February 13th really can’t get here fast enough.
At this point, it’s no secret that Eric Church knows his way around a live album. Back in 2017, during the now-legendary Holdin’ My Own Tour, Church did something almost unheard of: 62 shows in five months, no opening acts, two full sets every night with an intermission. Fans were treated to well over three hours of music, night after night.
For many, that stretch marked the absolute peak of the Chief’s touring career—not just because of the sheer volume of shows, but because of how much he gave every single crowd.
That run eventually birthed the massive 61 Days in Church live series, spanning five volumes and an eye-popping 160 tracks. Nearly every song in his catalog up through Mr. Misunderstood received multiple live versions. But beyond that, the project stood out for its wildly diverse cover selections. From Jim Croce’s “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” and Willie Nelson’s “Me and Paul” to The Band’s “The Weight” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” Church left no stone unturned.
Now, somehow, he’s aiming even higher.
In 2026, Church is set to make his IMAX debut with his first-ever concert film—paired with a brand-new live album to match.
Evangeline vs. the Machine Comes Alive
Recorded over two unforgettable nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville earlier this year, Evangeline vs. the Machine Comes Alive captures what Church himself described as one of the most powerful live experiences of his career. The album features the entire Evangeline vs. the Machine record performed front to back, along with standout tracks from across his catalog like “Sinners Like Me,” “Desperate Man,” “Hell of a View,” and, of course, “Springsteen.”
“I’ve played a lot of shows,” Church said. “I’ve never had two nights like these where the room felt literally transported. We went to a different plane—musically, artistically, emotionally. I’ll remember it forever.”
Ahead of the full release, Church has already shared live versions of “Knives of New Orleans,” “Desperate Man,” “Bleed On Paper,” and “Hell of a View.” And with the film and album just weeks away, he’s now offering one last preview—this time with his 2014 hit, “Give Me Back My Hometown.”
A New Take on a Familiar Song
Co-written with longtime collaborator Luke Laird, “Give Me Back My Hometown” was released in January 2014 as the second single from The Outsiders. It went on to become one of just seven solo Eric Church songs to hit #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
While it may not be considered a core deep-cut by diehard fans, the song remains one of his most popular—ranking as his 12th most-streamed solo track on Spotify with more than 80 million streams. It also earned major award recognition, including Song of the Year nominations at both the CMA and ACM Awards, plus a nod for Best Country Song at the Grammys.
This new live version, however, gives the song an entirely fresh feel. Rather than diving straight into the familiar intro, Church lets his choir set the tone first. When the song finally kicks in, it builds into something massive. Between the fan shout during the pre-chorus and the choir harmonizing with Church on the extended outro, it feels downright cinematic—easily one of the strongest live takes of the track to date.
If this is any indication of what’s coming, Evangeline vs. the Machine Comes Alive is shaping up to be something truly special when it hits theaters next month.
Evangeline vs. the Machine Comes Alive — Tracklist
Hands of Time
Bleed on Paper
Johnny
Storm in Their Blood
Darkest Hour
Evangeline
Rocket’s White Lincoln
Clap Hands
Desperate Man
Give Me Back My Hometown
Homeboy
Sinners Like Me
Creepin’
Knives of New Orleans
Smoke a Little Smoke
The Outsiders
Hell of a View
Mistress Named Music
Springsteen
(All recorded live at The Pinnacle, Nashville — May 24, 2025)
2026 Free the Machine Tour (Select Dates)
Eric Church is also hitting the road in early 2026 with an all-star lineup of support acts including Ella Langley, 49 Winchester, Stephen Wilson Jr., Ashley McBryde, and more.
From Washington, D.C. to Tampa, Florida, the Chief is once again packing arenas—and if the live previews are any sign, fans are in for another unforgettable chapter.
February 13th can’t come soon enough.
{"post":95605,"page":1,"next":[{"id":95572,"title":"Over 3 Million Eyes Were Glued to the Field \u2014 And Every Single One Felt It. When Jamal Roberts stepped onto the turf for the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, it wasn\u2019t just a performance \u2014 it was a declaration. The stadium went silent, as if holding its breath for the journey carried in his voice. From Mississippi classrooms to the American Idol stage, every challenge, every late-night rehearsal, every moment of doubt led straight here. Roberts sang with control, heart, and a quiet confidence that made the anthem feel bigger than the stadium itself. Every note landed perfectly, letting the music do the work instead of spectacle. By the final line, the crowd erupted, social media blew up, and viewers around the country knew they had witnessed more than a song \u2014 they had witnessed a young artist stepping fully into his destiny. No fireworks, no gimmicks \u2014 just truth, precision, and the unforgettable weight of a voice meeting the stage it was made for.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95572"},{"id":95569,"title":"\u201cIT\u2019S JUST A SONG\u2026\u201d \u2014 but that very song shattered Keith Urban\u2019s home. After nearly two decades of marriage, Nashville was buzzing about the suggestive collaboration between Keith and young singer Karley Scott Collins, where every lyric resonated like a secret that shouldn\u2019t be told. When they sang together, it wasn\u2019t just music anymore, but raw emotion that left listeners breathless. Fans immediately recognized it: the connection was too real, too deep, and too dangerous. As the song climbed the charts, Keith\u2019s family spiraled into silence, to the point where his daughters turned their backs on their own father. Now, amidst the dim stage lights and familiar guitar riffs, Keith Urban stands alone \u2014 more famous than ever, but also more isolated than ever.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95569"},{"id":95566,"title":"Red Clay Strays Finally Gave Fans What They Begged For With A Full Hank Williams Jr. Cover That Hits Deep.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95566"},{"id":95562,"title":"Carrie Underwood Says \u201cJesus, Take The Wheel\u201d Still Guides Her Life Nearly 20 Years Later","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95562"},{"id":95558,"title":"Zach Top\u2019s Quiet Garage Session Sparks A Frenzy As Fans Hear \u201cWhen You See Me\u201d Like Never Before.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95558"},{"id":95553,"title":"Riley Green Admits Early Fame Would Have Destroyed Him And Calls It \u201cUgly\u201d","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95553"},{"id":95549,"title":"Reba McEntire\u2019s Son Shelby \u0026 Wife Marissa Share Hope As They Begin Second IVF Journey","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95549"},{"id":95546,"title":"Ella Langley\u2019s \u201cChoosin\u2019 Texas\u201d Breaks Radio Barriers And Shakes Up Every Chart","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95546"},{"id":95543,"title":"Red Clay Strays Tease Hank Williams Jr. Cover And Fans Are Begging For The Full Version","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95543"},{"id":95538,"title":"Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Her Go-To Karaoke Song Is A Shania Twain Hit And It\u2019s Not The One Fans Expected","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95538"},{"id":95535,"title":"Reba McEntire Gets The Most Unexpected Gift Of Her Career On Her 40th Opry Anniversary","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95535"},{"id":95531,"title":"\u201cWE DON\u2019T WANT TO SEE HER \u2014 PLEASE RESPECT THAT.\u201d This statement, allegedly from one of the two daughters, has reignited the drama surrounding Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban\u2019s divorce in an unexpected way. Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret are reportedly adamantly refusing to meet their father\u2019s new girlfriend, choosing to stand firmly with their mother amidst the still-unresolved turmoil. A close source revealed that the family atmosphere has become heavy and silent, as if every word could cause further pain. While Keith is trying to move on with his new life, his daughters have erected a clear emotional boundary to protect Nicole. This division is not making headlines, but it is simmering and more profound than any public argument. And perhaps, this is the most heartbreaking chapter of a marriage once considered one of the strongest in Hollywood.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95531"},{"id":95526,"title":"\u201cWAIT\u2026 AM I SEEING KATE HUDSON?\u201d \u2014 and at that very moment, Radio City Music Hall erupted. Amidst over 6,000 audience members silently captivated by Hugh Jackman\u2019s singing, the lights suddenly shifted, and Kate Hudson emerged, eliciting gasps of surprise and hands covering mouths in disbelief. The astonishment quickly gave way to emotion as their voices blended, simple yet full of poignant memories, drawing the audience into a rare, intimate moment. The boundary between stage and audience dissolved, replaced by a warmth that spread through every row. Many stopped cheering, instead falling silent, touched by something profoundly real. When the final note faded, the applause was seemingly endless, marking a performance that everyone present knew they had witnessed a small but deeply emotional piece of history.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95526"},{"id":95522,"title":"In the brightly lit Cape Town arena, just as Calum Scott was about to sing, the entire audience erupted in laughter at a sudden shout from the crowd. An \u201cuninvited guest\u201d\u2014a tiny praying mantis\u2014was calmly perched on the microphone, leaving the singer stunned before he burst into laughter in surprise. Instead of panicking, Calum gently stepped back, chatted with the audience, and called the little creature the \u201cspecial VIP of the show.\u201d The entire audience of thousands immediately erupted in laughter and applause, creating a completely unexpected and heartwarming moment. When a member of the audience carefully removed the praying mantis from the stage, Calum even joked that it \u201cwould send an invoice for its performance fee after the show.\u201d In just a few short minutes, an unexpected incident transformed into a heartwarming moment that went viral and was considered an unforgettable sign of good luck for the tour.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/95522"}]}