Eric Church has officially kicked off his highly anticipated “Free The Machine Tour” following the release of his eighth studio album in May 2025. This extensive tour, which will span across the United States and Canada throughout 2026, is drawing eager fans to concert venues, and his recent performance in Toronto certainly set a high bar.
The evening began with rising star Ella Langley as the opener, captivating the crowd with her authentic country sound. Langley, who could easily command a stage on her own, energized the audience early and left them buzzing for what was to come.
Although Eric Church had planned to take the stage at 8:45 pm, true to his nature, he kept fans waiting until 9:15 pm. This anticipation built as a short film played on screen paired with a haunting soundtrack from Pink Floyd. Finally, the stage came alive with Church and a 23-piece ensemble, including musicians from both his band and a full orchestra, making this a unique concert experience.
Church’s set kicked off with “Hands Of Time,” the opening track from his former album, clearly setting the tone for a night rich with his newest works. For this tour, he is delivering a different setlist at each stop, but the first eight songs consistently spotlight his latest album, culminating in a cover of Tom Waits that marked a shift in the evening’s energy.
The excitement hit a high point with “Desperate Man,” played early on as Toronto responded with enthusiasm to Church’s greatest hits. With his characteristic flair, he made sure fans were aware that last train services were delayed, allowing them to continue enjoying the show without the stress of rushing out.
The concert morphed into a collective karaoke session as the audience harmonized with classic hits, including a heartfelt cover of “Ophelia” that paid tribute to Canada’s legendary band, The Band. This moment was punctuated by Church’s display of a Canadian flag adorned with a weed symbol, melding national pride with his musical homage.
Church’s decision to enlist such a large number of musicians stems from his desire to reclaim the live music experience, stepping away from technology-driven performances. This commitment shone through as he showcased compelling arrangements and powerful vocal performances throughout the night.
The concert dynamic shifted midway, allowing for a more intimate setting as the choir and strings departed, leaving just Church and his band to dive into electric renditions of high-energy tracks. This segment spotlighted impressive guitar solos that resonated with the audience.
As the show neared its conclusion, Church delivered emotional acoustic duets with Joanna Cotten, allowing a moment of reflection before the finale. The closing number, “Through My Ray-Bans,” brought the full ensemble back to the stage, wrapping up the night with exuberance and leaving concertgoers buzzing with excitement.
Eric Church’s “Free The Machine Tour” has proven to be an unforgettable experience, demonstrating his status as one of the leading figures in country music. As more dates are set throughout February to April, fans should not miss the opportunity to see this extraordinary show, which promises to deliver an electrifying night filled with musical brilliance and heart.