Palm Desert, California – Eric Church, known for his rebellious country music style, surprised fans at Stagecoach with a unique performance. Instead of his usual rocking country anthems, Church opted for a gospel-inspired set that left many attendees puzzled.
During his seventh appearance at the festival, Church traded his typical energetic performance for a more subdued and spiritual vibe. The audience witnessed a different side of the artist as he sat on a stool in front of red stained glass windows, accompanied by a church organ.
The set kicked off with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” before transitioning into a series of gospel classics like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “I’ll Fly Away.” The unexpected shift in Church’s playlist led to mixed reactions from festivalgoers, with some embracing the change and others feeling disconnected from the performance.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when Church covered unexpected songs like Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” and 2Pac’s “California Love” in a country and gospel style. These unconventional choices added an element of surprise to an already unconventional set.
Despite the unconventional nature of the performance, Church did manage to win over the crowd with his rendition of “Springsteen,” a fan favorite. Accompanied by a talented choir and longtime collaborator Joanna Cotten, Church’s set ended on a high note with impressive vocal performances from the entire ensemble.