The Ryman Auditorium announced today that it will replace its legendary stage in February. This is the first time the stage has been replaced since 1951. Over 60 years of musical history has graced The Mother Church of Country Music’s stage, including it being the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Many performers have played this stage over the years such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Aretha Franklin, among many others.
Two of the last shows will take place this week at the Ryman, including Dierks Bentley‘s show on Thursday and the final performace will be the Opry’s end to its winter run at the Ryman. Keith Urban, Charley Pride, and The Oak Ridge Boys are set to perform.
The stage is being rebuilt to withstand more weight for sound and stage equipment. Over the years, wear and tear has occurred on the famous stage. Although, the new stage won’t be entirely new: Wood from the current stage will be incorporated into an 18-inch-deep strip that will run lengthwise along the edge of the new stage. Another piece of the Ryman stage famously makes its home at the Grand Ole Opry, which is in the shape of a circle at centre stage. The project will take place over two weeks, with the first show being from GRAMMY nominees, The Band Perry on February 20th.
Check out this fan video from last November of Lady Antebellum: Unplugged Live on the famous stage of the Ryman Auditorium.
