Keith Urban explains his benefit concert in the Hall of Fame’s Ford Theatre.

After a mid-concert announcement over the weekend, Keith Urban explained Monday why he’s holding a benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Urban’s progressive sound is much further from classic country than most of those associated with the Nashville-based Hall of Fame. But the Australian-born guitarist told fans and industry-types at the Hall of Fame he’s not the first to push the genre.

“Chet Atkins for putting strings on a country record was just disgraceful, and now there’s a street named after him. It’s a cycle, and I think it’s imperative for the people who come forward to want to move it forward. But we can’t move it forward unless we know where it’s come from.”

Until this benefit concert at Sommet Center, Urban has not been an outspoken Hall of Fame backer like Vince Gill, who is president of the board. Gill says, however, artists have a responsibility to financially support the Hall of Fame and “people are starting to get it.”

The weight carried by Urban’s name has spurred two other artists to sign onto the benefit concert since the weekend. Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift will also play October 13th. All proceeds from the show will go toward operating expenses for the Hall of Fame. Tickets are $25 and go on sale Wednesday.