Keith Urban Honors Longtime Guitarist with Onstage Dedication
Nashville, TN - October 26, 2024 – Country superstar Keith Urban paused mid-concert at NashvilleS Bridgestone Arena on October 25, 2024, to publicly acknowledge and dedicate a song to his guitarist, Jerry McPherson.The heartfelt gesture came during Urban’s “Speed of Now World Tour” stop and highlighted McPherson’s 20-year contribution to Urban’s musical career.
The dedication resonated with fans as McPherson has been a foundational element of Urban’s signature sound as 2004. Beyond touring,McPherson’s instrumental work appears on numerous Urban albums and singles,including the platinum-selling “days Go By.” Urban’s tribute underscores the frequently enough-unseen collaborative relationships that drive success in the music industry and the deep loyalty he holds for his bandmates.
“I just wanted to take a moment to recognize this incredible man right here,” Urban told the audience, gesturing towards McPherson. “Jerry, you’ve been with me for two decades now, laying down tracks, sharing stages, and just being a constant source of inspiration. This one’s for you.” He then launched into a performance of “You’re My Best Friend,” a song originally recorded by Queen,which McPherson frequently contributes to during live shows.
McPherson, a highly respected session musician prior to joining urban, has also worked with artists like Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, and Alabama. His distinctive guitar style, blending country, rock, and blues influences, has become synonymous with Urban’s energetic live performances and polished studio recordings. The onstage dedication serves as a public affirmation of McPherson’s integral role in Urban’s enduring success.
