Tim McGraw has been forced to cancel his headlining performance at the Professional Bull Riders’ Last Cowboy Standing event in Fort Collins, Colorado, on July 21 due to recent back surgery. In a new development, Cross Canadian Ragweed, the beloved Oklahoma roots rock band currently in the midst of a historic comeback, will take his place.
“Cross Canadian Ragweed will step in for Tim McGraw as he recovers from back surgery to open the Last Cowboy Standing Show on July 21 in Fort Collins — and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” PBR CEO Sean Gleason announced in a statement. “The band is back together and ready to bring the house down in an unforgettable night of world-class music and the greatest bull riding on earth.”
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for both parties. McGraw is recovering from what appears to be his latest procedure in a series of health challenges that have affected his touring schedule, while Cross Canadian Ragweed is riding high on the momentum of their recent reunion after a 15-year hiatus.
McGraw’s Ongoing Health Struggles
McGraw’s cancellation is part of the latest setback in what has been a challenging year for the country star’s health. In May, he opened up about his extensive medical issues during an appearance on Tracy Lawrence’s “TL’s Road House” podcast, revealing the extent of his physical challenges.
“I can tell you that after double knee replacements and three back surgeries and now a torn rotator cuff and a ruptured disc, all the things that are going on, there were times this year that I thought this might be it,” McGraw shared, according to People. “This might be time to hang it up.”
The 57-year-old singer described how his health issues have forced him to approach daily activities with extreme caution. “I can’t move quickly, there’s no turning real quick to do something,” he explained. “Everything has to be very intentional; everything that I do has to be very methodical.”
His health struggles began affecting his professional commitments early this year. In January, McGraw exited a planned Netflix rodeo series due to the need for back surgery and the significant recovery time required. The surgery performed before his 2024 Standing Room Only Tour created a domino effect of complications.
“Sort of went south on me right at the beginning of the tour,” McGraw explained about his back surgery, according to Taste of Country. “And so, sort of compensating for that, my knees went out like three weeks into the tour.”
Despite these challenges, McGraw made his return to the stage in June at the inaugural Music City Rodeo in Nashville, where his three daughters joined him as special guests.
An Unexpected Opportunity for Cross Canadian Ragweed
For Cross Canadian Ragweed, the PBR invitation represents both a homecoming and validation of their lasting popularity. The band has deep historical ties with the organization, dating back to their original run when PBR co-founder Tuff Hedeman was an early supporter who helped them secure their record deal.
“I heard there was actually an offer for this show right when we announced we were getting back together,” frontman Cody Canada told Rolling Stone. “But we were taking it easy and seeing what was gonna happen. When we heard Tim McGraw canceled, we just thought that PBR has been very good to us for a long time.”
The relationship between Ragweed and PBR runs deeper than business. Sean Gleason recalled his first experience with the band at a PBR afterparty in Bentonville, Arkansas, when he discovered the band’s massive draw firsthand.
“When I got to this afterparty, the line was out the door, wrapping around the building and down the street,” Gleason told the outlet. “What I didn’t realize was that a third of them were there for the afterparty, and two-thirds of them were there for Cross Canadian Ragweed.”
The band’s 2025 reunion has been a resounding success. They sold out four stadium shows in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in April, moving over 180,000 tickets. This was followed by another sold-out performance at Baylor University in August. All these shows sold out before the band had even played their first note together since 2010.
Canada expressed genuine appreciation for the opportunity to fill McGraw’s slot, sharing a personal connection with the country star. “When I heard that Tim McGraw canceled, my mind went back to a night in Vegas where I sat with him at a blackjack table, and he was telling me that we were a breath of fresh air in the music business,” Canada told Rolling Stone.
While Cross Canadian Ragweed has no other confirmed shows for 2025, Canada hinted that 2026 will bring more opportunities for fans to see the reunited band. He promised to continue the momentum from their historic comeback.
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Replacement Found for Tim McGraw Amid Health Emergency