Country music superstar Alan Jackson has concluded his touring career, performing his final concert, "Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale," at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Saturday night. The event celebrated his extensive career, which began in the 1980s and saw him sell over 60 million records.
The concert featured two distinct parts. The initial two hours consisted of contemporary country artists performing Jackson's songs, each sharing a personal connection to the music. Performers included Carrie Underwood, who recalled Jackson being her first concert, Thomas Rhett, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Luke Combs. Many of these artists were backed by Jackson's own band.
Notable Guest Appearances
Among the notable guest performers were Eric Church, who performed solo, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, and Jon Pardi. Members of Jackson's family, including Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright, and Carlisle Wright, also took the stage.
Health and Performance
Five years ago, the 67-year-old Jackson revealed his diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve condition affecting balance, which he was first diagnosed with a decade prior. Despite the condition's impact on his mobility, Jackson performed his greatest hits with what was described as ferocity. A portion of the ticket sales from the final concert benefited the CMT Research Foundation, which funds research for a cure for the disease.
After a storm delay, Jackson took the stage shortly after 9:35 p.m. While appearing stiff as he walked to his microphone, he quickly engaged with his performance once he began playing guitar for the opening song, "Gone Country." He addressed the crowd, assuring them that while it was his last tour, "I'm not dead."
A Career of Hits
Jackson delivered a marathon of his well-known hits, including "I Don't Even Know Your Name," "Livin' on Love," "Summertime Blues," and "Midnight in Montgomery." He made an effort to engage with the entire stadium audience and emphasized the enduring power of "real country music."
During his set, Jackson shared anecdotes about the inspiration behind songs like "I'd Love You All Over Again," written for his wife, and "Drive (For Daddy Gene)," written after his father's passing. He also noted that the radio from "Chasin' that Neon Rainbow" is now in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Later in the evening, George Strait joined Jackson for their collaborations "Designated Drink" and "Murder on Music Row." The concert continued with a string of hits such as "Little Bitty," "Country Boy," "Good Time," and "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," a song written in response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Blockbuster singles like "Don't Rock the Jukebox," "Remember When," and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" were also performed. "Chattahoochee" was accompanied by fireworks.
New Music and Future Plans
Jackson's departure from touring does not signify an end to his music career. Two days prior to his final concert, he released a cover of Orleans' "Still the One," a tribute to his wife, Denise Jackson, celebrating their 50-year relationship. The concert special of his final performance is slated to be released later in the year as an NBC special.