Tim McGraw Replaced as PBR’s ‘Best of the West’ Headliner amid Back Surgery Recovery

The country star was scheduled to perform at the event next month, according to a press release published in February, but has been forced to back out, according to a new statement.

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and Colorado State University (CSU) announced in February that they were collaborating on the "Best of the West" bull riding inaugural event, set to take place on July 21–22 of this year at the school's Canvas Stadium.

Tim McGraw was set to headline the two-day festival alongside fellow country star Jon Pardi. However, on Tuesday, June 24, PBR CEO Sean Gleason released a statement revealing that McGraw has had to withdraw from the event.

"Cross Canadian Ragweed will step in for Tim McGraw as he recovers from back surgery to open the Last Cowboy Standing Show on July 21 in Fort Collins — and we couldn't be more thrilled," Gleason wrote.

"The band is back together and ready to bring the house down in an unforgettable night of world-class music and the greatest bull riding on earth. You won't want to miss it," he continued.

"We're sending our very best to Tim for a quick recovery and hope to see him at a future PBR event," he concluded. It's unknown when exactly McGraw underwent the surgery, but a press release from CSU published on Monday stated it was "recent."