Eric Church Brings Energy And Emotion To Milwaukee On The Free The Machine Tour

Eric Church’s Free The Machine Tour is a powerful showcase of his evolution as an artist, blending new music with the raw energy and authenticity fans have come to cherish. This tour pushes boundaries, introducing audiences to the dynamic soundscape of his latest album, Evangeline VS The Machine, while still embracing the heartfelt connection that defines his live performances. Each stop on the tour feels like an immersive experience, with Church pouring his soul into every moment, ensuring the audience feels like a part of the journey. 

Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The setlist is carefully crafted to balance the fresh, exploratory tracks from his new album with the timeless favorites that have shaped his career. This unique approach highlights Church’s ability to keep his music grounded in its roots while embracing growth and change. His commitment to delivering a meaningful, high-impact performance is evident in every detail, from the perfectly synchronized stage production to the intimate acoustic moments that leave the crowd in awe. Adding to the experience is the sheer size and talent of Church’s 24-piece band, which brings an unparalleled richness to the sound. Their energy, paired with Church’s unrelenting dedication to connecting with his fans, creates an atmosphere that feels electric yet deeply personal. By presenting a mix of bold new material and beloved classics, Church is reminding his audience why his music resonates so profoundly, not just in a fleeting moment, but in their lives. Each performance feels like an invitation into his world, a chance to see his artistic vision come to life on stage. This tour is more than a concert; it's a testament to Eric Church’s ability to grow and evolve while staying true to his core.

Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The Fiserv Forum provided an atmosphere that perfectly complemented the energy of Eric Church’s performance. Situated in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, the arena combines modern design with a deep respect for the city’s cultural roots, creating a space that feels both inviting and cutting-edge. Walking into the venue, it’s impossible not to notice the attention to detail in its layout, from the spacious concourses to the excellent sightlines that make every seat feel close to the action.

Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

Marcus King Band delivered a captivating performance that perfectly set the stage for the evening. From the moment Marcus King began playing, his extraordinary guitar skills and rich, soulful voice commanded attention. His ability to effortlessly transition between blues, rock, and country influences highlighted his depth as a musician, creating a sound that felt both timeless and fresh. 

Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

Performing tracks from his forthcoming album Darling Blue, King gave the audience a glimpse of his latest work, infused with heartfelt storytelling and raw emotion. His natural charisma and connection to the music were undeniable, as he seemed to pour every ounce of himself into each song. The crowd was especially moved during his take on Brooks & Dunn's "Rock My World," where he added his own fiery energy, making it uniquely his own while still honoring the original. 

Photo By: Anthony D'Angio

The anticipation in the arena reached its peak as the sound of Pink Floyd unexpectedly filled the air. Smoke swirled under the vibrant stage lights while "On The Run" and "Welcome To The Machine" pulsed through the space, building a suspense that seemed to pull the crowd closer together. During “Run Like Hell,” the ECB emerged. By the time Eric Church appeared on stage, the roar of the audience was deafening, a visceral reaction to the energy he brought with him. Without hesitation, Church launched into "Hands Of Time," the first track from his new album, Evangeline VS The Machine, immediately drawing the audience into his latest creative chapter. With his 24-piece band filling every inch of the arena with sound, Church performed the album in its entirety, transforming each track into a living, breathing story. Songs like "Bleed On Paper" and "Johnny" felt raw and intimate, while the haunting beauty of "Darkest Hour," a tribute to North Carolina, seemed to hold the crowd in a collective pause. His choice to close the album set with a spirited rendition of Tom Waits’ "Clap Hands" was both bold and fitting, showcasing his reverence for musical storytelling while making it entirely his own.

Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

With the opening chords of "Desperate Man," the energy in the Fiserv Forum was immediate and contagious. Eric Church and the ECB wasted no time diving into a setlist stacked with crowd-pleasers. The band delivered powerhouse renditions of "Stick That In Your Country Song," "Homeboy," and "Smoke A Little Smoke," each one building the excitement in the room. Church’s unmistakable voice carried through the arena, as fans sang along with every lyric. The chemistry between Church, his band, and the audience was undeniable, creating an electric atmosphere that amplified with every song. Whether it was the raw grit of the vocals or the thunderous instrumentation, every moment felt alive and brimming with energy. The crowd was fully immersed, feeding off the dynamic interplay between the artist and the music, setting the tone for an unforgettable night ahead.

“I think anyone who knows anything about me knows, well, first of all, what this state means to me. Early on in my career, there were about 5 cities that we could go to where we drew enough people, which was about 100 people, and that would pay for our gas to get us to the next city that didn’t have 100, and Milwaukee has always been one of those towns. So the reason we have been working so hard tonight and not talking until now is because I am dead set that we are going to set the song setlist record for this tour here tonight. (He pauses for a very long time as the crowd cheers) So I am gonna sing my ass off, and you’re gonna sing your ass off, and we’re gonna put a number out there that the rest of the tour can see how they get. We’ll see how long I can last.”

From the very first note, Church exuded an unshakable confidence and vulnerability that set the tone for the evening. The intensity with which he delivered each song reflected not only his passion for his craft but his commitment to sharing something deeply personal with the audience. The performance felt like a moment suspended in time, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement for what would come next. Eric Church’s ability to create unforgettable moments throughout the night was nothing short of remarkable. One of the most talked-about highlights came during "Sinners Like Me," when he altered the lyrics to reflect his family, singing, "My kids will give me a grandson of my own." It was a small yet meaningful touch that made the massive arena feel personal, drawing cheers and warm smiles from the crowd. Another memorable surprise came courtesy of his wife, Katherine, who slipped "Look Good And You Know It" into the setlist. The playful energy of that song had fans on their feet, and Church delivered it with a grin that seemed to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes addition. 

Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The Milwaukee crowd erupted as Eric Church and the ECB launched into "Give Me Back My Hometown," a performance packed with intensity and emotion. The energy only grew when "The Outsiders" roared through the arena, a reminder of Church's ability to turn any venue into a full-throttle experience. The lights, the sound, and the sheer force of the music created a palpable connection between the stage and the audience. "Hell Of A View" brought a cinematic feel to the night, while "Springsteen" became a massive sing-along, with fans belting out every word as if it were their own story. Each song felt like an unspoken conversation between Church and his fans, where every note carried the weight of shared memories and emotions. The music’s power was undeniable, leaving the crowd fully engaged and in the moment.

“I still go back to when I was a kid sitting in my parents’ garage, with my dad’s vinyl, and I listened to records, and this is still the same person I am. Tonight has been about a musical journey, and I’m so grateful to get to share that with you here tonight. That is what music is about, and I thank you that you have always letting us do that”

The energy in the room shifted as Eric Church and the ECB transitioned to a stripped-down setup, creating an intimate and reflective atmosphere. Without the grandeur of full production, the raw emotion in songs like "Record Year" and "Drink In My Hand" shone through, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The simplicity of the arrangements brought an unmatched depth to tracks like "Cold One" and "Talledega," as Church’s voice carried a vulnerability that resonated deeply. The acoustic portion of the show gave the audience a rare glimpse of Church at his most raw and stripped down. Standing alongside Joanna Cotten, the two brought the house to a hush with their poignant duet performances of songs like "Mixed Drinks About Feelings", “Drowning Man”, and "Like Jesus Does." Their chemistry on stage, paired with the heartfelt delivery, made these quieter moments some of the most impactful of the night. 

Photo By: Anthony D'Angio

The emotion didn’t stop there. In a solo spotlight, Church performed deeply intimate renditions of "Round Here Buzz" and "Chevy Van," holding the audience in rapt attention as his voice carried every ounce of sincerity and honesty. These moments, scattered throughout the evening, weren’t just performances; they felt like conversations, as if Church was inviting fans to share in his stories and memories. Each song unfolded like a chapter, making it impossible to predict what turn the night would take next.

The closing moments of Eric Church’s performance felt like the culmination of an emotional journey, both for him and the fans who’ve been part of his story. As the band returned to the stage, a montage of images from Church’s nearly two-decade career played on the screen, offering glimpses of milestones and memories that brought his evolution as an artist into sharp focus. The visuals paired perfectly with the poignant "Through My Ray-Bans," a song that seemed to capture the spirit of connection and shared experience that defined the night. The crowd swayed in unison, arms linked, as the song built to its heartfelt conclusion, each note a reminder of the moments Church has soundtracked in their lives. The weight of the evening was palpable; the arena filled with a sense of gratitude for the stories and emotions that Church’s music continues to evoke. 

Photo By: Anthony D'Angio

When the last chord echoed, Church removed his signature Ray-Bans, stepping forward to meet the crowd’s gaze with an expression that was equal parts humble and proud. It was a moment of vulnerability that brought the night full circle, emphasizing the bond between the artist and his audience. As the house lights came up, fans lingered, reluctant to let go of the magic created over the course of the evening. This wasn’t just another concert; it was a celebration of where Eric Church has been, where he is now, and the incredible path that lies ahead.

Check Out The Free The Machine Tour Here!

Eric Church Set-List:

Hands of Time

Bleed on Paper

Johnny

Storm in Their Blood

Darkest Hour

Evangeline

Rocket's White Lincoln

Clap Hands (Tom Waits cover)

Desperate Man

Stick That in Your Country Song

Homeboy

Smoke a Little Smoke (with snippet of 'Take me to the River' by Al Green)

Creepin'

Sinners Like Me

Give Me Back My Hometown

Look Good and You Know It

The Outsiders

Hell of a View

Springsteen

Drink in My Hand

Record Year

Cold One

Talladega

That's Damn Rock & Roll

Some of It

Mixed Drinks About Feelings (with Joanna Cotten) (EC & JC duet acoustic)

Drowning Man (with Joanna Cotten) (EC & JC duet acoustic)

Like Jesus Does (with Joanna Cotten) (EC & JC duet acoustic)

Round Here Buzz (EC solo acoustic)

Chevy Van (Sammy Johns cover) (EC solo acoustic)

Through My Ray-Bans