Luke Bryan cancels show at KC’s Country Stampede. Here’s who’s replacing him
A three-day country music festival kicking off outside Kansas City on Thursday has lost one of its headliners, but someone else will step in.
Country star Luke Bryan, a five-time country Entertainer of the Year and “American Idol” judge, was scheduled to play at Country Stampede on Thursday, June 26, at Azura Amphitheater, 633 N. 130th St. in Bonner Springs.
But the singer is dealing with health issues that forced him to postpone shows in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Dallas, scheduled for June 20 and 21, respectively, to September while he recovers, and now he’s canceled his appearance at Azura Amphitheater.
“I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness,” Bryan said his social media accounts Wednesday. “I’ve been hoping to rally, but my voice is just not there yet.”
But the stage won’t be empty for his scheduled appearance at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Bryan announced that his friend and fellow country music star Eric Church will take his place at Country Stampede. He’ll also fill in for Bryan at music festivals NebraskaLand Days on Friday, June 27, in North Platte, Nebraska, and Country Jam in Mack, Colorado, on Saturday, June 28.
“Huge thanks to my buddy Eric Church for stepping in last minute — and of course, putting on a kick ass show like he always does,” Bryan said. “Sitting still is not what I do best so I can’t wait to be back soon.”
“Festivals are part of the fabric of what made us who we are,” Church said on social media. “Happy to fill in for Luke while he’s on the mend. Not a lot of time to plan or get the whole crew and band together, so I’m bringing Jo and we’re gonna do something unique and spontaneous.”
Country Stampede has a “strict no refunds or returns policy,” according to the festival’s website. The festival said on social media that all tickets purchased are still valid for Thursday.
Who’s performing at Country Stampede in 2025?
Church is now one of three headliners at Country Stampede, joining Miranda Lambert and Cole Swindell.
The “Springsteen” singer, Church, is a 10-time Grammy-nominated artist and a seven-time Academy of Country Music Award winner since his debut album “Sinners Like Me” released in 2006.
Lambert has the most Academy of Country Music Awards than any artist in history with 35, three Grammy awards and was named by the Chicago Tribune as the “greatest country music artist of all time.” She performs Friday, June 27.
Swindell won Best New Artist from the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2015. His newest album, “Spanish Moss,” releases the day before his performance on Saturday, June 28.
These artists are also scheduled to perform at Country Stampede:
- Ashley McBryde
- Dylan Scott
- Shenandoah
- Drew Baldrige
- Raelynn
- Casi Joy
- Alli Walker
- Outlaw Apostles
- Cowboy Troy
