Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100th Year With Historic Live Broadcast From London’s Royal Albert Hall With Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker And Marty Stuart

Country royalty takes over London’s royal house with historic Grand Ole Opry radio broadcast from Royal Albert Hall on Sept. 26 featuring Opry members Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker and Marty Stuart.

It’s the first-ever live international broadcast from the iconic Hall and the first broadcast outside of the United States for the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio program in U.S. history and legendary home of country music since 1925.

Tickets will go on sale on May 23 at 10:00 AM BST / 4:00 AM CDT.

In addition to popular Opry members, this show will feature a lineup of special UK guest artists to be announced later this year. During the show, fans can expect to hear a mix of contemporary and classic country music hits, a full range of country music styles and exclusive collaborations between Opry members and their guests. Programmed like the Opry’s regular shows in Nashville, artists will each perform two to four songs. 

“Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is a great honor; it’s always felt like the Opry was my home away from home,” said Rucker in a statement. “To have the opportunity to bring such a big part of my musical roots to Royal Albert Hall is a full-circle moment for me while I work on a project with so many talented songwriters and producers based in London. I can’t think of a better way to honor the Opry’s global impact on country music as we share its magic with a new generation of fans.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay and WSM Radio host Kelly Sutton will co-host “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London.” Fans unable to experience the show in person can listen to a live broadcast on WSM radio and Opry.com. UK-based fans can also hear a full broadcast replay on BBC Radio 2 at a later date. Paving the way for the international celebration of country music, “Opry Live” begins airing on Sky Arts starting May 30. The show will air weekly for 26 weeks, giving viewers a chance to experience the heart of Nashville before the Opry’s historic night at Royal Albert Hall. 

“This milestone year for the Grand Ole Opry has arrived at the perfect time as country music enjoys an unprecedented rise in global popularity, especially here in the United Kingdom,” said Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Grand Ole Opry parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties in a release. “Our first-ever broadcast outside of the United States will celebrate the influential music that has shaped this genre and pay tribute to the unique Opry show format that has entertained music lovers for 100 years. With the help of some of our most treasured Opry members and some very special guests, we hope to give fans a taste of what goes on every week back in Nashville and inspire them to come visit the epicenter of country music.” 

It’s a prestigious pairing. Since it debuted on WSM Radio in 1925, the Opry has introduced country music to people worldwide and helped shape the careers of artists such as Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride. Throughout its 153-year history, Royal Albert Hall has welcomed a who’s who of world-renowned figures including Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali, Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles and Adele.

Dan Rogers, SVP and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, stated: “The magical thing about the Opry is how many lives it’s touched over the past 100 years. No matter where you live, when you listen to country music all roads eventually lead to the Grand Ole Opry and its members both past and present. This show, like the others we are fortunate to program during this special year, will be a celebration of all that has come before it, a moment to embrace something that’s never happened before and a preview of what lies ahead.” 

“Grand Ole Opry: Live in London” is produced by Rogers in partnership with SteadiBeat Media’s Steve Buchanan, with special thanks to SJM Concerts and Bob Shennan. The event is part of the Opry’s ongoing celebration of its milestone 100th anniversary.