It has been exactly two years since the world lost a true patriot and country legend. On February 5, 2024, Toby Keith passed away after fighting cancer for a long time. To mark this date, Eric Church stood alone on a stage in Nebraska to remember his friend. He decided to play a very special song called Don’t Let the Old Man In.
The song choice was perfect because it was the last big hit Toby Keith ever released. Toby wrote it after a golf game with actor Clint Eastwood, during which they talked about staying young at heart. Eric wore his classic sunglasses and a leather jacket while he played. You could see how much he looks up to and misses Toby while pouring love into each word!
Eric Church – Let the Old Man In (Toby Keith cover)
Fans in the crowd were very quiet because they could feel the sadness in the room. One viewer said that seeing the Chief honor Toby made them cry happy tears. Another person commented that they will never forget how much Toby loved his country. Everyone agreed that the Big Dog Daddy would have been very proud of this raw performance.
Eric does not just sing these songs because they are popular. He does it because Toby Keith was the person who gave him his first big break. Back in 2011, many people in Nashville did not want to work with Eric because he was a bit of a rebel. Toby did not care about that and invited Eric to join the Locked and Loaded tour.
Toby Keith’s Impact: Eric Church Reveals How The Country Star Changed His Career Forever
In a famous speech, Eric told fans that he might not even have a career if Toby had not called him. He even performed the hit As Good As I Once Was to show how much he missed his mentor. Eric was about the same age as Toby was when they first met. This made the tribute feel like a son thanking a father.
Eric Church continues to be a leader among those who like music with a little edge. He keeps his friends’ memories alive through his honest stories and guitar playing. You can find more great moments by following Eric Church on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Do not miss out on the journey of this modern country outlaw. Hear his new album right here!