Colt Ford Makes Triumphant Return to the Stage After Two Heart Attacks, Joins BraColt Ford Triumphantly

On Friday evening (Sept. 13), Colt Ford made an emotional return to the stage, performing alongside Brantley Gilbert at Gilbert’s headlining World’s Largest Album Release Party. This marked Ford’s first live performance since suffering two major heart attacks in April 2024.

The surprise came during the celebration of Gilbert’s new album, *Tattoos*, as Gilbert introduced his longtime friend Ford to the crowd. As Ford’s signature microphone stand appeared on stage, Gilbert shared the story of their 20-year friendship and how Ford had fought through two life-threatening heart attacks. “When I left the hospital, I didn’t know if I was ever going to see my brother again,” Gilbert admitted, reflecting on Ford’s difficult journey to recovery.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com

@Colt Ford returned to the stage this evening to perform with @Brantley Gilbert in Nashville at the World’s Largest Album Release Party for Gilbert’s new album, Tattoos! #BrantleyGilbert #ColtFord #BGNation #BrantleyGilbertNation #brantleygilbertlive #bg #coltfordofficial #countrymusic #dirtroadanthem #countrysinger #nashville #musiccity #concert #countryconcert #livemusic #music #lowerbroadway #nashvilletn #jasonaldean #duet @Music City Grand Prix #MusicCityGrandPrix #GrandPrix #country

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

With the crowd erupting in cheers, Ford, visibly emotional, addressed the audience. “I promised you I’d get well enough to walk out on this stage tonight. It’s been a long, tough road, but Brantley is one of the reasons I’m still here. He fought for me, and they saved my life.”

The duo then performed “Dirt Road Anthem,” a hit they co-wrote that was famously recorded by Jason Aldean. The energy-filled performance saw them trading verses, while Ford’s children watched proudly from the front row. As the song came to an end, Ford was overcome with emotion, with tears streaming down his face as he thanked the crowd for their warm welcome.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com

@Brantley Gilbert and @Colt Ford performing “Dirt Road Anthem,” a song they co-wrote for @Jason Aldean. The performance, which took place during the World’s Largest Album Release Party for Gilbert’s new album Tattoos, marked Ford’s return to the stage several months after he suffered a heart attack. #BrantleyGilbert #BrantleyGilbertNation #Tattoos #bg #BGNation #ColtFord #nashvilletn #countrymusic #countrysinger #nashville #musiccity #livemusic #duet #jasonaldean #dirtroadanthem #musiccitygrandprix #grandprix #countryconcert #coltfordofficial @Music City Grand Prix @Big Machine

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

Brantley Gilbert also expressed his gratitude for Ford’s recovery, saying, “I’m blessed to have him still in my life. The doctor told him there were people half his age who never made it, so it’s a blessing he’s here with us tonight.”

Following the show, Ford shared a clip of their performance on social media, expressing how much he missed being on stage. “Man, it felt good to be back out there. Y’all know I missed the hell out of it!” he wrote, tagging Gilbert and adding the hashtags #BackAtIt and #TestRun.

The night was filled with more surprises, including appearances by Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Ashley Cooke, Struggle Jennings, and Demun Jones, making the album release party a night to remember for everyone in attendance.

Leave a Comment