Eric Church Delivers An Unforgettable Show at The Pinnacle In Nashville

On a vibrant evening in Nashville, Tennessee, music fans flocked to The Pinnacle, the city's latest and most celebrated live music venue, to experience Eric Church's revolutionary performance of his new album, "Evangeline vs. The Machine." Opened in February 2025, The Pinnacle has quickly earned a reputation for hosting world-class events and fostering a sense of community among music lovers. This state-of-the-art venue, with its impressive 4,500-seat capacity, provided the perfect setting for what would be an extraordinary night of music and showmanship.

Photo Credit: Nathan Zucker for Alive Coverage

As fans gathered, there was an air of excitement and anticipation, knowing they were about to witness something truly special. Eric Church, known for his dynamic stage presence and emotional performances, had promised an unforgettable experience, and the crowd was eager to see how he would deliver. The evening was not just a concert but an immersive journey through the sounds and stories of his latest work. With its cutting-edge design and prime location in the heart of Nashville Yards, The Pinnacle was the ideal backdrop for an artist of Church's caliber to showcase his talent and creativity, making this a night to remember for everyone in attendance. Eric’s dedicated fans, "The Church Choir," had packed The Pinnacle, eager to witness the live debut of "Evangeline vs. The Machine."

“We created a show that’s only gonna be seen for these two nights,” Church said on stage Saturday night. “My favorite times as a music fan is knowing I’m seeing something live. Not on YouTube, not on TikTok, but live, as I knew I’d never be in that moment ever again. And that is the power of music… and the genesis of these shows.”

As the clock ticked past 8:20 PM, anticipation filled the air, and The Pinnacle was transformed into an atmospheric wonderland. The venue was shrouded in red lights, and the eerie chime of a clock echoed throughout, setting the stage for the night ahead. The ambiance was further enhanced by music reminiscent of Pink Floyd, with tracks like "Time," "In The Flesh," "The Machine," and "Run Like Hell" playing over the speakers, creating a haunting yet captivating vibe. Adding to the intrigue, a group of 10-15 crew members, dressed in white hazmat suits and gas masks bearing an "M" insignia, took their places around the venue, symbolizing "The Machine." Their presence added a theatrical element that captivated the audience, leaving them eager for what was to come.

At precisely 8:45 PM, the stage burst into life as Eric Church and his impressive 23-piece ensemble appeared, sparking an eruption of excitement among the audience. The six-piece band, accompanied by four-piece horns, strings, an eight-piece choir, and the powerhouse vocalist Joanna Cotten, created a rich tapestry of sound that filled the venue. Eric, wearing his iconic sunglasses and an all-black outfit reminiscent of Johnny Cash, stepped onto the stage with a commanding presence that sent waves of exhilaration through the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, the kind only The Chief can conjure, setting the perfect tone for a night of unparalleled musical journey. Fans could feel the passion and energy radiating from the stage, promising a concert experience that would linger in their memories for years to come.

Kicking off with "Hands Of Time," the band masterfully delivered each track in order, crafting an emotional and cohesive narrative. Tucker Beathard's co-write "Bleed On Paper" was next, showcasing Church's knack for poignant storytelling. Joanna Cotten's powerful vocals illuminated the performance, particularly on the song "Johnny," a moment that sent chills through the audience and reverberated within The Pinnacle’s walls. As the album continued with "Storm In Their Blood" and "Darkest Hour," you could feel the crowd hanging on to every word and melody, completely immersed in the musical journey. When "Evangeline" played, its lyrical depth struck a chord with everyone present, quickly marking it as a fan favorite. The energetic "Rocket's White Lincoln" kept the momentum alive, and the album's concluding track, a cover of Tom Waits's "Clap Hands," had the audience clapping along in perfect harmony with the band's trumpets.

Throughout the performance, the chemistry between Church and his 23-piece band was palpable, creating a rich, layered sound that brought the album to life in a way studio recordings never could. This live rendition was an emotional odyssey that left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. Eric Church's performance took a thrilling turn as the crew in hazmat suits removed their masks and vanished, setting the stage for an electrifying second half. The transition was seamless, with Church diving into "Desperate Man" as the choir and orchestra added layers of richness to his sound. The heartfelt gratitude he expressed to the Nashville crowd was a poignant moment, emphasizing the connection he shares with his fans.

The evening was a nostalgic journey through nearly 20 years of music, each song carefully selected to resonate with the audience. Classics like "Give Me Back My Hometown" and "Homeboy" were met with thunderous applause, while "Creepin'" and "The Knives Of New Orleans" showcased Church's dynamic range. The tempo slowed for "Sinners Like Me," creating an intimate atmosphere as the venue's lights bathed the audience in a soft glow.

"Smoke A Little Smoke" took an unexpected turn with an instrumental outro of Black Sabbath's "Sweet Leaf," keeping the energy high. Church maintained this momentum with powerful renditions of "The Outsiders" and "Hell Of A View," each note and lyric striking a deep chord with the crowd. One of the night's highlights was "Mistress Named Music," reimagined with the big band, followed by the iconic "Springsteen." The saxophone solo during "Springsteen" was a mesmerizing touch, echoing through the venue and solidifying the night's emotional impact.

As the show seemed to wind down, the audience's energy was unwavering, and Eric Church sensed their hunger for more. With a heartfelt nod to his fans, he and his band returned to the stage, igniting the venue with an encore that felt like an intimate, shared moment between artist and audience. The first encore song, "Holdin' My Own," was a rare gem that brought nostalgic smiles and heartfelt cheers from the crowd. Following this, Church delivered "Those I've Loved," a touching tribute that resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the power of music to connect us to our own stories and memories. The finale was a beautiful duet of "Like Jesus Does" with Joanna Cotten, their voices blending seamlessly in a performance that felt both raw and uplifting.

As the last notes faded, there was a collective sense of gratitude and fulfillment in the air. The night wasn't quite over, though, as Church hinted at the continuation of the celebration at Chief's On Broadway, inviting fans to carry the night's magic with them. It was a testament to Church's commitment to his fans. For those in attendance, it was more than just a concert; it was a night of emotional highs and genuine connection, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.

Check Out Eric Church On The “Free The Machine” Tour This Fall 

Eric Church Set-List:

Hands Of Time

Bleed On Paper

Johnny

Storm In Their Blood

Darkest Hour

Evangeline

Rockets White Lincoln

Clap Hands

Desperate Man

Give Me Back My Hometown

Homeboy

Sinners Like Me

Creepin’

Knives Of New Orleans

Smoke A Little Smoke / Take Me To The River / Sweet Leaf

Outsiders

Hell Of A View

Mistress Named Music

Springsteen

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Holdin’ My Own

Those I’ve Loved

Like Jesus Does