Bob Seger performs for first time in 4 years, honors Patty Loveless at country hall of fame

Detroit Free Press

Bob Seger performs onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Oct. 22, 2023. in Nashville.

Bob Seger, appearing onstage for the first time since 2019, paid tribute to a longtime musical friend Sunday night.

Seger performed the 1996 Patty Loveless hit “She Drew a Broken Heart” as part of Loveless’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event took place at Nashville’s CMA Theater.

The Michigan rocker and the Kentucky-bred country singer go back many years, including their 2006 collaboration “The Answer’s in the Question” on Seger’s album “Face the Promise.”

For Seger, it was the first public performance since he wrapped up his Roll Me Away Tour in Philadelphia in 2019, a run with the Silver Bullet Band billed as his final tour.

Bob Seger and Patty Loveless embrace backstage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ceremony in Nashville on Oct. 22, 2023.

Loveless, who was inducted into the hall of fame’s Modern Era Artist wing, was also honored Sunday by Sister Sadie and old Seger pal Vince Gill.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Also celebrated Sunday night in Nashville were Tanya Tucker, inducted in the Veteran Era Artist category, and Bob McDill, honored in the songwriting field. The night’s live performers included Brandi Carlile, Margo Price, Jamey Johnson and more.