Luke Combs is officially “Back in the Saddle.” The multi-platinum country powerhouse has released his brand-new single and music video, out now via Columbia Nashville. Directed by Tyler Adams, the high-octane clip stars NASCAR icons Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Petty — a full-circle moment for Combs, whose lifelong love of racing makes this release one of his most personal yet.
“So much work goes into making these songs, so much time we spend making them, from the studio writing them to the videos,” Combs shares. “I got to make the video with Dale Jr. and Richard Petty, which is a total dream come true. My grandpa would be rolling over in his grave in a good way if he knew that I got to hang out with Richard Petty and Dale Jr.”
Written by Combs alongside Dan Isbell and Jonathan Singleton, and produced by Combs, Singleton, and Chip Matthews, “Back in the Saddle” blends Combs’ signature storytelling with a fiery, road-tested groove that mirrors the spirit of the racetrack. It’s both a celebration of hard work and a reminder of where grit and passion can take you.
The single arrives during another landmark year for Combs, who is headlining an extensive festival run that cements his global reach. Following historic sets at Bonnaroo and New Orleans JazzFest, Combs is slated to headline Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits — making him the first country artist to ever top the bills at both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
A Grand Ole Opry member and winner of 11 CMA, 4 ACM, and 6 Billboard Music Awards, Combs recently became the second most RIAA-certified country artist of all time with 155.5 million certified units. He also made history as the first country artist with four Diamond singles and two songs surpassing one billion Spotify streams. His latest album Fathers & Sons continues to earn acclaim for its emotional depth, with NPR calling it proof that “he’s going beyond the country realm” and The Wall Street Journal hailing its “unexpected warmth and vulnerability.”
Combs’ unstoppable momentum has only grown through major collaborations with Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Bellion, and an unforgettable Grammy duet with Tracy Chapman. His heart remains firmly tied to his roots, as shown by his recent “Concert for Carolina” alongside Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor — a benefit that raised over $24.5 million for Hurricane Helene relief.
“Back in the Saddle” is more than a song — it’s a victory lap for an artist at the top of his game, still hungry, still grounded, and still leading the charge for country music around the world.
