Watch Sturgill Simpson Gift Austin Fans With His First Performance of “You Can Have the Crown” in Nearly a Decade

Having spent over two decades in country music, Sturgill Simpson appeared to embrace the genre of outlaw country. Growing up in Kentucky, the singer eventually left and joined the Navy. Spending a few years in the armed forces, Simpson struggled to find his place in the world. That was until he turned to country music. Releasing his first album High Top Mountain in 2013, the country star went on to gain praise for his third album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. Winning a Grammy for Best Country Album, Simpson recently took a trip back to his debut album when he performed “You Can Have The Crown” for the first time in nearly a decade. 

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While performing at the Two Step Inn in Texas, Simpson found his allotted time wasn’t enough to give fans a true show. Wanting to offer them more than a set, he decided to put on a full concert at Stubb’s Austin. With fans learning about the concert, it didn’t take long before it completely sold out. And for those lucky enough to get a ticket, they received a special treat when Simpson decided to play “You Can Have The Crown.” 

@kristensconcerts

Last minute concert announcement for Sturgill Simpson in Austin at Stubb’s. Sold out in an hour. He played for 3 1/2 hours! #sturgillsimpson #johnnyblueskies

♬ original sound – Kristensconcerts

Before playing the first note of the song, Simpson discussed how much he loved Austin and how the city was always good to him. “All right, I don’t know, we’ve been waiting like 10 or 11 years to do this again. The city’s always been very, very good to us. We just wanted to stick around and say ‘thank you’ and play one more show for you guys. To mark the occasion, we’re gonna play something we haven’t played in about nine years right here.”

[RELATED: Watch Sturgill Simpson Deliver Powerful Performance of Grateful Dead’s “Ripple” During Kennedy Honors Event]

Sturgill Simpson Felt Nostalgic During Concert

Although Simpon hadn’t played the song in almost a decade, the singer didn’t miss a single beat. And that was just the start as he also performed another hit from his debut album “Life Ain’t Fair And The World Is Mean.” 

With the concert going on for almost four hours, Simpson also entertained fans with songs like “I Don’t Mind”, “Long White Line”, and “It Ain’t All Flowers.”

Online, fans gushed over the surprise performance, writing, “He hasn’t played that song in almost 10 years! Hope he plays it again Friday.” Another person added, “What a treat he doesn’t play You can have the crown in something like 9–10 years!”

(Photo by Frank Hoensch/Redferns)