In today’s music scene, few artists manage to strike the perfect balance between critical acclaim and commercial success—but Chris Stapleton continues to be one of the rare exceptions. As many argue that musical depth and mainstream popularity rarely go hand-in-hand anymore, Stapleton proves otherwise time and again—most recently with a powerful partial cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” during a Philadelphia show.
Since launching his solo career in 2015, Stapleton has been on a remarkable rise. Fresh off winning Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards for the second consecutive year, he didn’t pause to celebrate—instead, he hit the road, opening for George Strait just days later in Philadelphia.
How Stapleton Weaves “Free Bird” Into His Setlist
At Lincoln Financial Field over the weekend, Stapleton thrilled fans by diving into one of the most iconic songs in American rock history. Let’s be honest—“Free Bird” is probably one of the most requested tracks at concerts across the country. And while Stapleton didn’t deliver the full nine-minute version, his performance still hit home.
In typical Stapleton fashion, he used just a verse and chorus of “Free Bird” to set up a transition into his own 2015 hit, “The Devil Named Music.” It’s a move fans have come to recognize—he’s done similar mashups in cities like Los Angeles, Vancouver, Las Vegas, and most memorably during his 2024 set at Austin City Limits.
If it has roots, soul, and a hint of country grit, Stapleton can make it soar—and his rendition of “Free Bird” is no exception. While fans continue to hope for the full version one day, these powerful snippets are more than enough to remind everyone that Chris Stapleton is not just a country artist—he’s a master of American music.
@lanepeacee Top 10 concert moment of all time #chrisstapleton #freebird ♬ original sound – LanePeace