Look, in the world of music where artists often play it cool and pretend they’re too edgy to have favorites, Zach Bryan stands out like a sore thumb—in the best way possible. The guy’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, whether it’s in his raw, gut-punching lyrics or straight-up admitting that The Lumineers are one of his all-time favorite bands. I mean, come on, in an era dominated by auto-tuned pop and fleeting TikTok hits, Bryan’s genuine fandom for a folk-rock outfit like The Lumineers feels refreshingly authentic. It’s like he’s reminding us that music is about connection, not clout. And honestly, as someone who’s blasted “Ho Hey” on repeat during road trips, I get it—The Lumineers have that timeless, foot-stomping magic that just hits different.
It all traces back to 2016, when a then-unknown Zach Bryan slid into The Lumineers’ DMs like a starry-eyed fan at a meet-and-greet. He wasn’t some chart-topping sensation yet; he was just a Navy guy with a guitar and a dream, begging his “favorite band” to check out his tunes. Fast-forward to today, and that humble outreach has blossomed into full-blown collaborations and shared stages. They’ve gone from DMs to co-headlining festivals, which is the kind of underdog story that makes you believe in the power of persistence (and good music). Bryan’s not shy about it either—in a 2023 Pilgrimage Festival clip, he straight-up declared, “My favorite band in the entire world. Lumineers are here,” before diving into a joint performance. If that’s not fanboy energy turned pro, I don’t know what is.
Their musical mash-up really took off with “Spotless,” a track from Bryan’s 2023 self-titled album where The Lumineers lend their signature harmonies to his gritty storytelling. It’s a beautiful blend: Bryan’s country-folk grit meets The Lumineers’ anthemic vibes, creating something that’s equal parts heartfelt and anthemic. Fans ate it up, and it’s no wonder—songs like this remind me why cross-genre collabs can be pure gold when done right. Not some forced label push, but two acts who genuinely vibe. And The Lumineers have reciprocated the love, posting about how they’ve known Bryan was a fan for years and how writing together felt “organic.”
Just last night (September 8, 2025, for those keeping score), Bryan surprised fans by crashing The Lumineers’ show in Toronto. He hopped on stage for a killer rendition of their hit “Stubborn Love” and, of course, “Spotless.” Videos from the gig show the crowd losing their minds, and Bryan’s grin says it all—this isn’t just a gig; it’s a full-circle moment. He’s performed with them before, like at Denver’s Empower Field in 2024 and even bringing them out during his own sets. It’s clear this isn’t a one-off; it’s a bromance built on mutual respect. In my opinion, more artists should be this open about their influences—it humanizes them and turns concerts into these epic, shared experiences.
At the end of the day, Zach Bryan’s shout-outs to The Lumineers aren’t just lip service; they’re a testament to how fandom can fuel a career. He’s gone from admiring them from afar to standing shoulder-to-shoulder, and that’s inspiring as hell. If you’re a fan of either act, crank up “Spotless” and appreciate the magic. Who knows what’s next—maybe a full joint album? One can dream. In a music scene that’s often too polished, Bryan’s unfiltered enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air. Keep it coming, Zach.
