Stephen Wilson Jr. Unveils 'Gary' Era With 2026 Tour

Country-rock trailblazer Stephen Wilson Jr. is setting the stage on fire with his propulsive new single "Gary" and the announcement of a massive 2026 tour. Following the critical success of his 2023 debut double album Søn of Dad, Wilson Jr. is officially kicking off a bold new musical chapter.

Introducing "Gary": A New Sonic Era

The newly released single "Gary" premiered on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and showcases Wilson Jr.'s evolution as an artist. The track blends intense grunge influences with his signature narrative lyricism that captures the essence of modern life in Middle America. Building from a slow-burning start, "Gary" explodes into a propulsive rock anthem that signals a fresh direction for the rising star.

"Gary" arrives just as Wilson Jr. is nominated for New Artist of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards. The artist will deliver two unforgettable performances at the ceremony: a moving rendition of his hit "Stand By Me" (which has amassed over 20 million global streams) and a special duet with Shaboozey of "Took A Walk" from the Stephen King-inspired film The Long Walk.

2026 "Gary The Torch Tour" Announced

Wilson Jr. is taking his electrifying sound on the road with the 2026 Gary The Torch Tour. The expansive tour kicks off on March 6, 2026, in Columbus, OH, and will crisscross North America with stops in major cities including:

• Toronto, ON (March 14)
• Boston, MA (March 18)
• Brooklyn, NY (March 21)
• Philadelphia, PA (March 25)
• Chicago, IL (April 25)
• Denver, CO (April 18)

Before the tour begins, Wilson Jr. will make his headline debut at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium with two sold-out shows on November 23-24, 2025.

A Year of Milestones

2025 has been a breakout year for Wilson Jr. Highlights include:

• Releasing a deluxe edition of Søn of Dad featuring his "Stand By Me" cover (featured in a Pampers commercial)
• Dropping the Blankets EP with Nirvana, Temple of the Dog, and Smashing Pumpkins covers
• Performing the National Anthem at the NFL Draft
• Supporting Eric Church at Red Rocks
• Debuting at Newport Folk Festival

Looking Ahead

Wilson Jr. will open 2026 with a performance at Mile 0 Festival in Key West, FL, before rejoining Eric Church for a trio of shows in February. Summer festival appearances include Railbird Music Festival and Under The Big Sky Festival. With his genre-defying sound and dynamic live presence, Stephen Wilson Jr. is poised to ignite stages nationwide on the Gary The Torch Tour.

"This is just the beginning. 'Gary' represents a new chapter, and we're ready to bring that energy to fans across the continent." - Stephen Wilson Jr.