Luke Bryan didn’t want anyone to know he had COVID. Bryan recently revealed during one of his concerts that he was battling COVID, after canceling or postponing several shows. The father of two admits he not only struggled with his health, but with what he should – and shouldn’t – tell his fans about his illness.
“Obviously I got it, and you go through, ‘Do you let anybody know that you have it?'” Bryan reflects to Taste of Country. He adds that he didn’t want people to wonder what was wrong with him when he wasn’t able to sing to his full capactiy, and was coughing
“Fans could see me really coughing hard onstage. And man, I was on every medicine trying to make myself better,” Bryan says.
“You know, that’s the really frustrating part,” he adds. “I want to be onstage at a hundred percent every night of my life, but that’s not really reality.”
When Did Luke Bryan Get Sick?
On June 19, Bryan was performing in Arkansas, as part of his Country Song Came On Tour, when he revealed he was getting sick. He gave fans a full refund since his voice was not at his best, but still continued with the show.
At the time, he said he was following in the footsteps of something Luke Combs did a few years ago, when he also continued with the show while refunding his fans.
“So, I’m gonna get real with y’all,” Bryan said on stage, his voice hoarse. “This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever dealt with in my life. I cannot have my voice in this venue for some reason. It happens every time, I don’t know why. But, you guys keep showing up year after year to see me put on this show.”
When Did Luke Bryan Return To His Tour?
Bryan initially thought he would take the weekend off, but sadly, that was not the case. Eric Church performed for Bryan for three festival shows at the end of June, while Bryan continued to recover.
“I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness,” Bryan wrote on social media. “I’ve been hoping to rally, but my voice is just not there yet. Huge thanks to my buddy Eric Church for stepping in last minute — and of course, putting on a kick a– show like he always does. Sitting still is not what I do best so I can’t wait to be back soon. Love y’all.”
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On July 10, Bryan returned to his tour, sharing the good news on social media.
“I wanted to thank everybody for all the well wishes, for the last few shows that I had to postpone and obviously cancel,” Bryan said in a video. “I want to thank my buddy Eric Church for stepping in, and helping out with me. It really, really gets frustrating getting sick like that, and losing my voice, and having to take a couple of weekends off. But thank you guys for supporting me. I love y’all, and we’ll see you all in the shows to come.”
What’s Next For Luke Bryan?
Bryan is working on a new album.
“I’m on tour right now,” Bryan tells The Tennesseean. “I’m actively writing songs. People always ask me, ‘Are you working on a new album?’ I don’t think I ever stop really working on a new album. I’m always trying to write a little bit and find songs. My current single, ‘Country Song Came On,’ is nearing the Top 10 right now, which I’m excited about. But the bottom line is, get in the studio at some point and record some new music, and just keep doing the deal. Keep enjoying being a country music singer.”
Bryan has a Top 10 hit with “Country Song Came On.” Find music and tour dates at LukeBryan.com.
Photo Credit: CMA / John Russell