Eric Church paid tribute to his brother, Brandon, who passed away on June 29, with a poignant rendition of “Amazing Grace,” that transitioned into “Sinners Like Me,” on Saturday (July 7) at the 2018 Country Concert in Fort Laramie, Ohio.
The North Carolina born singer also gave his reasoning for playing a show so close to the death of his 36 year-old brother before playing a song that the siblings co-wrote. A fan on Twitter documented the event, writing “At @countryconcert @ericchurch plays “how ‘bout you,” which co-wrote with his brother who died last week. Tells crowd: it’s been a tough week. But I need this. I need my people.”
The performance was solemn, with Church nearly speaking the lyrics rather than singing them. With minimal guitar work, the traditional “Amazing Grace” in particular is heartrending to listen to.
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Brandon suffered from a seizure at home in Granite Falls, N.C. and then a subsequent one on the way to the hospital, Kenneth Church, the man’s father states. No official cause of death has been released, though.
A scholarship has been set up in Brandon’s name. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, people donate to the fund.
At @countryconcert @ericchurch plays “how ‘bout you,” which co-wrote with his brother who died last week. Tells crowd: it’s been a tough week. But I need this. I need my people.” Tough night for him, but he’s playing heart out.
— Brian Dugger (@DuggerBlade) July 8, 2018
Eric Church singing Amazing Grace and Sinners Like Me in honor of his brother — pic.twitter.com/HtZFQkFODU
— Country Music Jesus (@EricChurch_Fans) July 8, 2018