Alan Jackson Plays Final Concert Before Touring Retirement, Teases One Last Show in Special Location
The country music world is bidding farewell to one of its greatest legends as Alan Jackson has officially closed the door on his touring career. On Saturday, May 17, the 66-year-old hitmaker played the final show of his Last Call: One More for the Road tour at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, marking the end of a remarkable 30-year journey on the road.
During the emotionally charged concert, Jackson addressed his fans in the packed arena, reflecting on his decades-long career. “Y’all may have heard that I’m kinda winding down. In fact, this is my last roadshow of my career,” Jackson said, his voice thick with emotion as the crowd erupted into cheers. “I appreciate it. Y’all gonna make me tear up out here.”
He continued, expressing his deep gratitude for the fans who had supported him throughout the years: “It’s been a long, sweet ride; it started 40 years ago this September. My wife and I drove to Nashville with an old U-Haul trailer and chased this dream. It’s been a crazy ride. I lived the American dream, for sure. So blessed. Thank you all so much for all your support of my music and attending my shows.”
This moment marked the end of an era for Jackson, who has been a dominant force in country music since the late 1980s, with numerous hits like Chattahoochee, Don’t Rock the Jukebox, and Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning). Jackson’s decision to retire from touring comes after years of battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects his nerves and has begun to impact his balance and mobility.
In September 2021, Jackson publicly shared his diagnosis, revealing that it had started to affect his onstage performance. “I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans, but it’s been a while, and it’s starting to affect my performance onstage a little bit where I don’t feel comfortable,” Jackson explained during a Today show appearance. “I just wanted the fans and the public to know if they’ve come to see me in the last few years or if they come to see me in the future if I play anymore, what’s going on. I don’t want them to think I’m drunk onstage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance.”
Despite the challenges of his condition, Jackson pushed forward with his Last Call: One More for the Road tour, which began in June 2022. His dedication to his fans and his craft has been evident throughout this final stretch of touring, but Jackson admitted that he could not continue indefinitely due to the nature of his disease. “It’s not fatal, but it’s going to disable me eventually,” he shared. “This is not a condition that I would be complaining about typically, but it is going to affect me performance-wise onstage, and I don’t know how much I’ll continue to tour.”
Though Jackson will no longer be touring, he teased one final show for his devoted fans. “We’re planning on doing a big finale show in Nashville next summer sometime. I just felt like I had to end it all where it all started, and that’s in Nashville, Tennessee,” he said from the stage in Milwaukee, hinting that the Music City would be the location for his last performance. “I’ve got to do my last one there. But this is the last one out on the road for me.”
The Milwaukee show was just a few weeks after Jackson performed at the 2025 ACM Awards, where he was honored with the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. During his emotional acceptance speech, Jackson reflected on his incredible journey. “I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream, and that all these years later I’m standing here receiving such an honor is mind-blowing,” Jackson said. “I thank God all the time for all the people that have been a part of my life and career and maintain this all this time.”
As Alan Jackson officially steps away from the road, his legacy is secure. He will forever be remembered for his distinctive voice, heartfelt songwriting, and the enduring impact he has had on country music. While his retirement marks the end of his touring career, fans can take solace in knowing that Jackson’s music will continue to inspire and comfort generations to come. His upcoming final show in Nashville is set to be a special occasion, a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much to his fans and the country music community.