Returning to the city where the majority of their new album Forever Now was recorded, GRAMMY-winning rock band Switchfoot stepped into the circle for the first time Thursday night (7/23) for their Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville.
Their three-song set was met with a standing ovation from the crowd and featured a duet with country music superstar Lainey Wilson, who joined the band for new track “Beautiful Life.” The set also included their massive hit “Dare You To Move” and “Only Hope,” which was most notably covered by Mandy Moore in the 2000s cult favorite movie “A Walk To Remember.” Following the official show, Switchfoot headed to Studio A in the historic Opry House to perform a special set and host a Q&A for 100 fans.
“We have many ties to Nashville, we have made many records out here,” said lead vocalist Jon Foreman from the stage following the performance of “Dare You To Move.” “To be the kid who is couch surfing around Nashville and writing songs trying to figure out why they’re on the planet, and to be playing one of those songs years and years later, is a dream come true. Thank you so much for having us.”
Switchfoot received the news that they were set to make their Opry debut last month during an appearance on the iHeartPodcast, “Hey Jonas!” – watch the episode here. The invitation came just days before their highly anticipated new album Forever Now was released, a 13-track collection that centers on the emotional roller coaster of a person’s final day on Earth. More specifically, it brings up the questions one might ask themselves if confronted with a harsh but potentially enlightening reality. Produced by longtime collaborator and accomplished producer Mike Elizondo and recorded largely in part at Elizondo’s Phantom Studios on the outskirts of Nashville, Forever Now is the most thematic and narrative-driven album of Switchfoot’s already storied career. The album’s lead single “Absolution” is climbing the charts now at Alternative radio, currently nearing Top 30.
The beloved band will return to Nashville this fall for their headlining Forever Now Tour with special guest Anberlin. Named after their album, the tour will hit 39 cities with stops in major markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. and more. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Ahead of the tour, Switchfoot will take their captivating live show to various fairs and festivals throughout the summer. For more information, please visit switchfoot.com.