Eric Church Receives Taylor Swift's First Gold Record After 2006 Tour Replacement

Eric Church shared the story of how Taylor Swift gifted him her first gold record after she replaced him on Rascal Flatts' 2006 arena tour. After Church was unexpectedly removed from the tour, he learned online that the then-16-year-old Swift would take his place. Swift called Church to assure there was no bad blood, expressing admiration for his work, to which Church responded that she owed him her first gold record. Remarkably, within about seven days, Swift presented Church with her gold record, inscribed humorously referencing Church's reputation for playing "too long and too loud." The plaque now resides in the Country Music Hall of Fame, where it is kept for safekeeping. This story highlights the mutual respect between the two artists and marks a significant early moment in Swift's career.