel so welcome this weekend. When I decided to come off the road last year, I asked Luke if I could come back home for one final curtain call in the stadium where both of us grew up watching the Panthers play. Carolina will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am extremely grateful to have gotten to share such a full-circle moment with some of my best friends. Thank you, @davidbergman, for capturing a night I will never forget. GO CATS!”
“A Night I Will Never Forget”
Commemorating the moment, Rob Williford included a slideshow from the concert, which features pictures of him onstage and full of energy, alongside Combs and the rest of the band.
In addition to Williford’s post, Combs took to his personal social media pages to highlight the evening with a handful of snapshots featuring him sporting a Carolina Panthers hat as he is seen with some of his pals, including Williford.
“Always good to be in the home state of North Carolina!” He captioned.
Announces His Departure From Luke Combs’ Band Earlier This Year
In February, Williford took to Instagram, announcing his departure from Combs’ band. In a lengthy message, he shared his appreciation for the journey he experienced with Combs, from playing small-town bar gigs to traveling around the country with over a dozen people.
“From a Dodge Neon to a 15-passenger van to a bus… from dive bars to stadiums. For the past decade, I have had the pleasure of playing music with my friend. I still can’t quite wrap my head around it all when I try to step back and reflect on the experience that started with a couple of guys from Carolina writing songs together and playing them for whoever would show up.”
He continued, “I don’t think either of us could have ever dreamed where it would take us, but as for me, I know for damn sure, even if I could, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Williford, who in 2022 signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Edgehill Music Publishing, wrote.
“I always knew that I would just know – and I know – it’s time. That doesn’t make it one bit easier. I am equally as terrified of the future as I am excited about it,” he continued. “But just to set the record straight, no I’m not going out on my own. No, I’m not pursuing a career as an artist. And no, I’m not doing liberty mutual commercials. I’m simply starting a new chapter in life.”
Tight Kinship With Combs, Co-Penned Several Of His No. 1 Hits
Williford concluded his message by acknowledging his tight kinship with Luke Combs and added that while he planned on pursuing other opportunities, the journey wasn’t over.
“I consider each of you family and the memories we share together are irreplaceable,” he wrote. “Through the good, the bad, and the ugly of this surreal situation, I sometimes feel like I’m living in; one person has always had my back. A brother in the truest sense of the word. Luke, I owe you so much, man. There are no words. I could never thank you enough for your loyalty and your friendship and for allowing me to be a part of your journey over the years. And just so we’re clear, this journey isn’t over. We have another song of the year to write soon. I love you. Thank you for believing in me. Go kick ass on that world tour.”
Williford has co-penned several songs for Combs. Some of them include “Doin’ This,” “Forever After All,” “Beautiful Crazy,” and “One Number Away,” among others.
Combs is currently on his massive 2023 World Tour, which launched on March 25 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The trek, in support of his latest album, Gettin’ Old, is scheduled to run through October 20, wrapping up with back-to-back shows in London, England, at The O2 Arena.