Alan Jackson’s Last Call Tour: One More for the Road in Fayetteville

Alan Jackson FayettevillePhoto byGreg at ChaChingQueen.com

Last night, country music legend Alan Jackson brought his Last Call: One More for the Road tour to Fayetteville, AR, and fans packed Bud Walton Arena for a night of hits and nostalgia. The excitement in the air was undeniable, as this tour marks one of Jackson’s final performances on the road.

The Show Kicks Off with Chet Chetwick

The night began with Chet Chetwick, a rising country artist. While Chet Chetwick's set was short, it primarily highlighted his connection to Alan Jackson’s AJ’s Good Time Bar, a honky-tonk in Nashville known for its laid-back atmosphere and live music.

Chetwick’s performance was enjoyable, though many in the crowd were clearly eager for the main act.

I Hope You Dance, But Wait...Not Yet

Next up was Lee Ann Womack, who delivered a strong performance, including her classic “I Hope You Dance.” There was a bit of confusion around 8 PM when she introduced what many thought was her final song, “Last Call.” We all thought she was setting the stage for Jackson to appear, especially because Last Call is the theme of his tour.

Instead, she continued playing a few more tracks, which led to some restlessness among the audience. Fans were clearly anticipating Jackson’s entrance and felt misled by the transition.

A Mix of Generations

Kid at Alan Jackson concertPhoto byGreg at ChaChingQueen.com

One of the most striking things about the night was the diverse mix of concert-goers. College students were out in full force alongside older fans who’ve been following Jackson for decades. My 7-year-old son was one of the youngest attendees, reminding me of just how broad Jackson’s appeal is.

Here in the Real World: Jackson's Emotional Entrance

When Alan Jackson finally took the stage, the arena lit up. The night opened with a montage of Jackson’s illustrious career, showcasing the sheer number of hits he’s had over the years—over 35 number-one singles plus many more hits that never made it to number #1!

Songs like “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” immediately brought the crowd to life, reminding us all of his place in country music history.

What’s Behind the Last Call Tour?

Jackson’s Last Call tour is a bittersweet farewell due in large part to his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic neurological disorder that affects his balance and motor skills.

Though the disease isn’t life-threatening, it has made performing increasingly difficult for Jackson, which is why this tour carries extra weight for fans. It’s their last chance to see the icon live on stage as he winds down his touring career.

Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Jackson’s resilience was on full display. While visibly slower and occasionally unsteady, he powered through with determination, even tossing shirts into the crowd to keep the energy high.

Remember When: Old Meets New

Alan Jackson concertPhoto byGreg at ChaChingQueen.com

The visual highlight of the concert was the synchronization of Jackson’s live performance with his old music videos from the '90s. Half of the screen showed Jackson’s live rendition, while the other half played the original video footage.

The flawless synchronization was a testament to his consistency as an artist and was a nostalgic treat for long-time fans.

Midnight in Montgomery: A Rare Treat

One of the most memorable moments came when Jackson performed “Midnight in Montgomery,” a song he hasn’t sung live in years. This tribute to Hank Williams is a fan favorite, and hearing it again after so long made the moment feel truly special.

Technical Difficulties at the Basketball Palace

There were a few noticeable feedback issues with the sound system throughout the night, which may have been due to the fact that this was the first major public concert held at Bud Walton Arena. Despite these technical hiccups, the show was a success, and Jackson’s performance left a lasting impression.

Catching That Neon Rainbow

Jackson played around 21 songs during the show, though in the middle, he quickly ran through many of his hits in short, one-minute bursts. While this gave the crowd a chance to hear more songs, it left some fans (like my son) wanting to hear the full versions. I had to explain that with so many hits, playing them all in full would have kept us there all night!