Luke Combs Breaks Down During Emotional Newport Folk Festival Performance

Luke Combs has deeply connected his music with his experience of fatherhood, particularly through his 2024 album Fathers & Sons, which is a heartfelt tribute to his two young sons, Tex and Beau. At the 2025 Newport Folk Festival, Combs became visibly emotional while performing "Whoever You Turn Out To Be," a song from this album, struggling to finish the performance as he wiped away tears and apologized to the audience. This moment resonated with fans who praised his vulnerability and dedication to balancing his music career with being an involved father. Combs has openly described the album as a personal and somewhat selfish project, prioritizing authentic expression over commercial success, even as it reached No. 2 on the US Top Country Albums chart. After extensive touring, he has taken a break from traditional tours to spend more time at home with his family, emphasizing the importance of being present in his sons' lives. His recent single "Back in the Saddle," featuring NASCAR legends, and plans for a headline tour with new music demonstrate Combs’ ongoing commitment to his career alongside his role as a father.