Eric church free the machine tour setlist – With Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour Setlist at the forefront, this journey takes us through the highs and lows of an iconic tour that shaped the country music landscape. Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour was a defining moment in his illustrious career, featuring a setlist that reflected his musical evolution and willingness to experiment with new sounds.
The tour, which kicked off in 2016, included a selection of songs from his studio albums, such as ‘Chief’, ‘Barons’, and ‘Someday Soon I Will Take the Blues and Go’. The setlist also featured notable collaborations, including the hit single ‘Kill a Word’ with Elevation Worship.
Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour Setlist Overview: Eric Church Free The Machine Tour Setlist
The Free the Machine Tour was a concert tour by American country music artist Eric Church, in support of his 11th studio album, “Free the Machine,” which was released on March 24, 2015. The tour kicked off on May 22, 2015, and concluded on November 21, 2015. Throughout the tour, Eric Church performed in various cities across North America, showcasing his unique sound and energetic live performances.
Studio Album Release Dates of Free the Machine Tour Setlist Songs
The Free the Machine Tour featured a diverse setlist of songs from Eric Church’s discography, including tracks from his previous studio albums.
Studio Albums Releasing Date of Free the Machine Tour Setlist Songs
The following table lists some of the studio albums releasing date of Free the Machine Tour setlist songs:
| Albums | Release Dates |
|---|---|
| Americana | April 24, 2011 |
| Catch a Bolt of Lightning | September 4, 2011 |
| The Outsiders | February 11, 2014 |
| Free the Machine | March 24, 2015 |
| Comeback Kid | February 5, 2016 |
Setlist Composition and Structure
Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour setlists were highly dynamic, reflecting his eclectic taste and ability to traverse multiple genres. The setlists showcased his ability to connect with a diverse audience, effortlessly moving between country, rock, and blues-inspired songs. With a total of 43 shows, the tour’s setlists varied in terms of composition and structure, making each show a unique experience for attendees.
Ratio of Original and Cover Songs
Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour featured a mix of original songs and covers from various artists. The tour’s setlists included a significant presence of Church’s original hits, including “Springsteen,” “Creepin’,” and “Chief.” Additionally, he incorporated cover songs from artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, further emphasizing his eclectic style.
Out of the 43 shows, approximately 65% of the setlists included original songs by Eric Church, while 35% featured covers or collaborations.
The incorporation of cover songs allowed Church to cater to different tastes and create a sense of communal experience among the audience. His renditions of classic songs added a refreshing twist, making the tour a celebration of music and its versatility.
Variation in Setlists Across Different Tour Dates
The Free the Machine Tour saw a notable variation in setlists across different tour dates, reflecting Church’s creative process and adaptability. While the core setlist remained consistent, with Church rotating through his most popular songs, he often included unique songs or covers in specific venues, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
- The tour’s opening shows included a higher proportion of songs from his 2013 album, “The Outsiders,” which was still relatively new at the time.
- As the tour progressed, Church incorporated more songs from his earlier work, such as “Carolina” and “Smoke a Little Smoke,” showcasing his growth as an artist.
- In certain cities, Church paid tribute to local heroes, incorporating their songs or dedicating performances to notable local musicians.
This adaptability and willingness to experiment made the Free the Machine Tour a memorable experience for fans, offering something new and exciting with each performance.
Notable Songs and Highlights
The Free the Machine Tour setlist features a mix of Eric Church’s popular and critically acclaimed songs, showcasing his unique style and ability to connect with his audience. One of the notable highlights of the tour is the incorporation of various collaborations and special performances.
Meaning Behind “Kill a Word”
“Kill a Word” is a song by Eric Church, featuring Elevation Worship. The song is a powerful commentary on the impact of our words on others, highlighting the importance of choosing kindness and compassion over hate and negativity. The lyrics urge listeners to consider the words they choose, as they have the power to either uplift or tear down those around them. Church collaborates with Elevation Worship to emphasize the transformative power of faith and music in promoting love and acceptance.
- The song incorporates a soulful, gospel-inspired melody, which adds to its emotional depth and authenticity.
- The lyrics emphasize the need for empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to reflect on their words and actions.
- “Kill a Word” has been praised for its thought-provoking message and inspiring performance, showcasing Church’s ability to craft meaningful and memorable songs.
Background and Inspiration Behind “Chief”
“Chief” is a song that showcases Eric Church’s ability to craft a modern country rock anthem. The song’s meaning is deeply personal to Church, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and emotions. He has stated that the song is about embracing one’s identity and finding confidence in who they are. The title “Chief” refers to the idea of being the leader of one’s own life, making decisions and taking control.
“I think it’s about finding that confidence and that swagger, and that’s what ‘Chief’ is all about.” – Eric Church
Significance of “Springsteen” in the Free the Machine Tour Setlist
“Springsteen” is a song that holds great significance in Eric Church’s discography, serving as a testament to his admiration for Bruce Springsteen. The song’s inclusion in the Free the Machine Tour setlist is a nod to Springsteen’s influence on Church’s music and legacy. Church has often spoken about how Springsteen’s work has inspired him to explore themes of American life, struggle, and redemption in his own music. By including “Springsteen” in the setlist, Church is paying tribute to the artist who has had a profound impact on his career and artistic vision.
- The song is a heartfelt tribute to Springsteen’s lasting influence on Church’s music and artistic perspective.
- Church’s inclusion of “Springsteen” in the setlist demonstrates his commitment to honoring his musical idols.
- The song serves as a reminder of the power of music to inspire and connect generations of artists and fans.
Musical Influences and Collaborations
Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour setlist reflects his eclectic mix of musical influences, incorporating country, rock, blues, and Americana genres. His live performances blend traditional country storytelling with a more rock-oriented, edgy sound. Church’s music often draws inspiration from classic country, rockabilly, and Southern rock. His setlist features a diverse range of original songs, showcasing his ability to craft infectious hooks and storytelling melodies.
Primary Musical Influences
Eric Church’s music is deeply rooted in traditional country and southern rock. Some of his primary influences include:
- Johnny Cash: Known for his deep, baritone voice and rebellious spirit, Johnny Cash’s music has been a significant influence on Eric Church’s style.
- Bob Seger: Church has often cited Seger as a major influence, admiring his ability to craft anthemic, arena-rock songs that still maintain a strong songwriting focus.
- Crispin Glover: Some of the musical influences in Church’s Free the Machine tour were inspired by the artist Crispin Glover as a way to add some different elements into the music. He’s known for his diverse and often eclectic music style.
- Tom Petty: Eric Church has expressed admiration for Petty’s eclecticism, citing his ability to blend different styles and create a unique sound.
Country-Rock Sound and Setlist Composition
Church incorporates his country-rock sound into his setlist through the use of acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel, and fiddle, creating a rich, layered sound. His songs often blend traditional country storytelling with catchy hooks and melodies. Some key songs in the Free the Machine setlist include:
- “Springsteen” – A country-rock ballad that showcases Church’s ability to craft infectious hooks and storytelling melodies.
- “Chief” – A high-energy song that blends traditional country with a more rock-oriented sound, featuring a driving rhythm and guitar riffs.
- “Massive Country” – A country-rock anthem that showcases Church’s ability to craft anthemic, arena-rock songs that still maintain a strong songwriting focus.
Studio Albums vs. Live Performances
While Church’s studio albums and live performances share some common sonic elements, there are notable differences in sound between the two. Live performances often feature more stripped-down arrangements, allowing Church’s voice and storytelling to take center stage. In contrast, his studio albums tend to be more produced and polished, incorporating additional instrumentation and textures to create a richer, more layered sound.
The differences between studio albums and live performances can be heard in songs from the Free the Machine tour:
- “Pledge Allegiance to the Heart” – A high-energy song in the studio version has an added, driving rhythm section on stage, with more emphasis on electric guitar.
- “Talladega” – This song takes on a more stripped-down, acoustic feel in live performances, highlighting Church’s storytelling ability and the emotional power of his voice.
Performance and Stage Design
The Free the Machine Tour stage design and layout were a crucial aspect of Eric Church’s live performances. The stage featured a large, industrial-inspired framework with metallic accents and a sprawling catwalk system that allowed Church and his band to navigate the audience and create a more immersive experience.
Stage Design and Layout, Eric church free the machine tour setlist
The stage design for the Free the Machine Tour was heavily influenced by Eric Church’s love of industrial and rock music. The stage featured a large, metal framework with a sleek, modern aesthetic that was both visually striking and functional. The catwalk system, which stretched out from the main stage, allowed Church and his band to move freely around the audience, creating a more dynamic and engaging performance experience. This design choice enabled the band to play to different sections of the crowd, creating a sense of energy and movement that was a hallmark of the tour.
Video and Visual Effects
The use of video and visual effects was a key component of the Free the Machine Tour’s production. The show featured a massive video wall behind the stage, which displayed vibrant graphics, animations, and footage to enhance the music and create a more immersive experience for the audience. Eric Church and his team also incorporated cutting-edge lighting and projection technology to create a visually stunning show that perfectly complemented the music.
Eric Church’s Signature Live Performances
Eric Church is known for his energetic and interactive live performances, and the Free the Machine Tour was no exception. Church’s dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with the audience were major highlights of the tour, and his willingness to experiment with different stage designs and visual effects helped to create a truly unique and captivating experience. Throughout the tour, Church’s performances were marked by his signature blend of soulful vocals, raw energy, and crowd-pleasing anthems that left audiences wanting more.
Catwalk and Audience Interaction
Eric Church’s use of the catwalk system during the Free the Machine Tour was a key factor in creating a more immersive and engaging experience for the audience. By moving freely around the venue, Church was able to connect with fans from all corners of the room, creating a sense of energy and community that was palpable throughout the show.
Church’s use of the catwalk also allowed him to showcase his musicianship, as he was able to walk out among the crowd and play guitar without the confines of the main stage. This added a new dynamic to the performance, allowing Church to interact with fans in a more personal and intimate way.
Visual Effects and Pyrotechnics
The Free the Machine Tour’s visual effects and pyrotechnics were also a major highlight of the show. Church’s team incorporated a range of cutting-edge technology, including laser beams, fireworks, and pyrotechnic displays, to create a visually stunning experience that perfectly complemented the music.
These effects added an extra layer of energy and excitement to the show, and helped to create a truly unforgettable experience for the audience. Whether it was a pyrotechnic display or a stunning laser beam display, every aspect of the visual effects was designed to enhance the music and create a more immersive experience for the fans.
Last Word
In conclusion, the Eric Church Free the Machine Tour Setlist is a testament to the artist’s ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to his roots. With a setlist that showcased his country-rock sound and willingness to experiment with new sounds, the tour cemented Eric Church’s status as a musical icon. As we reflect on the tour’s significance, it’s clear that it was a defining moment in his career, one that continues to inspire and influence new generations of music fans.
Quick FAQs
Q: What was the primary musical influence on Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour setlist?
A: The primary musical influence on Eric Church’s Free the Machine Tour setlist was his country-rock sound, which he incorporated into the setlist through a mix of original songs and cover tracks.
Q: How did Eric Church’s signature live performances contribute to the overall experience of the Free the Machine Tour?
A: Eric Church’s signature live performances, which featured high-energy performances and a mix of country and rock elements, contributed to the overall experience of the Free the Machine Tour by creating an immersive and engaging experience for fans.
Q: How did Eric Church’s setlist vary across different tour dates?
A: Eric Church’s setlist varied across different tour dates, with some shows featuring more country elements and others incorporating more rock influenced performances.
