After surprising Guns N’ Roses fans during their Toronto show, Chris Stapleton did the surprising during his own show by bringing Zach Top onstage for a fiery rendition of “I Ain’t Living Long Like This,” the classic country song famously recorded by Waylon Jennings. 

The surprise collaboration came during Stapleton’s August 6 performance at Rogers Stadium, where Top is currently joining him on select dates of his All-American Road Show Tour. 

Zach Top Joins Stapleton Onstage 

Top, who has been opening for Stapleton on multiple dates, made a surprise appearance midway through the headliner’s set. 

The two country stars teamed up for “I Ain’t Living Long Like This,” delivering a performance that highlighted their shared appreciation for traditional country music. 

Stapleton took the lead on guitar while Top brought his signature twang to the performance. Their voices also blended during the chorus, giving the classic a fresh but unmistakably country feel. 

Top has become one of the leading young voices in the traditional-country revival, while Stapleton has long been recognized for bringing roots-oriented country back to the forefront of mainstream music. 

A Waylon Jennings Classic 

“I Ain’t Living Long Like This” has a long history in country music. 

Written by Rodney Crowell, the song was first recorded by Gary Stewart in 1977 before Emmylou Harris released her own version a year later. Waylon Jennings ultimately turned the song into a major hit when he recorded it for his 1979 album What Goes Around Comes Around. 

Jennings’ version became one of the defining recordings of the song and eventually reached No. 1, marking his 11th chart-topping hit. 

Stapleton and Top’s rendition kept the spirit of the Jennings classic intact while allowing both musicians to put their own stamp on it. 

Fans Want a Full Duet 

While the performance was only a live cover, it left fans wanting more. The performance has already sparked calls for the two singers to record a full studio version of the song together. 

For now, fans will have to settle for video footage from the Toronto show. Watch the fan-captured footage below.