Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan Shares He’s Still Recovering From Illness As He Returns To Tour

Published Jul 21, 2025 By Carli Eastwood
Luke Bryan Performs

Luke Bryan (Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage)

Luke Bryan Explained To His Fans He’s Not Fully Recovered From A Summer Illness

Country star Luke Bryan has been battling illness this summer, which forced him to postpone several tour dates last month.

On June 19, the singer announced he needed time to recover, hitting pause on his tour. He’s now returned to the stage and shared a health update with fans over the weekend.

 “I got COVID. You can boo that s*** all you want, but I got it. I had to cancel some shows, and now I’m back. But I’m not a hundred percent cause it’s still kicking my a**. And you know, I don’t give a s***. When I can sing, I’m gonna sing. And when I can’t, y’all are gonna sing, all right? And you’re gonna see me hack. I can’t take any more medicine. I can’t do anything else, but just try to breathe,” Bryan told the crowd in Greenville, South Carolina.

Although he’s back to performing, Bryan admitted his voice still isn’t at full strength but he pushed through his set, clearly determined to give fans a great show.

Just a few nights later in Birmingham, Alabama, the singer gave an additional update to the crowd.

 “I’ve been having the old summer chest cold. So some notes I’m gonna hit, for the ones I can’t hit y’all do your little deal. And I’m gonna drink tequila, a little vodka, and sing my a** through all of it,” he shared.

@selenavip1 @Luke Bryan #covid #countrymusic #countrysongcameontour #concert #summervibes #summer #fyp #countryconcert #lukebryan #greenvillesc ♬ NO AUDIO – Sok Baraby

Bryan Has Faced Many Health Challenges This Summer

While performing in Rogers, Arkansas for his Country Song Came On Tour last month, Bryan stopped the show to address his voice, and even refunded the entire crowd!

“So, I’m gonna get real with y’all. This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever dealt with in my life. I cannot have my voice in this venue for some reason,” Bryan said at the time.

The country singer told the crowd how Luke Combs did something similar a few years prior and he thought it was “pretty cool.”

“So I don’t give a d***, I’m gonna refund everybody that’s in this venue tonight. And we’re gonna keep doing this d*** show, okay? Because we’re just gonna make this what it is, I don’t know why I’ve had to do this every time, but y’all can hear so we’re gonna make the most of it. Let’s do it,” he continued.

@chl0e_sn0w @Luke Bryan thankyou for the best first concert ever 🫶🏻#fyp #lukebryan #countrymusic #birminghamalabama ♬ original sound – 𝓒𝓱𝓵𝓸𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓮𝔁𝓲𝓼🫧🍒

RELATED: Luke Bryan Stops Singing Mid-Song, Admits He “Forgot All The Words”

Eric Church Filled In For Luke At Multiple Festivals

Luke was set to headline three different festivals last month, including Country Stampede in Kansas, NEBRASKAland Days, and Country Jam Colorado. 

However, due to what was explained as vocal issues, passed off the performances to his friend, Eric Church.

“I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness. I’ve been hoping to rally, but my voice is just not there yet. Huge thanks to my buddy @ericchurch for stepping in last minute,” Luke shared on social media.

Eric posted in a statement at the time that he was bringing along backup singer Joanna Cotten for what he assured would be “something unique and spontaneous.”

“Festivals are part of the fabric of what made us who we are. Happy to fill in for Luke while he’s on the mend. Not a lot of time to plan or get the whole crew and band together, so I’m bringing Jo and we’re gonna do something unique and spontaneous,” Eric said.