First started by George D. Hay back in 1925 under the name WSM Barn Dance, the country music radio show eventually changed its name a few years later to The Grand Ole Opry. Showcasing talented singers in Americana, folk, gospel, bluegrass, and country, the Opry welcomed members like Roy Acuff, Bill Anderson, Patsy Cline, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, DeFord Bailey, and countless others to its hall. With 2025 marking the Opry’s 100th anniversary, the show decided to celebrate the occasion by heading overseas to London’s Royal Albert Hall.
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Having celebrated country music for 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry was a milestone that every singer in the genre hoped to cross one day. And while a historic venue in Nashville, on September 26th, the show will go international with the Grand Ole Opry: Live in London. The special celebration will feature acts including Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Marty Stuart, Darius Rucker, and several others.
Excited about the upcoming show, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Colin Reed, said, “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. Our first-ever broadcast outside of the United States will celebrate the influential music that has shaped this genre.”
When And Where To Buy Tickets To Grand Ole Opry 100th Anniversary
While the celebration will take place in September, tickets for the special event will go on sale this Friday, May 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. BST. For those wondering, 10:00 a.m. BST is 5:00 a.m. ET. With fans ready to visit London for the first time, tickets can be purchased at Royalalberthall.com.
With Rucker already announced as one of the performers during the celebration, he insisted that being a member of The Opry was one of his greatest honors. “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. To bring such a big part of my musical roots to Royal Albert Hall is a full-circle moment for me… I can’t think of a better way to honor the Opry’s global impact on country music.”
While not every fan will travel to London for the show, don’t worry, the 100th anniversary special will broadcast live on Opry.com and WSM Radio.
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry)
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