Country music superstar Alan Jackson concluded his touring career Saturday night with a farewell concert, "Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale," at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The event served as a celebratory send-off for the genre traditionalist, whose career began in the 1980s and gained significant momentum during the 1990s country music resurgence.
Over his storied career, Jackson, a native of Newnan, Georgia, has sold more than 60 million records. His music often resonated with the working class, touching on themes of simple pleasures like drinking and fishing.
The Nashville concert featured two distinct parts. The initial two hours consisted of contemporary country artists performing Jackson's songs, with each guest sharing personal anecdotes connecting them to the artist. Performers included Carrie Underwood, who recalled Jackson's music being her first concert experience in 1994; Thomas Rhett, who sang "Small Town Southern Man"; Miranda Lambert, who performed "Dallas"; Lainey Wilson with "Tall, Tall Trees"; and Luke Combs, who presented "Hard Hat and a Hammer."
Most guest artists were accompanied by Jackson's touring band, with the exception of Eric Church, who performed "Someday" solo with an acoustic guitar. The lineup also featured Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Lee Ann Womack, and members of Jackson's family, including Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright, and Carlisle Wright.
Jackson, 67, publicly shared five years ago that he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve condition diagnosed a decade prior that affects his balance and mobility. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold at the finale concert benefited the CMT Research Foundation, which supports research aimed at finding a cure for the disease.
Following a storm delay, Jackson took the stage around 9:35 p.m. to enthusiastic cheers. Despite appearing stiff while walking to the microphone, he immediately regained his performing energy upon picking up his guitar for the opening song, "Gone Country." He addressed the crowd, acknowledging the significance of the event but humorously assuring them, "I'm not dead!"
The Country Music Hall of Famer delivered a setlist of his well-known hits, including "I Don't Even Know Your Name," "Livin' on Love," "Summertime Blues," and "Midnight in Montgomery." Music videos for each song were displayed on a large screen behind the stage. Jackson engaged with the audience, walking across the stage and emphasizing the importance of "real country music."
During his performance, Jackson shared personal stories, including writing "I'd Love You All Over Again" for his wife and the inspiration behind "Drive (For Daddy Gene)," written after his father's passing. He also noted that the radio prop from "Chasin' that Neon Rainbow" is now housed in the Country Music Hall of Fame museum.
Later in the evening, George Strait joined Jackson on stage for renditions of "Designated Drink" and "Murder on Music Row." The concert continued with a series of hits such as "Little Bitty," "Country Boy," "Good Time," and "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," the latter written and recorded in response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Other notable songs performed included "Don't Rock the Jukebox," "Remember When," and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere."
Jackson's touring career may be over, but his musical endeavors continue. Two days prior to the finale, he released a cover of Orleans' "Still the One" to commemorate his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Denise Jackson. The concert is also slated to be released as an NBC concert special later in the year.