Eric Church adds 24 new shows to 2026 "Free the Machine Tour"
Eric Church has decided that sleep is optional and touring is forever. The country star has tacked on 24 more shows to his Free the Machine Tour in 2026. Free the machine might actually mean keep the bus rolling and never go home. Things kick off in Washington, D.C. on January 22, and from there he will keep barreling across North America like a guitar slinging freight train until April.
“Bleed on Paper”
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Kenneth Eric Church was born on May 3, 1977. He is an American country music singer and songwriter. Since 2005, he has released seven albums with Capitol Nashville. His first album, Sinners Like Me, came out in 2006. It had three songs that hit the Billboard country charts: "How 'Bout You," "Two Pink Lines," and "Guys Like Me." His second album, Carolina, was released in 2009. It also had three singles, including "Smoke a Little Smoke" and his first top 10 hits, "Love Your Love the Most" and "Hell on the Heart."
This content adapted from the Wikipedia page Eric Church, licensed via CC BY-SA. Content retrieved was modified to fit the context and style of this story.
Ashley Dyan McBryde is an American country music singer–songwriter. She grew up in Arkansas and she was drawn to various types of music from a young age.
Special guests as reinforcements
This time, Church is bringing backup. A rotating cast of musicians including Ashley McBryde, Kashus Culpepper, Ella Langley, 49 Winchester, Caylee Hammack and Stephen Wilson Jr. will join him at different stops. It is basically a country music potluck. You never quite know who is showing up, but the main course is always loud and whiskey soaked.
Evangeline vs. the Machine is the eighth studio album by American country music singer Eric Church. Released on May 2, 2025, the album was preceded by the single "Hands of Time" released on March 20,
Presale madness Church Choir edition
For the fans who proudly call themselves the Church Choir, presales begin on September 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time. Everyone else gets their chance on October 3. Just be ready for Ticketmaster to test your patience. If your screen freezes twice before checkout, consider it part of the initiation.
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A tour fueled by stubbornness and caffeine
Most artists would take a break after a long tour. Not Eric Church. He has decided to keep the train moving into 2026 because playing arenas might be cheaper than therapy. Expect long setlists, surprise covers and enough stage energy to suggest there is an IV drip of coffee hidden backstage.
Poll
Which of the following is the most quintessential Eric Church deep cut?
"Lotta Boot Left to Fill" (The controversial track from Carolina where he calls out artists he sees as inauthentic.)
"Mistress Named Music" (The deeply personal, epic love letter to music from Mr. Misunderstood.)
"Pledge Allegiance to the Hag" (The tribute to Merle Haggard and traditional country from his debut, Sinners Like Me.)
"Knives of New Orleans" (The dark, atmospheric story-song about a broken man from The Outsiders.)
"A Man Who Was Gonna Die Young" (The reflective track from Chief that references his brush with death.)
Eric in church
Eric Church performs during the 17th Academy of Country Music Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
What it means for fans
If you missed him the first time or the second or the tenth, here is your shot. Church is giving North America a masterclass in persistence, proving country music tours can last longer than most New Year’s resolutions. So dust off your boots, cross your fingers for the presale, and get ready for a year of loud sermons delivered at maximum volume.
Key Takeaways
Country star Eric Church is extending his 'Free the Machine Tour' with 24 additional shows in 2026, featuring a rotating lineup of special guests.
Eric Church is adding 24 more shows to his 'Free the Machine Tour' in 2026, starting in Washington, D.C. and running until April.
Church will be joined by a rotating cast of musicians including Ashley McBryde, Kashus Culpepper, and others, creating a dynamic and diverse concert experience.
Presales for the new tour dates will begin in September 2025 for the Church Choir, followed by general presales in October.
