Keith Urban and Glen Campbell are titans in the country music world, the former a contemporary Australian-American artist with hits like “Somebody Like You” and “Blue Ain’t Your Colour,” and the latter a legendary figure known for “Wichita Lineman,” often hailed as “the first existential country song.” When these two icons performed together live in 2009, it became a landmark moment in country music history.
The memorable performance took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, as part of Keith Urban’s Escape Together world tour. Urban electrified the crowd with his announcement, “Please welcome to the stage to do a little turn with me…Glen Campbell!” The audience erupted in cheers as Campbell stepped onto the stage. After a brief chat with the crowd, the duo launched into an acoustic version of “Wichita Lineman,” with Glen on vocals and lead guitar and Keith providing rhythm.
The performance was nothing short of spectacular, capturing the soulful essence of Glen’s original song while adding the magic of a live performance. Keith’s admiration for Glen was palpable, as he clearly relished the opportunity to perform with one of his idols. Glen also expressed his high regard for Keith, calling him “the best in the world” before they started playing.
This collaboration wasn’t a one-off for Keith Urban, who has a history of performing with other legendary musicians. In 2013, he joined US rock star John Mayer at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, an event established by guitar legend Eric Clapton. Together, they delivered a guitar-driven rendition of The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down,” with each artist sharing vocal duties and showcasing impressive guitar solos. Fans praised their cover, with some even saying it surpassed the original.
These performances highlight Keith Urban’s incredible talent and his ability to collaborate seamlessly with artists across different genres. His 2009 performance with Glen Campbell stands out, with Keith’s deep respect for his collaborator evident throughout. A top comment on the video by Patricia Guth encapsulates the sentiment: “Keith Urban isn’t only a talented singer and musician, he’s a fine human being”—a sentiment that’s hard to disagree with.