George Strait Treats Fans to a Rare Waylon Jennings Classic on Tour Opener
The King of Country Music, George Strait, kicked off his highly anticipated 2025 stadium tour with an unforgettable night, and he had a massive surprise in store for his fans. On the tour’s opening night, the icon reached deep into the country music history books and delivered a stunning performance of Waylon Jennings’ legendary 1977 anthem, “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love).”
The magical moment unfolded at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on the evening of May 10th, in front of a roaring crowd of 52,000 devoted fans. It was a perfect start to a summer of incredible music. Before launching into the beloved outlaw country tune, Strait shared a special tidbit with the audience. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the living legend confessed that he and his band hadn’t actually performed the Jennings classic since their early days back in the 1970s, making the performance a truly rare and historic treat for everyone in attendance.
@countryminute The king of country music, George Strait, kicked off his 2025 stadium shows at Lincoln financial field in Philadelphia on May 10. During his massive 31 song set, straight broke out a cover of the Waylon Jennings classic “Luckenbach, Texas,” for what he said was the first in decades. Are you seeing George this summer? #countrymusic #georgestrait ♬ original sound – Country Minute
More Than Just a Show: An Evening of Hits and Heart
While the Waylon cover was a clear highlight, the entire evening was a testament to Strait’s enduring star power. He treated the Philadelphia crowd to an epic two-hour performance, weaving through a massive setlist of 30 of his own iconic songs. During the show, he even revealed that his 1982 masterpiece, “Amarillo By Morning,” holds a special place in his heart as his personal favorite track.
The night also featured a profoundly moving and heartwarming moment that no one will soon forget. Strait took a moment to welcome a decorated Purple Heart recipient to the stage. In a beautiful gesture organized by the Military Warriors Support Foundation, the deserving military veteran was presented with a brand new, mortgage-free home. As if the moment wasn’t emotional enough, the soldier then dropped to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend right there on stage, creating a truly unforgettable memory for the couple and the thousands of fans who witnessed it.
The concert concluded with a powerhouse encore, featuring timeless hits like “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” sending the crowd home with their hearts full. Before the King took the stage, the energy was already high thanks to incredible opening sets from Parker McCollum and a soul-stirring 75-minute performance from the one and only Chris Stapleton.
Catch George Strait on His 2025 Summer Tour
The Philadelphia show was just the first of five massive stadium dates that George Strait and Chris Stapleton have planned for the summer. The tour is set to be a can’t-miss event for any country music fan.
Parker McCollum will continue to join the lineup for the next three dates:
- May 31: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- June 14: Buffalo, New York
- June 21: Foxborough, Massachusetts
Then, for the tour’s stop at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on July 19, Strait and Stapleton will be joined by the incredible harmonies of Little Big Town.
In a press release, Strait shared his heartfelt feelings about continuing to perform for his fans: “I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back. Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have,” he expressed. “Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year.”