Country star Morgan Wallen is returning to the stage next week, and doing so for a good cause. The hitmaker has announced a benefit show titled Morgan Wallen and Friends, seeking to benefit those affected by the devastating floods across Tennessee last month — and it sold out immediately.
Set for Wednesday (September 8) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, the show will be an acoustic, writers-round style show, featuring a guest list packed with big names. HARDY, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Lainey Wilson, Josh Thompson, ERNEST, Ben Burgess, Lathan Warlick and Jared Mullins will all join Wallen, with money raised going to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.
It will mark Wallen’s first official show since he was sidelined in February, a shocking fall from grace which followed the discovery of a now-infamous “n-word” video. Wallen was the top artist in the U.S. in all genres at the time, and remained that way for weeks after being removed from radio playlists, canceling tour dates and more, but he has since begun a slow reemergence. A sit-down interview on Good Morning America found Wallen discussing what happened with Michael Strahan, and at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in early August, Wallen nearly stole the show as a surprise guest on Luke Bryan’s Proud To Be Right Here Tour stop.
In some ways, it’s only fitting that his first real show since the controversy is aimed at giving back. And although some will surely call the show a calculated move, Wallen says his heart is in the right place.
“I have been touched and heartbroken by the stories I’ve heard from the recent flooding and its impact in Middle Tennessee,” Morgan Wallen wrote on social media. “Wanted to do my part to help. Proud that this is my first official show in such a long time. Hope you guys can make it on such short notice.”
Proceeds from the evening be directed toward immediate assistance for victims of the recent severe storms and flooding in Humphreys County and other parts of Middle Tennessee. The catastrophic flash floods left at least 22 dead and dozens missing on August 21, after one of the worst deluges in the area’s history. More than 15 inches of rain fell on Humphreys County alone, turning dry creek beds into raging rivers full of debris, and sweeping away roads and homes.
With standing-room capacity of about 1,700 fans, Wallen’s show at Marathon Music Works sold out immediately. But if you’d like to make a direct donation, you can do so here.