Tim McGraw overcame various health issues to return to the stage for the first time in more than a year.
The country music superstar performed at the Music City Rodeo in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, May 31 following a series of major back surgeries and knee replacements over the past year.
“When you think Tim McGraw we hope you think of us,” the venue posted on X Monday. “Shoutout to the Rodeo Marshal himself who closed out the final night of Music City Rodeo in true cowboy fashion.”
The 58-year-old — who in addition to Reba and Jelly Roll headlined the three-day event — performed a slew of his signature hits such as “Live Like We’re Dying,” “Southern Voice,” “I Like It, I Love It,” “Real Good Man,” “How Bad Do You Want It” and “Something Like That,” Music Mayhem Magazine reported.
The three-time Grammy Award-winner also played “Paper Umbrellas,” his current single on country radio, as well as an unreleased song called “King Rodeo.” The track is expected to appear on McGraw’s forthcoming new album, which will follow his 17th studio album, “Standing Room Only,” from 2023. An exact release date for the album has yet to be announced.
“Thank you! My name’s Tim, better known as Faith Hill’s husband, which I like a lot,” McGraw said while introducing himself to the sold-out crowd, per Music Mayhem Magazine.
“Welcome to the inaugural Music City Rodeo! Had you had a good time? Give it up for Miss Reba [McEntire], Mr. Jelly Roll and my boys,” the singer said. “I want to thank my team for putting this together, Pat, Brian, Down Home, everybody that did such a great job. And thanks to you guys for showing up and supporting this. We’re going to be here every single year, so I want y’all to keep coming out. It’s been a blast doing this and a big hand for the cowboys and cowgirls. It wouldn’t be a show without those guys.”
Fans on social media applauded McGraw’s return as well.
“What an unforgettable performance,” one TikTok user wrote on another video from Music Mayhem Magazine. “Tim McGraw never fails to deliver such an emotional and powerful show.”
“He’s still got it,” another user commented. “Kudos for him for being able to not miss a beat.”
McGraw’s three daughters — Gracie (28), Maggie (26), and Audrey (23) — also joined him on stage to sing the final chorus of his 2007 hit, “Last Dollar (Fly Away).”
“This hits hard because I loved this one as a kid and I’m roughly their age,” one TikTok user wrote on Music Mayhem Magazine’s video.
“I’m sobbing and have a lump in my throat,” another user commented.
McGraw’s return comes after he was forced to cancel his “Standing Room Only” tour last June because of health issues. The 14-time CMA-winner revealed on “The Bobby Bones” show May 23 that he had five surgeries in the past “6 to 8 months.”
“I’m on the upswing now,” he told the host. “Some mornings are good, some mornings it takes a little while, but it’s getting there.”
McGraw added that he has “done a lot of rehab, a lot of P-T [physical therapy] and now I’m slowly getting back to a routine.”
