Country Headliner Drops Out of Kansas City Music Festival, Eric Church Steps up Last Minute To Fill In

Luke Bryan Cancels More Shows Due to 'Continued Illness'

A week ago, Luke Bryan left the stage after struggling through a show in Rogers, Arkansas. While he refunded the crowd’s tickets, the problems persisted for the “Mind of a Country Boy” star. After rescheduling two gigs in Louisiana and Texas, the American Idol judge announced today that he will miss even more shows “due to continued illness.” This includes Bryan’s headlining gig at the Country Stampede music festival in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Fortunately, Eric Church will step up to fill the void.

Luke Bryan Offers “Huge Thanks” To Eric Church For Filling In

Taking to social media Wednesday (June 25) morning, Luke Bryan delivered some devastating news to those planning to see him perform live this weekend.

“I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness,” wrote the five-time Entertainer of the Year, 48. “I’ve been hoping to rally, but my voice is just not there yet.”

Fortunately, Bryan undercut the bad news with a little bit of good. “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,” wrote the “Play It Again” crooner.”

He added, “Sitting still is not what I do best so I can’t wait to be back soon.”

Luke Bryan Is Still Battling Vocal Issues

Country Stampede kicks off Thursday, June 26, and runs through Saturday, June 28. The “Drink In My Hand” singer will headline the first day in Luke Bryan’s place, with Miranda Lambert and Cole Swindell getting top billing the other two.

Additionally, Bryan has canceled festival stops at NebraskaLand Days in Nebraska and Country Jam in Colorado. Luckily, Eric Church will fill in on those days as well.

“Festivals are part of the fabric of what made us who we are. Happy to fill in for Luke while he’s on the mend,” Church wrote on social media. “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.”