Dierks Bentley’s “Gravel and Gold Tour” Brings Electrifying Surprises and Country Spirit to Nashville

When Dierks Bentley’s “Gravel and Gold Tour” hit Nashville, the country star brought more than just his chart-topping hits to the iconic city—he delivered an unforgettable experience packed with surprise guests, heartfelt tributes, and pure country magic. From the moment Bentley kicked off the night with the crowd-pleasing anthem “Gold,” it was clear that this was no ordinary show. In classic Dierks Bentley style, the night was a mix of high-energy fun, bluegrass soul, and intimate moments that showcased his love for both his fans and his country roots.

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zachary Belcher

Bentley wasted no time getting the audience on their feet, and early in the set, he brought out a special guest that few saw coming. During his fiery rendition of “Am I the Only One,” longtime friend and band member Charlie Worsham made an unexpected appearance at center stage, taking the reins for a lighthearted “Red Solo Cup” interlude. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Worsham, who many fans didn’t realize was part of Bentley’s band, gave the song a playful twist that set the tone for the night. It was the first of many surprises, as Bentley was just warming up.

In one of the night’s most talked-about moments, Bentley welcomed Brandon Coleman lead singer of breakout southern rock band Red Clay Strays to the stage for a surprise feature. The collaboration was electric, with the frontman’s gritty vocals adding a new dimension to the performance. As the crowd swayed along, Bentley shifted gears with an unexpected tribute that had fans reaching for their hearts—an acoustic, bluegrass-tinged cover of Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” dedicated to the late rock legend. With a heartfelt “Rest in Peace, Tom Petty,” Bentley and his band put a country spin on the rock classic, complete with fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. The song built to a crescendo as the bluegrass feel was interrupted by a searing electric guitar solo that rocked the house, reminding everyone why Bentley has mastered the art of blending genres.

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zachary Belcher

Seamlessly, Bentley slid from the soulful tribute straight into his own feel-good hit “Free and Easy,” with the infectious melody keeping the energy high. Mid-song, he threw in a nod to country legends Alabama with a “Mountain Music” interlude, adding a nostalgic twist that had longtime country fans cheering for more.

As if the night couldn’t get any better, Bentley’s good friend and rising star Chase Rice made a special appearance, joining him for a rowdy duet of “Gone.” The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and just when fans thought it was over, Bentley surprised Rice—and the audience—by gifting him a brand-new Martin guitar on stage. It was a heartfelt gesture, symbolizing the camaraderie and mutual respect that’s woven into the fabric of country music. Fans went wild as Rice held up the guitar in appreciation, a moment that will be remembered long after the tour moves on.

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zachary Belcher

Bentley also took the opportunity to shine a light on family. In an emotional and heartwarming twist, he welcomed his daughter Abby to the stage for a beautiful cover of Noah Kahan’s viral hit “Stick Season.” Abby, with her sweet and steady vocals, won over the crowd instantly, proving that talent clearly runs in the Bentley bloodline. The proud father stood back, beaming as his daughter had her moment, and the crowd responded with thunderous applause. It was one of those rare, intimate moments that made the night feel extra special.

Not to be outdone, bluegrass sensation Zach Top took the stage next, showcasing his virtuosity alongside Bentley. The bluegrass interlude, featuring fast-paced picking and soaring harmonies, gave the show an authentic country flavor that paid tribute to the genre's roots. Zach Top’s performance was a reminder of the deep well of talent present on the "Gravel and Gold Tour."

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zachary Belcher

Just when the night seemed to reach its peak, Bentley cranked the energy back up with a rowdy rendition of “Somewhere on a Beach,” cleverly interspersing an impromptu “Beers on Me” jam that had the audience singing along with every word. The laid-back vibe carried through as Bentley transitioned to the night’s signature closer, “What Was I Thinkin’.” Fans knew it was coming, but it didn’t stop the excitement from boiling over as Bentley belted out the lyrics to one of his biggest hits, sending the arena into a frenzy before the band took their final bows.

But this was a night full of surprises, and Bentley wasn’t done yet. The crowd was treated to not one, but two encores, with each one packing a punch. The first encore kicked off with the quintessential Bentley party anthem, “Drunk on a Plane,” getting everyone in the arena back on their feet. The singalong continued into a second encore, but not without a twist—Bentley took the audience on a trip back in time with a full “Back to the Future” themed intro, setting the stage for his side project, Hot Country Knights. This hilarious ‘90s throwback band took the stage for a high-energy set of classic country covers, dressed in full ‘90s gear. The humor and fun were contagious, and the audience couldn’t get enough of Bentley’s playful alter-ego.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Bentley had one final surprise up his sleeve. The Nashville Predators joined him on stage, with a video montage of Bentley himself skating on the ice with the team playing on the big screen. It was a quintessential Nashville moment that brought local pride to the forefront, ending the night on a high note.

In true Dierks Bentley fashion, the Nashville stop of the “Gravel and Gold Tour” was a celebration of everything that makes country music special—heart, humor, camaraderie, and, of course, unforgettable music. With surprise guests, heartfelt moments, and electrifying performances, Bentley proved once again why he’s one of the most beloved artists in the genre today. It was a night to remember, one that left fans buzzing long after the final chords rang out. If you weren’t there, you missed a truly iconic Music City moment.