John Michael Montgomery Sets Final Concert Date, Ending Iconic Country Music Career
Country music star John Michael Montgomery will end his touring career with one final concert this December at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
Known for timeless hits like “I Swear” and “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” Montgomery has announced that his farewell show — “The Road Home: The Final Concert” — will take place Friday, December 12, at the legendary basketball venue on the University of Kentucky campus.
“I stepped on a tour bus for the first time in 1992 and haven’t looked back since,” Montgomery shared. “But now it’s time to bring it all back home.”
A Farewell Surrounded by Family
The final show won’t just be a look back — it will also celebrate the future of country music. Montgomery will share the stage with his brother Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, his son Walker Montgomery, and his son-in-law Travis Denning, all acclaimed or rising voices in the genre.
“It’s a full-circle moment,” Montgomery said in a press release. “I wanted to celebrate this occasion with my family… We are going to have a lot of fun and end this ride in a big way.”
A Legacy of Country Gold
Montgomery, now 60, has had a career spanning more than three decades, with 36 charting singles and seven No. 1 hits to his name. His baritone voice became synonymous with ‘90s country, with signature songs like:
- “I Love the Way You Love Me”
- “I Can Love You Like That”
- “Life’s A Dance”
He earned honors such as the CMA Horizon Award, ACM’s Top New Vocalist, CMA’s Single of the Year, and a Grammy nomination, along with Gold and Multi-Platinum album certifications.
Tickets and Final Tour Stops
Tickets for the December 12 show at Rupp Arena are now on sale. Montgomery still has a few shows scheduled leading up to the final performance, including an appearance at the Heindl Center in Senatobia, Mississippi on October 3.
Fans can find more upcoming dates at his official website: johnmichael.com
Retiring to Family Life
After his final bow, Montgomery says he’s ready to embrace life off the road — especially the role of grandfather. Just this month, he posted a photo cradling his newborn granddaughter Charlotte, giving fans a glimpse of what retirement will look like.
Were John Michael Montgomery’s songs part of your life’s soundtrack? Share your memories of his music or past concerts in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.