Zach Bryan Breaks U.S. Concert Attendance Record at Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, MI – Despite a year marked by controversies, Zach Bryan just closed out 2025 with one of the biggest milestones of his career: breaking the record for the largest ticketed concert in U.S. history.
A Year of Highs and Lows
The “Something in the Orange” singer has spent much of 2025 in the headlines for reasons beyond his music. From his highly publicized breakup with Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, to telling a 14-year-old fan to “GOMD” after skipping meet-and-greets, to his near-brawl with Gavin Adcock at Born & Raised Fest, Bryan has faced wave after wave of backlash.
Yet, even amid the chaos, his star power has only grown. Earlier this year, he sold his catalog for a staggering $350 million, and the RIAA officially named him the eighth highest-selling country artist of all time.
History at the Big House
Back in February, Bryan announced he would headline the first-ever concert at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor — better known as “The Big House.” With a capacity north of 107,000, the venue is the largest in the country, and fans jumped at the chance to make history. Tickets sold out within hours.
On Saturday night, Bryan delivered on his promise. More than 112,000 fans packed the stadium, surpassing George Strait’s 2024 record of 110,905 at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.
“You guys just sold out the biggest ticketed show in American history,” Bryan told fans when the event was announced. “I owe you my life, my humility, and every ounce of effort I have. I love y’all more than any song.”
A Marathon Setlist and Special Guests
The historic night featured opening sets from John Mayer, Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen, and Joshua Slone, as well as a jet fly-over during the national anthem.
Bryan powered through a 27-song setlist, opening with “Overtime,” “Something in the Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Dawns,” and his Kings of Leon collaboration, “Bowery.”
Midway through, he stunned the crowd by inviting John Mayer back on stage to perform the Grateful Dead’s 1970 classic “Friend of the Devil.” Mayer, who has long been part of Dead & Company, was the perfect partner for Bryan’s first-ever live take on the song.
The performance wasn’t flawless — Bryan laughed at himself after botching a line:
“I told y’all I wouldn’t mess this up, but here we are.”
Still, the crowd didn’t seem to mind. The singalong carried on, blending Bryan’s raw edge with Mayer’s polished guitar work for a one-of-a-kind tribute.
Closing a Tumultuous Year on Top
The night ended with Bryan’s signature closer, “Revival,” capping off a career-defining performance that transformed controversy into triumph.
For all the ups and downs of 2025, Bryan now holds a title no one can take away: the biggest ticketed concert in American history.