Welcome to Memorial Day weekend and starting off with the latest news from the Grand Ole Opry regarding their much talked about London show in the fall. Here is the press release:
LONDON, UK. – May 21, 2025--Today, the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio program in U.S. history and legendary home of country music, announces a star-studded lineup including Opry members Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker and Marty Stuart will headline its first-ever live international broadcast from London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on Friday, 26th September 2025. Tickets to the show will go on sale on Friday, 23rd May at 10:00 a.m. BST / 4:00 a.m. CDT on royalalberthall.com.
In addition to beloved Opry members, this show will feature a lineup of special UK guest artists to be announced later this year. The all-star cast will showcase the rich and diverse musical styles found within the country music genre, bringing the spirit of Nashville to one of the world’s most prestigious stages. During the show, fans can expect to hear a mix of contemporary and classic country music hits, a full range of country music styles and exclusive collaborations between Opry members and their guests. Like the Opry’s regular shows in Nashville, artists appearing on this show will each perform 2 - 4 songs.
Of the historic moment, Grand Ole Opry member and multi-time Diamond-certified superstar Darius Rucker said, “Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is a great honor; it’s always felt like the Opry was my home away from home. To have the opportunity to bring such a big part of my musical roots to Royal Albert Hall is a full-circle moment for me while I work on a project with so many talented songwriters and producers based in London. I can’t think of a better way to honor the Opry’s global impact on country music as we share its magic with a new generation of fans.”
Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Grand Ole Opry parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties, added, “This milestone year for the Grand Ole Opry has arrived at the perfect time as country music enjoys an unprecedented rise in global popularity, especially here in the United Kingdom. Our first-ever broadcast outside of the United States will celebrate the influential music that has shaped this genre and pay tribute to the unique Opry show format that has entertained music lovers for 100 years. With the help of some of our most treasured Opry members and some very special guests, we hope to give fans a taste of what goes on every week back in Nashville and inspire them to come visit the epicenter of country music.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay and WSM Radio host Kelly Sutton will be co-hosts for “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London.” The pair will honor the show’s radio roots by creating a lively atmosphere at the Royal Albert Hall and over the airwaves for listeners worldwide. Sutton, the first woman to hold a regular Opry host role, is also the host of Absolute Radio Country’s The Nashville Show.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly as fans seize the opportunity to experience this cultural moment. Fans unable to experience the show in person can listen to a live broadcast on WSM radio and Opry.com. UK-based fans can also hear a full broadcast replay on BBC Radio 2 at a later date.
Since its debut on WSM Radio in 1925, the Opry has introduced country music to people worldwide and helped shape the careers of artists such as Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride, in addition to some of today’s top country music stars, including those appearing at “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London.” Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry is one of the highest honors in country music, symbolizing not just career success, but also a deep commitment to honoring the Opry’s past, present and future by building relationships with new fans, supporting rising talent and celebrating the legends who paved the way.
Dan Rogers, SVP and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, stated, “The magical thing about the Opry is how many lives it’s touched over the past 100 years. No matter where you live, when you listen to country music all roads eventually lead to the Grand Ole Opry and its members both past and present. This show, like the others we are fortunate to program during this special year, will be a celebration of all that has come before it, a moment to embrace something that’s never happened before and a preview of what lies ahead.”
“Grand Ole Opry: Live in London” is produced by Dan Rogers in partnership with SteadiBeat Media’s Steve Buchanan, with special thanks to SJM Concerts and Bob Shennan.
Leading up to the show, fans in the UK can catch up on the latest Grand Ole Opry performances as Opry Live begins airing on Sky Arts starting Friday, 30th May. The show will air weekly for 26 weeks, giving viewers a chance to experience the heart of Nashville before the Opry’s historic night at Royal Albert Hall.
“Grand Ole Opry: Live in London” is part of a series of events, limited-edition releases, special performances, exhibits, book publications and merchandise celebrating this historic year. For the latest updates on Opry 100, visit Opry100.com and follow the Opry on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
The London show will be taking place at 1:00 p.m. Nashville time and will be broadcast on WSM. In addition, the usual Friday Night Opry will be taking place from the Opry House that evening.
The other bit of news regarding the Opry took place last week as the Grand Ole Opry, with the help of member Carly Pearce, unveiled a custom Dolly-themed Opry mic stand during her sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium. Just before performing "Jolene," Carly revealed the specifically designed Opry mic stand in honor of Dolly Parton, one of the Opry's most beloved global ambassadors. The stand commissioned exclusively for the Opry's 100th year, features sparkling rhinestones, pink and purple butterflies, and other design elements inspired by Dolly's signature style. It will be used throughout the Opry's centennial celebration. Hopefully, during one of the upcoming Opry shows this year, Dolly will be at the Opry to perform behind this iconic mic stand.
Now moving ahead to this week at the Grand Ole Opry, both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry have a full slate of artists on the schedule.
Grand Ole Opry members Dustin Lynch and Ashley McBryde head up the lineup for the Friday Night Opry, along with a couple of the Opry's legendary members: John Conlee and Connie Smith. John Conlee returns on Saturday night along with Bill Anderson, Don Schlitz and Mandy Barnett.
Among the non-members appearing this weekend, Matthew West, TajMo and Restless Road are scheduled on Friday, while Coffey Anderson, Six-String Soldiers and Bryce Leatherwood are listed for Saturday.
Meanwhile there will be two Opry debuts this weekend with The Band Loula debuting on Friday night and Anderson East on Saturday.
Friday May 23
7:00: John Conlee, Restless Road, TajMo, Matthew West
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, The Band Loula, Dustin Lynch Ashley McBryde
Saturday May 24
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Coffey Anderson, Bill Anderson, Six-String Soldiers
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Bryce Leatherwood, Opry Square Dancers, Anderson East, Don Schlitz
(for those who might not remember, TajMo is the duo of Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’)
The Band Loula, who is making their Opry debut on Friday night, is from North Georgia. Last year, the band began a landmark partnership with Warner Music Nashville and is currently in the studio working on their debut project with John Osborne (Brothers Osborne). The new music follows previously released singles such as “Marshall County Man,” “Don’t Call Me” and “A Little At A Time." This summer the band will join Dierks Bently and Zach Top in the tour.
Anderson East, who is debuting on Saturday night, lives in Tennessee and in the past dated Miranda Lambert. Originally from Athens, Georgia, Alabama, Anderson is noted for combing R&B, soul and roots rock. His latest album "Worthy" is due to be released at the end of the month.
Sometimes in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, an artist will appear unannounced. One of those surprise walk-ons took place on Saturday May 24, 1997, when the legendary Chubby Checker made an appearance on the Opry.
Chubby Checker was in Nashville for a show that night at the Nashville Arena, that in addition to him, also included Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Spinners, The Turtles and Jay & The Techniques. At the invitation of Porter Wagoner, Chubby made it over to the Opry House to appear during the 2nd segment of the late show that night.
Here is the running order from that 2nd show on Saturday May 24, 1997:
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Chubby Checker: Oughta Show Some Respect/The Twist
Junior Brown: I'm The Highway Patrol
Kingsmen Quartet: I'm Heading Home/John Couldn't Write It All Down
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: If Teardrops Were Pennies
10:00: Massey Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Pink
Brother Oswald & Charlie Collins: When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You In The Morning
10:15: Opry Book
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Then Know You're Gone
10:30: Purnell's
Bill Anderson (host): Orange Blossom Special
Ronnie McDowell: Unchained Melody
Bill Anderson: I Don't Have Any Place To Go
10:45: White By MTD
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Jan Howard: You Belong To Me
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snow Flake Reel
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
11:00: Coca Cola
Mike Snider (host): The Whole World Smiles With You
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Osborne Brothers: You Can't Go Home, But You Can't Stay Home
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
11:30: Loreal
The 4 Guys (host): Down On The Corner
Charlie Walker: Right Or Wrong/There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It To Me Again/Dreams Of A Dreamer
The 4 Guys: Ida/Rambling Man
At the age of 84, Chubby Checker is still touring, still singing and dancing. Probably his most famous song was "The Twist," which was first regarded by Hank Ballard & The Midnighters. His other hits included "Pony Time," "Let's Twist Again," and "Limbo Rock." Chubby is a member of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, and earlier this year was announced as one of the new 2025 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Long overdue and well deserved.
There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
Chubby Checker had a country music album that wasn't bad! More country than a lot of the stuff trying to pass as country music today.
ReplyDeleteIt’s crazy that they’re doing a London show and the regular Friday night show on the same day across the ocean from each other. That’s going to be really cool! I wish that they would get more of the regulars rather than the hit makers. I know they want to sell out, but I have found that British people in German people in particular are very receptive to good American music so people like Bill Andersen, or Mark, or Vince, would get an incredible reaction in Europe, but I know Vince is on tour.
ReplyDeleteI've always heard that they love traditional Country over there. Ernie Ashworth had a great career here, but he was a huge star in Europe.
DeleteGeorge Hamilton IV was also a major star in Europe - he loved performing there
DeleteBobby Bare's wife told me when I purchased some stuff at her store that the European crowd REALLY likes TRADITIONAL country music.
DeleteThat was a long time ago!
Country music of all kinds is massive in the UK. There is a little bit of controversy because the prices for the cheapest non restricted seat is $225. It's priced me out of attending as London is an expensive place to visit at the best time.
DeleteWe had Eric Church here at the Royal Albert Hall last weekend and my ticket was $120 for a much better seat. A shame but it will probably still sell out.