The “Mother Church of Country Music” was transformed into TL’s Road House when Tracy Lawrence took the stage for his sold-out show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, May 18. From the moment the lights went down until the final beat of the encore, fans showed their enthusiastic appreciation for the country music icon.
It’s been just over one year since Lawrence made his headlining Ryman debut show on May 4, 2024, which also drew in a sold-out crowd. “Every chance I’ve had to perform at the Ryman Auditorium has been a one-of-a-kind experience, filled with an unmatched energy,” said Lawrence in a statement. “It’s an honor to return with the band to that stage after the incredible night we shared with the sold-out audience last year.”
With three decades of success and 18 number-one hits, Lawrence easily packed his two-hour performance with a powerful blend of nostalgic hits, heartfelt tributes, and high-energy performances that celebrated both his storied career and the legends of country music.
The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame member kicked off the night with a patriotic blast, performing his hit “Made in America” before rolling into fan favorites like “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” “If the World Had a Front Porch,” and “Time Marches On.” A standout medley combined classics like “Sticks and Stones,” “Alibis,” and “Texas Tornado,” showcasing the depth of his catalog.
Lawrence paid homage to several country greats who have passed away during the past few years, with moving covers of “The Gambler” (Kenny Rogers), “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” (Charley Pride), “John Deere Green” (Joe Diffie), and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” (Charlie Daniels).
The country traditionalist was joined by surprise guest Marcus King for a gritty duet of Merle Haggard’s “Swinging Doors” and King’s own “Honky Tonk Hell.”
Following thunderous applause after his megahit “Paint Me a Birmingham,” Lawrence returned to the stage for an encore that featured a nod to his honky-tonk roots, “Chicken Wire,” as well as the emotional “Stars Over Texas,” “For the Good Times” (Ray Price), and “Better Man, Better Off.”
“I hope we can kind of make this a tradition,” Lawrence said to the crowd, who roared in agreement.
Lawrence’s set was a testament to his enduring presence in country music, mixing rowdy honky-tonk energy with reflective storytelling and heartfelt tributes. His tour continues throughout the summer, with stops across the U.S. For dates and ticket details, visit https://www.tracylawrence.com/
His legacy continues to evolve with his media ventures, community involvement, and new music. In recent years, Lawrence has hosted the nationally syndicated radio show “Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence,” which he wrapped up at the end of 2024 and passed the reigns over to Big D & Bubba.
Now, Lawrence hosts TL’s Road House podcast, which features newcomers and superstars like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, and HARDY. The noted philanthropist continues to uphold his commitment to helping those in need across Middle Tennessee and beyond with his Mission:Possible non-profit committed to serving the homeless. From its humble beginnings cooking Thanksgiving dinners for the Nashville Rescue Mission to frying over 10K turkeys to date, the organization has raised more than $1M for those in need.
In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, Lawrence was honored with the 2023 CRS Humanitarian Award. And when it comes to his music, Lawrence continues to deliver. After revisiting his catalog with the Hindsight 2020 Vol 1, 2 and 3 and Live at Billy Bob’s Texas albums, Lawrence released his Out Here In It EP in June 2024.
Tracy Lawrence’s Full Ryman Set List
- Made in America
- Good Die Young
- Find Out Who Your Friends Are
- Medley: Is That a Tear, I See It Now, Sticks and Stones, Alibis, Texas Tornado
- How a Cowgirl Says Goodbye
- My Second Home
- Nothing Burns Like You
- Drank Thru It
- If The World Had a Front Porch
- Lessons Learned
- Somebody Paints the Wall
- Swinging Doors (with special guest Marcus King)
- Honkytonk Hell (Marcus King)
- I Threw the Rest Away
- If You Loved Me
- Can’t Break It To My Heart
- Medley: The Gambler (Kenny Rogers), Kiss An Angel Good Morning (Charley Pride), John Deere Green (Joe Diffie), Devil Went Down to Georgia (Charlie Daniels)
- Time Marches On
- Paint Me a Birmingham
Encore - Chicken Wire
- Stars Over Texas
- For The Good Times (Ray Price)
- Better Man, Better Off
