Eric Church’s headlining performance at Stagecoach Festival in California left fans divided and sparked heated debates among attendees and viewers alike. The polarizing set, marked by a departure from Church’s typical rock-infused performances, featured a churchy aesthetic with Church seated on a stool in front of a giant stained-glass video wall, accompanied by a 16-member choir led by longtime vocal accompanist Joanna Cotton.
While some fans praised the unique and daring nature of the performance, others expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling alienated by the acoustic/gospel tone of the majority of the set. Social media platforms and fan groups quickly became battlegrounds for opposing views, with some praising the show as one of Church’s best ever, while others labeled it a “trainwreck” and criticized the artist for not delivering the hits and rock ‘n’ roll fervor they expected.
Church, known for his sense of occasion and willingness to take risks, defended the set in a statement, describing it as the most difficult he has ever attempted. He explained his intention to revisit the purest form of music by incorporating a mix of spiritual and secular songs, and emphasized the importance of challenging oneself artistically.
Despite the controversy, Church’s performance succeeded in igniting passionate reactions and discussions, further cementing his reputation as an artist willing to push boundaries and defy expectations. As Stagecoach Festival continues with headlining sets from Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen, Church’s divisive show will undoubtedly remain a hot topic of conversation among fans and critics alike.