UPDATED – A Response to Shooter Jennings’ Song “The Gunslinger”
NOTE: Since the video that originally accompanied this story was being purposely presented out-of-context without the new information that Shooter Jennings and one of his top cohorts have admitted to using as many as 19 different aliases to attempt to disrupt this site and spread misinformation, it has been temporarily removed. The transcript can still be found below. It will be added back and made public again for context in the future.
UPDATE – Shooter Jennings Using 13 Different Aliases to Disrupt SCM Comments
(3-25-13) – While researching information on another commenter who was violating Saving Country Music’s comment rules, we unearthed verifiable, indisputable evidence that Shooter Jennings has been using no less than 13 different aliases on the site since March 25th of 2012 to post comments with the intention of starting drama, spreading controversy, misleading this site’s readers about the size and scope of people coming here to defend him, and to dispute the opinions of this website.
Though SCM commenters are welcome to change their online handles, use pseudonyms, post anonymously, use a comment name to try and be funny or prove a point, or even have multiple names if the intention is not to mislead, Shooter Jennings used multiple names to post on the same articles to attempt to make it look like there was more consensus than there was, referred to himself in the third person multiple times, used aliases to spread misinformation, and eventually used one to threaten this site.
Some of the aliases used by Shooter Jennings that have been revealed and verified up to this point are: Jake THe SNake, TSteamroller, Steve, Devils Advocate, Troy, Trent R, Revel, The Revelator, Taylor, The one who tells it like it is, and Steve hole. There also may be others as Saving Country Music continues to try and track down other possible aliases that may have been in violation of the comment rules. Furthermore, other users possibly working in conjunction with Shooter were also using multiple aliases, again with the intent of misleading readers (see below). On one specific article entitled Really Shooter Jennings? Bucky Covington?, five separate aliases were used, not including Shooter Jennings himself who commented on the article under his own name, to mislead readers.
The information of Shooter’s aliases was verified by using the IP address left on comments. IP addresses are like internet fingerprints that are left each time a user leaves a comment on the site. All the above aliases match up with two known IP addresses used by Shooter, one that originates from New York, and one that originates from LA. Shooter’s IP addresses were verified by the 49 different comments Shooter has left on the site under his own user name, “Shooter” that has been verified to be him.
IP addresses are generated by a combination of the user’s device, modem and router, and internet service provider. Though some people can have the same IP address based on various factors, the chances that two SCM readers would have the same IP address are rare, and even more rare that those two readers would post comments, and even more that they would only post comments defending Shooter Jennings while attacking this site. The other possibility could be that it is someone in Shooter’s household posting under the aliases, but it would have to be someone using the same computer he does, the same modem/router on the same ISP. It’s hard to believe any of this would happen without Shooter knowing, especially for 13 different individual people.
IP addresses can also change over time, when users change hardware or service providers. This was taken into account when doing the research. This is also why there is a possibility there are further aliases to discover.
The proof that Shooter has been posting comments under different aliases from the same IP can be seen in the screen shots from the SCM comments dashboard below. The execution is simple. A search is done of all the site’s comments for a specific IP address, and it brings up all matches. The content of the matches verifies motive. The first matching IP address is “66.65.60.122” originating from New York.
This first photo shows this is the IP address Shooter uses when posting under his own name, and how it matches up with the first alias, “Revel.” IP addresses can be found at far left. Shooter’s actual email address has been blocked out for privacy. The other email addresses he uses are not real. The posts the comments are posted on can be seen on the right.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-aliases-1_zpsc9969d2a.jpg
Here are subsequent photos of the same IP address and different aliases.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-aliases-2_zpsb2ab2ac4.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-aliases-4_zps5417cddc.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-aliases-5_zpsd35faea4.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-aliases-6_zpsede4e926.jpg
The second IP address 75.83.206.166 comes from Los Angeles. As you can see in the first comment, the name “Revel” is lengthened to “Revelator” and corresponds with the first fake email address. If you check the first comment on the first IP address above, you see they also use the term “relevator” in the email address.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-alias-7_zpse48d8353.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-alias-8_zps94e769cb.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/shooter-jennings-alias-9_zps4fad019f.jpg
Some interesting things to take from the alias comments
—Numerous times Shooter compliments himself, one time saying, “Shooter’s new record is coming out, and I’d be willing to bet its better than most records that come out.” Also, in an SCM naming Marty Stuart the 2012 Artist of the Year, an alias from Shooter’s IP responds, “Pfft. More like Marty Poppins.” https://savingcountrymusic.com/2012-artist-of-the-year-marty-stuart#comment-418125
—When I discovered the first grouping of aliases from the 75.83.206.166 IP address after the commenter complained about their comments being erased (they weren’t being erased, they were being sent to moderation because of multiple names), I called them out on it. See comment here: https://savingcountrymusic.com/song-review-shooter-jennings-the-white-trash-song#comment-447987 . The next comment left leaves a specific threat, and names the street where I live, which for the record is “Granny.” See comment: https://savingcountrymusic.com/song-review-shooter-jennings-the-white-trash-song#comment-448463 . Though we cannot verify the specific death threats that came to Saving Country Music in the recent weeks came from Shooter, they all included my specific address. Those were sent by direct email.
—Shooter Jennings has a quote on the top of his website attributed to SCM that says, “Shooter Jennings is the most dangerous, most deceptive artist in the overall country music world right now.”
This comes from an article that has nothing to do with Shooter Jennings. It was about the “Greatest Underground Country Albums of All Time.” Shooter, under the alias TSteamroller, came and left a comment complaining when someone said that Shooter should be on the list. It was during the rebuttal that the notorious comment was left. Here’s the exchange from the article: https://savingcountrymusic.com/the-greatest-underground-country-albums-of-all-time#comment-364644
And here is my complete rebuttal, from which the Shooter quote was taken out of context.
At this point, I think the best thing is to not attempt to resolve the differences between Shooter and I, but to appreciate our differences and allow there to be separation to reduce the likelihood of conflict. Make no mistake about it, I think that Shooter Jennings is the most dangerous, most deceptive artist in the overall country music world right now. But out of respect for him, and for folks that don’t want to see drama, I am doing my best to check my anger and opinions. I don’t want there to be conflict. He can stay on his side of the schoolyard, and I’ll stay on mine. Like the teacher used to say in school, just ignore the people you don’t like, and keep your hands to yourself. This is like the Palestinian / Israeli conflict, and people need to respect that small things like a comment on an article that has no bearing on Shooter Jennings can turn the cold war hot and damage both sides.
…and that is exactly what it did when Shooter, under the guise of someone else, took that quote out-of-context and put it at the top of his website.
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Shooter Jennings was not the only one using multiple aliases. Podcaster Jashie P who broadcasts from Shooter’s site also used a total of six aliases, many on the same articles Shooter was using his aliases on. Jashie was using the aliases Andy Falls, Gary Meier, Hector, Trainwreck, A.F., and James. Here’s where I first discovered it, after once again they were complaining that comments were getting deleted. https://savingcountrymusic.com/song-review-shooter-jennings-the-white-trash-song#comment-447963 . At the time, I did not know it was Jashie, until he posted another comment on another article under his real name, and then emailed me directly to complain I deleted it. It had gone to moderation because that IP address had been used by multiple aliases. The IP matched up with Jashie, revealing he was the other man behind the aliases.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/jashie-p-alias-1_zpsfbdc322e.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/kylecor42/jashie-p-alias-2_zps2a16a7d4.jpg
It was after discovering this that I looked at the other alias grouping more in-depth, and discovered it was Shooter Jennings’ IP address. The most interesting note on Jashie P’s aliases is that he uses them to promote his band in the third person, and also attempt to troll the comments to get SCM to say something negative about his band.
Also another individual who used to broadcast a podcast from Shooter’s site named Donnie Cash was caught last year impersonating former David Allan Coe/Hank Jr. roadie and all-around underground country dignitary Mr. Bandana.
Transcript of Trigger’s Response to Shooter’s “The Gunslinger”
Hello Internet,
My name is Trigger, or The Triggerman, and I am coming to you from the studio in the Saving Country Music headquarters just outside of Austin, TX. The reason I am coming to you via the miracle of video is because of the seriousness of the topic I want to talk to you about.
I want to publicly and vehemently renounce violence, and threats of violence, to anyone, or from anyone, for any reason, and specifically relating to any reason involving music. This includes threats toward Shooter Jennings or his fans, towards pop country personalities and their fans, or for any disagreements or misunderstandings or different interpretations of what music is good, and what music is not good. I also challenge anyone to comb through the vast archives of Saving Country Music’s content and find instances where violence or threats of violence were leveled at anyone by me.
It has come to my attention from numerous Shooter Jennings’ fans that the last song on his latest album The Other Life called “The Gunslinger” is pointed directly at me. In the song, Shooter says, and I quote, “You better keep your eye on my mother fucking trigger finger.” I want to first say that I am not 100% confident that this song is indeed pointed at me, or pointed at me solely. The first verse seems like it might be about Shooter’s father Waylon Jennings coming to Nashville. The second verse however is clearly aimed at Shooter’s detractors, but I’ll be quick to point out that I am just one of many people that have been critical of Shooter over the years, and despite numerous accusations of a Saving Country Music bias against Shooter, I in no way represent the most vehement Shooter Jennings’ opposition that claims he has no talent, is simply riding off of his daddy’s name, etc. etc. In fact it seems to have escaped many Shooter fans claiming bias that I had never even written a negative review for Shooter until less than a year ago when he released the song “Drinking Side of Country” with Bucky Covington. And even to this day I have written more positive reviews for Shooter than negative, and even in negative or neutral reviews been outspoken in my opinion that Shooter indeed has unique talent all his own, a soulful voice, songwriting skills, and a brilliant creative streak when it is not blundered by bad imagery, poor decision making in the production process, or confusing themes.
Nonetheless, since the target of “The Gunslinger” remains ambiguous in the song, I, along with any Shooter detractor, have every right to feel that his unveiled death threat is being leveled at me. The lack of a clear target in the song makes his threats even more dangerous because it can mutate to fit many people. Sure, there’s probably still a greater likelihood it is aimed at me, seeing how me mentions “Trigger” in the song, and Shooter has a history of lobbing death threats in my direction, including wearing a shirt that said “Shanking Country Music” with two shanks coming down when he appeared at Johnny Cash’s 80th Birthday Celebration right here in Austin. But I am also not going to fall into the trap of claiming the song is about me, so that at some appointed time in the future Shooter can claim it is about someone else and use my claims as evidence of personal conceit and vanity. If people think that I am the target of this song, that’s all that matters. Also, whether “The Gunslinger” is about me or not, it has emboldened numerous of Shooter’s toadies to take his leadership and send me very specific death threats, most of which name my specific physical address, and one of which warned me not to sleep because their plan was to burn my house down with me in it.
And why? Because I like some of Shooter’s songs, but don’t like others? Are we not all entitled to our own opinions? This is ding-dong music for crying out loud. Do Shooter Jennings and his fans not have music that they don’t particularly care for? Why do I have an obligation to love everything that Shooter releases, and if I don’t, that means I am a liar AND I MUST DIE. And what hubris by Shooter Jennings and his fans to say that I am any more harsh towards him than I am any other artist or entity. Are you kidding me? Have you read my coverage of Blake Shelton? I’ve written more negative articles on Blake in the last two months than I’ve written in the last 5 years on Shooter. Have you read anything I’ve written on Florida-Georgia Line? Brantley Gilbert? Luke Bryan for crying out loud? Or how about Mike Curb and Scott Borchetta, Saving Country Music’s true arch-enemies? I’m not sure Shooter Jennings even cracks my Top 10 of most vilified personalities on this site. Now maybe that says something about the excessive negativity of Saving Country Music, but this idea that I am obsessed with Shooter Jennings is quashed with even the most elementary sense of perspective to this site’s wide arching coverage map. And NO opinion given about anything should EVER result in death threats.
And maybe Shooter’s anger doesn’t stem from my “bias” reviews, but my stance that branding music “XXX” was unhealthy, and would never work; an opinion that bore out and was validated indisputably over time. I am peacock proud of standing up against Shooter’s now defunct XXX movement, ESPECIALLY because it was so unpopular to do so at the time. As was asserted at the very beginning, Shooter did not have the patience to see it through, mainstream radio was in no way receptive to the idea, and at no point did the movement gain any legs. All that XXX resulted in was fractured friendships, a strained scene, and turf wars. As Shooter told the corporate country blog site The Boot a couple of days ago, and I quote, “I guess I discovered that I’m a lot more dangerous than I thought I was. I’m just trying to figure out how to navigate life and leave the biggest trail of debris that I can behind.”
But make no mistake, I do not take anything away from Shooter, nor have I ever taken anything away from Shooter for attempting to bolster up-and-coming bands by talking about them, playing them on his radio show, etc. I question the overall effectiveness this all has. It seems its biggest result has been mitigating Shooter’s critics as opposed to any true measurable success enjoyed by these artists with the exception of a chosen few who may have been on the upward trend regardless. To me, changing an opinion about Shooter’s music because he is promoting others or is being nice to you, THAT is what is known as bias. Still, every little bit helps, and Shooter has done a lot promoting smaller artists. What doesn’t help though is the incorrect and uncorroborated claims by Shooter that I sense some sort of “ownership” in a particular scene of music or want to be the only outlet for it. Nothing could be further from the truth, and I challenge anyone to present evidence of this supposed stance by Saving Country Music. Instead what you will find is vehement insistence that it is the artists, bands, labels, festivals, and other entities that make and disseminate the music who have ownership of the music, and whose opinions most matter. I am simply a blogger, and that is all, and I will always be subservient to the music itself, even if in my heart I didn’t want it that way or attempted to make it otherwise. Furthermore, my work for and with numerous other entities, including writing for other periodicals, volunteering at festivals, working with artists on touring and production in ways that many times are never heralded or represented in the content of this site, speaks against this idea that I think I am in charge of anything or that I am at the top of the music pyramid. The point of Saving Country Music has always been service.
And I know what some of you are going to say. Why am I talking all of this stuff so seriously? “The Gunslinger” is just a song. Am I scared? Look, I’m a Texan, and I’m a man, meaning I come from the school that believes that either you shoot someone, you shank someone, you kick their ass, or you don’t. Threat’s are just that. They are the currency of cowards. Either do it, or don’t. The second level of cowardice is not naming the name of the person you are threatening. Some people have paralleled Shooter’s “The Gunslinger” with the Guns & Roses’ song “Get In The Ring.” In that song, specific names were named, and challenged to take them on man on man in a fair fight. “The Gunslinger” is nothing more than unmindfully lobbing grenades from behind a wall and taking random, self-righteous pot shots with no regard for collateral damage, with the underlying objective being to intimidate. But I will not shrink from the principle that everyone has the right to an opinion about music, and that they also have a right to share that opinion without fear of physical retribution or threats. In fact this experience does nothing but emboldens me to stand and give my opinions even more fervently. I’m not saying Shooter doesn’t have a right to make threats in his songs. I would take up arms and fight for the right for Shooter to say whatever he wants through his music. But that doesn’t mean threatening people in music, and about their musical beliefs, isn’t stupid, irresponsible, and an insult to the spirit of the artistic format.
And furthermore, doesn’t Shooter understand that folks writing songs about me, or towards me is what makes me tick? I hear from Shooter’s fans all the time that all I do is bitch about Shooter and write about how songs are about me. If “The Gunslinger” is indeed pointed at Saving Country Music, which I’m not necessarily saying that it is, then this is the mother of all victories for this site, regardless of the context or the content of the song itself. Just as the quote Shooter has prominently displayed at the top of his website does, this song creates separation. I love this stuff because I never want anybody to mistakenly believe I have any affiliation with a man that would brand music “XXX,” fictitiously point a tank at the Country Music Hall of Fame (which by the way, is another example of threatened violence), or wear a T-shirt that says “Shanking Country Music,” a statement that when taken outside the context of any rivalry means the polar opposite of what the title of Saving Country Music embodies. Sure, there’s some overlap in the type of music both Shooter and I enjoy and promote, but there’s also a lot of music Shooter peddles that I want no part of–filth that is even worse than the dribble coming off of Music Row. And don’t assume who I am talking about. Unlike Shooter, I name names. Regardless of a few entities who has attempted to use anti-SCM sentiment as marketing, if I speak out about something or someone, you will know. I want nothing more than for the world to know that Shooter Jennings doesn’t like me so that they can judge me by my enemies as opposed to perceived friends. This is another reason that this assertion that I want to “own” or “control” some scene of music is ridiculous, just as is the one that we all need to come together for the music since were on the same side. Anyone who would point a tank at the Country Music Hall of Fame, or put death threats in a song is far more foe than friend. Shooter can have the “scene” if that is what they are all about. Me, I’m going where the best music is.
And don’t give me any pap about how all of these threats of violence are a joke. I’m not fucking laughing. When all of this started, a 17-year-old female artist I cover named Ruby Jane was in Houston, TX and was carjacked at gunpoint, had everything stolen from her including her phone and ID, and left on the side of the road in the middle of the night. She had a gun pointed right at her head. I’ve had a gun pointed at me in anger as well. These reasons and more are why I recently changed by handle from “The Triggerman” to “Trigger.” People who would make threats of violence against others are people who have never been victims of violence themselves, or had someone close to them interface intimately with violence. Because if they had, they would know this is never a joke.
And the worst part about all of this is that “The Gunslinger” is a really good song. It’s inspired, Shooter’s voice rises, and is not befuddled by his usual use of excessive reverb and chorus. And though I usually second guess Shooter’s decisions on overlaying lead instruments on his music, the saxophone on the song works perfect. But the fact that this song is so good makes it even more dangerous. Am I in fear? No, because even if I’m burned alive in my house tonight, or clipped going into Kroger to buy some Charmin tomorrow, I will have gone down standing for something I believe in, which is the right to have an opinion and express it.
Look, I know that I am a polarizing figure, and I’m okay with that. I don’t care about being liked, I care about being honest. And nowhere will you see me ever claim that I don’t make mistakes. I make mistakes every single day on Saving Country Music in one way or another, and I have made mistakes in the way I have dealt with Shooter Jennings in the past. Nor will you see anywhere where I claim that I am better than anyone else, including Shooter Jennings, or his fans, or my detractors, or even the people who have made death threats toward me. I simply get up in the morning and try to do the best job I can. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I fail.
Respects to Shooter Jennings and his family, and respects to Shooter’s fans. But I cannot give respect to any threat of violence made towards anybody stemming from a simple music dispute.
People first, then music.
Thanks for reading.
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NOTE: Comments section may be closed intermittently when comments cannot be screened in real time.
March 21, 2013 @ 9:13 am
I think it all stems from Shooter trying to stay relevant. He makes some great tunes but some of his others are not so great. The XXX ‘movement’ is laughable at best. If, in fact, that lyric is directed towards Triggerman it shows just how immature Jennings really is.
Shooter, I hope you continue to make some good tunes so I can continue to read Trigs (mostly accurate) reviews.
March 21, 2013 @ 9:13 am
I appreciate your work and all of the great music you have turned me onto. I think you’re always fair in your criticism even when I completely disagree with you. I do not think you have tried to make your writing about promoting yourself, and that you approach this topic that you care about with genuine humility. I think it’s reasonable for you to be freaked out and/or pissed off about this.
Just wanted to give a vote of confidence and support from a grateful reader.
March 21, 2013 @ 9:27 am
Thanks Scrappy.
March 21, 2013 @ 9:19 am
This really is a same . I wish you and Shooter the best . Lets get back to the agenda and work together to take back country music .
March 21, 2013 @ 9:46 am
I would’ve been more affended that such a shitty song was written about me! death threats arent good, but a shitty song can live in infamy!
March 21, 2013 @ 9:52 am
hey pretty boy with a long hair cap, you popped out of your daddys balls into country music’s lap… you music writting skills mostly add up to a slow country rap….
March 21, 2013 @ 9:53 am
I understand you should be concerned about this especially if you are getting viable death threats, but I personally would like to see all of this nonsense disappear. I’m sure you would too. It’s like elementary playground bs. It’s the same as the Hank III/Shooter drama. Lets get back to the music.
March 21, 2013 @ 10:12 am
The III/Shooter saga was nothing more than a little smack being talked every now again.. This has just become stupid. I keep waiting for Vince McMahon to arrive so all of this drama would make sense. Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives..
March 21, 2013 @ 10:14 am
Trigger, obviously I don’t know you personally, but based on my experiences hanging around here for the last two and half years or so, I would bet serious money that your claims of received death threats that include your physical address are true. Words can’t adequately express how utterly fucked up I think that is.
March 21, 2013 @ 11:01 am
im a huge johnny depp fan but at some point in the 90s i just stopped reading any interviews he did cuz he comes off so damned annoying and stupid. fortunately depp doesnt write his movies so problem solved. i like jennings voice and his music but his self righteous and pugnacious lyrics can really be grating and wil ruin a song i would have otherwise enjoyed. really sucks when an artists natural talent is overshadowed by their ego or abrasive personality.
March 21, 2013 @ 11:38 am
Hey Trig, I’m so sorry that you’re having to go through all of this. As a fan of both You and Shooter (well, the last two albums, anyway) , it saddens me at how fast people are to jump to a conclusion and pick a side without even attempting to gain ANY facts beforehand. Who knows for sure who the song is truly aimed at (if anyone in particular at all) and I would like to think that Shooter wouldn’t stoop to something so low as to use his status and accesses to RECORD a song dedicated to destroying and/ causing someone serious harm. Extreme bullying and more than a little far-fetched, to me. But anyway, I find it admirable that you admit to liking the song. Hopefully, Someone will speak up soon and clear the air.
March 21, 2013 @ 12:07 pm
I anticipate at some point Shooter Jennings coming out and giving some very technical answer of why this song isn’t about me. I wasn’t going to respond to the song at all out of respect for folks who’ve been saying they’re tired of seeing the drama. When I had a change of heart is when I received numerous emails, comments, twitter posts, etc. from Shooter fans asserting that “The Gunslinger” was aimed at me, and wondering what my response was. It was then that I realized it doesn’t matter if the song is about me or not, the perception is that it is, and Shooter wrote this song knowing that is how it was going to be perceived, regardless of any explanation he might give in the future, if not hoping that I would claim it was about me to use that against me in the future.
If Shooter comes out and says it indeed IS about me, and doesn’t chase that information with anything less than an apology, the situation gets even worse. A line was crossed that all of us as brothers, sons, fathers, sisters, mothers, and friends can see was wrong.
March 21, 2013 @ 11:52 am
Kyle, the song isn’t about you, or anyone else. It’s a fictional tale. A work of art. No different than a movie. Songs are allowed to have violent themes also. Doesn’t mean they are directed towards, or threats to anyone. The song does have the word “Trigger” in it. In context though, the line is ” Keep an eye on my motha fuckin’ trigger finger”. Not “Trigger” as in your screen name….. If you have received death threats from anyone, that’s inexcusable. Please publish the threats, along with the identities of the offenders, as not to confuse readers who think Shooter might have been anyway involved with the threats, if there are infact real threats….. From the limited dealings that I’ve had with Shooter, I’d say he is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the privalage to meet. Many others have had the exact same experience with him. It is unfair and irresponsible to accuse Shooter of making death threats towards you. It’s simply not true.
March 21, 2013 @ 12:45 pm
From above:
“Nonetheless, since the target of “The Gunslinger” remains ambiguous in the song, I, along with any Shooter detractor, have every right to feel that his unveiled death threat is being leveled at me. The lack of a clear target in the song makes his threats even more dangerous because it can mutate to fit many people.”
If people think that I am the target of this song, that”™s all that matters. Also, whether “The Gunslinger” is about me or not, it has emboldened numerous of Shooter”™s toadies to take his leadership and send me very specific death threats, most of which name my specific physical address, and one of which warned me not to sleep because their plan was to burn my house down with me in it.”
Furthermore Nathan, you know what Shooter was doing with this song. You know he wrote it with me in mind, either as the target, or knowing that was how it was going to be perceived. Everybody does. Shooter’s fans do. And asserting anything else is just as much of an insult to the intelligence as a death threat is to the human condition. That is why I have received a dozen or so public communications from Shooter fans saying I was the target of this song, and asking for my response. Just look into the comments on this site, or in my Twitter feed.
If Shooter claims this song is fiction, this is simply attempting to create plausible deniability which in turn does two things, 1) Proves he knew he was threatening someone and that was how it would be perceived so he had to cover his tracks. 2) That he’s even more cowardly by trying to hide behind explanations when the truth is obvious.
Trust me Nathan, very very few people who hear this song and know the history between Shooter and I will listen to it and not immediately think the inspiration for it was our feud. Trust me.
March 21, 2013 @ 12:50 pm
Furthermore, this post is NOT about how I am the target of “The Gunslinger.” I go out of my way numerous times to say that I am NOT confident that I am. The point of this post was to renounce violence stemming from musical disagreements, that regardless if this song is targeted at me or not, have been stimulated towards me from other people inspired by the song. Also, I know that people have made threats towards Shooter in the past, and I wanted to be on the record renouncing ALL threats.
March 21, 2013 @ 12:12 pm
This is downright rediculous. When will you get over yourself? I am ashamed that you can call yourself a Texan. If you don’t know that this song is about you why does this article exist. Poor poor you.
March 21, 2013 @ 12:23 pm
From above:
“Nonetheless, since the target of “The Gunslinger” remains ambiguous in the song, I, along with any Shooter detractor, have every right to feel that his unveiled death threat is being leveled at me. The lack of a clear target in the song makes his threats even more dangerous because it can mutate to fit many people.”
If people think that I am the target of this song, that”™s all that matters. Also, whether “The Gunslinger” is about me or not, it has emboldened numerous of Shooter”™s toadies to take his leadership and send me very specific death threats, most of which name my specific physical address, and one of which warned me not to sleep because their plan was to burn my house down with me in it.”
March 21, 2013 @ 12:46 pm
Who crossed the line first?
https://savingcountrymusic.com/michael-jackson-montgomery-announces-the-bleeding-cowboy
Don’t disrespect you wont be disrespected. Crying ass baby.
March 21, 2013 @ 12:59 pm
So “The Gunslinger” wasn’t written and recorded before March 7th, when that interview was posted?
I can’t speak for Michael Jackson Montgomery, but it seems to me that maybe he was attempting to illustrate the absurdity of people who have reactionary and unfair stances against Shooter Jennings. But that’s the thing about sarcasm, not everybody gets it.
And for those that would claim that I am Michael Jackson Montgomery (a completely uncorroborated, fictitious lie), you don’t have to go any farther than this very article to see that his opinions don’t parallel my own, and specifically to the point of Shooter having talent beyond his famous name.
March 21, 2013 @ 1:16 pm
I should have left out the who crossed first.
I don’t really give a shit.
If you and him (MJM) are truly not the same its very odd that you would choose to be the outlet for such garbage.
By you leaving the idea out there that you and him (MJM) are the same person, and posting statements whether by you or him ” I can”™t stand that dude. He”™s disrespecting his daddy and he made some weird homo album a while back that had a bunch of techno music on it. What if Waylon were around today?”, you are allowing the open ended question of who is taking these low jabs. If you are really only concerned with the MUSIC why do you base so much of what you do on your own personal feelings of a person?
March 21, 2013 @ 1:17 pm
“And for those that would claim that I am Michael Jackson Montgomery (a completely uncorroborated, fictitious lie),”
I was suspicious about this, but now with this video evidence, it’s clear that you two are different people. After all, Mr.Montgomery wears one of those baseball caps favored by the new crop of “outlaws” while you are keeping it real with that weathered leather cowboy hat looking thing. Me, I’m not from Texas, so I’m not up on the lingo for such things.
March 21, 2013 @ 12:51 pm
I read the entire article. It would have been much easier if you just wrote this: ” This song is about me, but I don’t think it is about me.” The title alone implies that the song was written for you.
Your reaction to this song that isn’t about you is the reason you are polorizing. Your reactions are that of a whiney underdeveloped teenager. Be proud all you want, but don’t have pride for the wrong reasons. Be a man. Get over yourself.
March 21, 2013 @ 2:29 pm
Yes, so me responding to a public threat is acting like a “whiney underdeveloped teenager,” but Shooter MAKING that threat because someone doesn’t like some of his songs is the seat of maturity. Somewhere along the line we got the cart in front of the horse.
March 21, 2013 @ 3:16 pm
Please don’t try to make it as if the only slight you have had against Shooter was not liking a few of his songs.
March 21, 2013 @ 3:45 pm
No, this isn’t just about me not liking a few of his songs, and I think that is a fair point and one everyone should understand. This also has to do with my opposition with “XXX,” and I went in-depth about this point in the post/video.
March 21, 2013 @ 1:08 pm
What history?…. You mean the time he wore an Outlaw Radio Chicago t shirt at the Cash tribute show? Maybe you are talking about the many personal jabs you’ve taken at Shooter over the years that have nothing to do with his music. Seems to me that the “feud” is a little one sided here…… And no, when I heard the song, I didn’t think of you, as I normally don’t….. I’m sure when the film is released for “The Other Life”, there will be a visual perspective that you can put the song into, that doesn’t include you as the target…. Also, if I’m keeping count correctly, this is what, the third song you’ve written an article on claiming it to be about you. Kyle, just like those other two songs, this one is not about you. It is a great song though. We can agree on that.
March 21, 2013 @ 2:33 pm
Yes! It’s complete self-gratification for me to think that something I wrote stimulated someone to write a song.
March 22, 2013 @ 5:07 pm
I’m confused…none of these songs are about you.
March 22, 2013 @ 6:02 pm
I didn’t say they were about me.
“Yes! It”™s complete self-gratification for me to think that something I wrote stimulated someone to write a song.”
March 22, 2013 @ 6:05 pm
I think you’re missing the point.
March 22, 2013 @ 5:22 pm
You’re not Blake Shelton.
March 22, 2013 @ 6:04 pm
And you’re not very smart. Read what I said:
“Yes! It”™s complete self-gratification for me to think that something I wrote stimulated someone to write a song.”
The dude above you made the same mistake, and you still stuck your arm in the bear trap.
March 22, 2013 @ 6:09 pm
You’re loosing it
March 22, 2013 @ 6:41 pm
Hagpish, nobody wants to see childish back and forths. Make relevant points, or move on.
And also, quit liking your own comment. Real poor taste.
March 23, 2013 @ 9:52 am
And again…You’re not Blake Shelton. What makes you think that what you wrote is the reason they responded with those songs? They’re responding to Blake Shelton, not you.
You are either 1) Paranoid 2) Narcissistic 3) Both
All of the unwarranted jabs you make towards Shooter Jennings has you looking behind your back or searching for things that aren’t there.
March 23, 2013 @ 10:06 am
Lucky,
Once again, never said I was Blake Shelton. You’re arguing semantics based on assumptions in an attempt to win an irrelevant argument. Ask Dale Watson where he heard about Blake Shelton’s comments. I know what his answer will be. That was my only point.
Make relevant points, or move on. No more comments will be allowed on this specific thread by anyone.
March 21, 2013 @ 1:11 pm
Usually I think you’re batshit crazy tilting at windmills, but I actually think there is a good chance this song is about you. I didn’t think that until I actually LISTENED to it. So, you should link to the song somewhere or else people are just blindly taking sides with no reason. Which is what got us into this mess in the first place.
If it is, I think it is a super petty move.
I also agree – if you’re going to call someone out – call them out. None of this Outlaw You crap where you go out of your way to blur who the song is about.
I also like the song.
March 21, 2013 @ 1:40 pm
Just a month ago, I too had what I consider a serious death threat leveled at me and my family. When that happens it IS serious. It must be taken so.
90% of the threats turn out to be nothing but testoterone fueled chest-pounding. But there is 10% that aren’t smart enough to know the difference between the first amendment and a corn dog are the ones to worry about.
This should be about music. Country music. It ain’t gangster rapshit with Tupac and Biggie in shootouts. Goddammit shooter. Grow up.
March 21, 2013 @ 2:33 pm
If people look my comments, they’ll see that I usually defend Shooter Jennings against Trigger’s criticism.
However, in this case, I don’t think it’s unreasonable for Trigger to think that this MIGHT be about him. Shooter Jennings seems to be pretty concerned about the criticism here–occasionally going into angry tweets and rants on the message board here. Plus the fact that Shooter puts Triggers negative quote about him at the top of his website (as well as his press kit) just seems odd.
Anyway, while I think Trigger goes a bit overboard in his feud with Shooter Jennings–he runs a fucking website. What do you expect him to do. Shooter Jennings is a famous musician, and I’m more shocked that he seems to engaged in it.
Anyway, while I have defended Shooters music, regardless of who its aimed at, this song is pretty bad.
March 21, 2013 @ 2:34 pm
Not this shit again. Everyone (Shooter, his fans, SCM, etc) needs to grow the fuck up.
March 21, 2013 @ 2:57 pm
Wait, why does he need a movie to accompany the album? To distract from the fact it cant stand on its own? Is the album so obscure and jumbled that we need a movie to figure out what it is about? Ego? Lord knows he has yet to release anything I can listen to and get behind fully so maybe im biased but this seems like more typical smoke and mirrors from Shooter to distract you from his lack of songwriting/music ability? Flying saucers? Light years? Is that the Kabbalah on his T-Shirt? Country music? What?
Also I think I have figured this all out. Think about it. Trigger and Shooter, look at the names…are they in league with eachother to boost ratings for their sites and for Shooters music? All publicity is good publicity! My god…
March 21, 2013 @ 3:38 pm
Shooter has made this mistake numerous times before with songs like “Fuck You (I’m Famous),” really the entire Black Ribbons project, and with “Southern Family Anthem.” He makes a song or a project ripe for misunderstanding, people get angry, and then he leaves an explanation in some out-of-the-way fan zine 6 months later and hopes that clears everything up. Then he blames the fact that he’s so polarizing on Hank3 fans.
So it will all makes sense when the movie comes out…which doesn’t have a release date…or any sort of distribution schedule…that will probably be shown at a couple of film festivals and art houses in the Fall before going to DVD distribution right before Christmas. Yes, big help. A song must stand on its own. Like a joke, if you have to explain it, it doesn’t work.
By the way, I think you might have something there with your publicity theory, but it probably applies to this Michael Jackson Montgomery punk.
March 21, 2013 @ 3:20 pm
Personally Trig, this article shouldn’t of been written and you should of kept those opinions with your friends. All you are going to do is peel scabs of old wounds and make so called shooter fanatics laugh at you more and cause needless controversy with yall. I thought in a tiresome state yesterday to see a positive review of his new album but it was your showing you had no shooter bias from an old review. I was over joyed that he step up to the plate for that sound we wanted from him and that you recognized that. Sucks that I woke up today and had to read this article in disappointment instead. Such an awesome small movement shouldnt be so fragmented already.
March 21, 2013 @ 3:54 pm
“Personally Trig, this article shouldn”™t of been written and you should of kept those opinions with your friends.”
Oh, so Shooter Jennings can take a fucking death threat and distribute it worldwide through a major American record label, but I need to keep my response to said death threat to myself because it may ruffle a few feathers on fucking Facebook? That is the fucking mother bomb of all motherfucking double standards.
Apparently Shooter doesn’t have to keep his opinions (ie death threats) to himself because he plays some bands you like on his radio show. What fucking madness.
March 27, 2013 @ 8:33 am
I have came to respect you and your site. Im also a Shooter fan as well. Everyone has their opinion. If you think a song sucks or a album is weird….which he lost me on Black Ribbons, its your right to say it. Now as far as this death threat goes. If it is actually about you its just a song. Do you really think Shooter is gonna kill you? Hes got a family and probably isnt the type to go there. If it is about you I think hes just kind of giving you a F off in a metaphorical way. Like when you say Luke Bryan has a vagina. To me it all seems overblown. Or are you worried about a crazy fan like in the Dimebag tragedy?
March 21, 2013 @ 4:26 pm
A few more things:
1) Folks need to go back and read/watch the first part, and the last part of this post. This is NOT some explanation or pleading on my part that this song is about me or that Shooter Jennings sucks. It is a simple plea for us all to take a step back and understand that this situation has escalated to the point where people are now are being threatened to be killed, if not in this song itself, then by Shooter fans who were inspired by it. And I wanted to come out and publicly admonish threats coming from ANYONE, regardless if this song is pointed at me, and including anyone who my feel the need to threaten Shooter Jennings. I’m sorry if some were expecting me to post a Shooter puff piece or offer palm fronds at his feet for being so gracious to threaten people’s lives, but I think I did a very good job trying to show Shooter respect, admitting my own mistakes and shortcomings, and attempting to build roads to resolving this issue long term.
2) The underlying problem with this whole thing is people thinking that Shooter and I pretty much like the same music and have the same goals and we just need to come together for the big win. I went in-depth about this above, but that seems to have been glossed over as well. Trying to resolve the differences between Shooter and I is why there is continued conflict. I have nothing to do with that dude, or his music. Separation is what is needed. You don’t see me or my proponents dive bombing Shooter’s sites trying to get him to see eye to eye with me. He can go his way, let me go mine.
3) This idea that I should write a glowing review for Shooter so that all of this stuff would be resolved is bullshit. So I’m supposed to lie just so I can prove to some folks I don’t have a bias? I’ve already written glowing reviews for Shooter, and they still descended into comment wars. And if all I did was write positive Shooter reviews, the blowback would still be there, just from the other side. Because despite the horrifically myopic world view some Shooter fans possess, Shooter continues to be a very polarizing figure. This song will likely only continue that polarization.
March 21, 2013 @ 3:34 pm
First, you’re a tool if you believe that Michael Jackson Montgomery is anything more than a creation of Trigger. Second, Trigger only a tool thinks you are relevant enough for someone to write a song about. Agree or disagree I generally enjoy reading the articles and comments on this site, but these two works of fiction have turned me off.
March 21, 2013 @ 5:20 pm
I have been a fan of SCM for a while now, but every time this sort of drama happens, I get turned off. I think Shooter Jennings and Co. need to get there shit together and stop acting like jackasses. You’re seriously going to make death threats against someone you perceive has criticizing your work. GROW THE FUCK UP!!!
The same applies to Trigger. If you think that The Gunslinger is a threat against your life, you are thinking far to highly of yourself. You noted that you have received specific death threats. If you think they are credible, report them to the police. If not, don’t rant and rave about it, that’s what they want. Lots of semi-prominent individuals get death threats on regular basis (I have heard this from numerous youtube personalities), but you don’t see them making videos raising hell about them. It isn’t nice, but there are weirdos out there who get a rise from threatening people.
The drama, both real and perceived, needs to fucking stop. Death threats are ridiculous, but so is the response from this. If you don’t want drama, don’t make it public.
March 21, 2013 @ 9:29 pm
What would you have done if someone made a death threat toward you in a very public forum, and you operated a public forum? I’m not baiting you or anything, I seriously want to know what my other options were. And in my opinion, not doing anything would have been a sign of weakness.
March 22, 2013 @ 10:47 am
I’m a member of several forums, I’m quite confident that the operators of the forums have had their lives threatened on multiple occasions. Those individuals evaluate the credibility of the threat and contact law enforcement if necessary. They handle the issue quietly and then they bury it.
March 22, 2013 @ 6:31 pm
Bill,
A few things.
First, I want to point out that the only people who have ever threatened me on this forum in over 5 years are Shooter and his fans. Of all the other rants and roasts I’ve written, only Shooter and his fandom are the ones who feel the self-righteousness to think they are above criticism. I can’t speak for other forums, but at this one, only one name has been a problem.
Second, as for calling law enforcement if it is a credible threat, in my experience this would only make it so demonstrably worse. To begin with, I hate calling the police for anything unless it is an absolute last case resort. Furthermore, in a situation similar to this a while back, after doing everything else I could to stamp it out, I simply took some paperwork and a couple of photos to a county office and turned them in, mainly for the purpose that if there was a physical altercation, I would already have proof somewhere of who stimulated the altercation, what had been said, the threats that were made and by who and when, etc. Welp, that person took that as an opportunity to email folks across the web, dramatize the situation by saying I called private investigators on multiple people (like I have that money) and that I tried to have them “arrested.” It took a horrible situation, and made it much much worse.
Third, you and others are making a wide-eyed assumption that Shooter and I have NOT attempted to work out this situation privately. I have actually had a ton of private correspondence with Shooter over the years through email. Unfortunately, apparently it never resolved anything. And actually, the last time I talked to Shooter privately, we had agreed to a cease fire, and then he and his toadies began lobbing pot shots again, and as I’m inclined to do, I returned fire.
Fourth, and most importantly, as I will continue to re-iterate and point out, the beginning and ending of this post, and the underlying theme of it was to renounce folks threatening each other back and forth, including people threatening Shooter, and it was imperative that this was done in a public forum. But this point has been horrifically glossed over in favor of people saying, “I’m tired of seeing the drama!” FACT: The people who say they’re tired of seeing the drama are the FIRST to stick their nose in it. Every time. The people who truly don’t want to see drama, they never see it because they’re eyes glaze over it and they’re on to the next story. There’s too much info coming at people these days for someone to end up on an article like this, and esp. deciding to leave a comment, unless they’ve done it as a matter of choice and want.
All that said, I understand the trappings of doing what I did. I simply had to make the choice that wasn’t as worse as the others.
March 21, 2013 @ 5:57 pm
i feel like this all might be some twisted trick into getting me to listen to another awful fucking song that shooter jennings has written. …NO FUCKING WAY. I REFUSE.
March 21, 2013 @ 6:01 pm
Trigger man, I was not referring to that he can say shit but you cannot. You stated you weren’t sure he actually said that but his fans who dont like you are saying that. They are trying to instigate you and you are falling into their trap. And I know you dont see yourself as the same grouping as shooter or part of the same scene. This movement is small and the important part is that people do see you and Shooter as in the same movement or scene. What I mean as people “the musicians, the fans, the “promoters”, or any other important entity in the scene.
I enjoy your objectivity, and what I was hoping for was not some ass kissing review to please people like me who like to see yall one day work together but to have him uphold certain musical standards that is worthy of his family name and to the music scene that he supports, and for you to honestly recognize it is good music if it is despite all the haters and juvenile bullshit people try to instigate. I enjoy his music but i see why people dont. I haven’t heard the new album yet which I plan on this weekend but I been assured by some of our great musicians it is a quality album.
In conclusion, I dont agree with your assessment that you separating from people like shooter is the answer. I had a musician that you admire greatly, contact me the other day after a review of your shooter material about our interaction on this blog (dont know how people know its me?) , this musician was overwhelmed emotionally about your situation with shooter. I calmly defended your position from your perspective and not to make it more than that. I am mentioning this cause it does effect the people you are trying to support with your website. Causing a sort of polarity. I hope you dont take no offense to my comments, I mean it with due respect.
March 21, 2013 @ 10:04 pm
“You stated you weren”™t sure he actually said that but his fans who dont like you are saying that. They are trying to instigate you and you are falling into their trap.”
We can all hear the song and what Shooter said. I think there’s very little mincing of words. And am I being instigated by Shooter fans, or is Shooter inspiring them? Shooter’s song is what initiated this latest round, and the subsequent death threats came before I posted this article.
And once again, we are completely missing the underlying theme of this entire post, which was to come out and publicly admonish making threats to anyone based on musical disputes.
March 21, 2013 @ 6:11 pm
I honestly don’t think the song is aimed towards you Trigger. Why would someone like Shooter go that far out of his way to send a message to just one single critic. That’s ridiculous.
March 21, 2013 @ 6:29 pm
Except that’s exactly what he did when he put a out-of-context quote from me up on his website
http://www.shooterjennings.com/
And also put that same quote at the top of the press releases for the album “The Gunslinger” was released on.
And let’s not forget the “Shanking Country Music” T-shirt he wore to Johnny Cash’s 80th birthday.
Now tell me who is obsessed?
March 21, 2013 @ 6:41 pm
Well if it is towards you then he needs to grow up. That’s middle school shit.
March 21, 2013 @ 6:37 pm
He was wearing that shirt because it promotes a radio show on his website. Come on man. So, when Joshua Hedley, Zach Shedd, or anyone else in Slim Chance and the Palyboys, Felix Thursday, the guy from Fifth on the Floor, or anyone else wears an Outlaw Radio shirt, it’s because they are taking a “stab” at you? Wow, that is thinking pretty highly of yourself. I have a Screeching Weasel shirt that says “I Hate Led Zeppelin” on the back. Guess what, I like Led Zeppelin, I am supporting Ben Weasel.
March 23, 2013 @ 10:36 am
Jashie,
So I’m not supposed to take something printed on someone’s shirt as literal? What are you fucking hipsters? Also, when Shooter was asked why he wore the shirt at Johnny Cash’s 80th birthday, he did not say it was to promote a radio show, he said it was “a joke.”
Also, the reason your comments keep getting moderated, as I have explained before, (https://savingcountrymusic.com/song-review-shooter-jennings-the-white-trash-song#comment-447963) is because you have used 6 different aliases, none of which are yourself, which is in a direct violation of the comment rules. And now it has been revealed who you really are, making the aliases even more of a violation of the truth.
And no, I am not flying up to Chicago so your methed-out friends can gang me and ass rape me in their 1992 LeSabre. The fact that you would use a video attempting to build consensus around the idea that we should not fight each other over stupid music disputes to challenge me to a fight proves you don’t get it, and you’re not listening. Take it public if you want, I am adhering to the idea that separation is what is needed to reduce conflict.
March 21, 2013 @ 6:42 pm
You could just review his music and ignore all the bullshit that gets created. Drama can’t be created if the ingredients aren’t there. It might be a little late for that, though.
March 21, 2013 @ 7:52 pm
1, in light of the current climate of our culture, I agree that death threats and freely and irresponsibly posting inflammatory crap on social media IS A PROBLEM. IS is the realm of cowards , plebs and fools. ( this includes any suggestion of violence or destruction of property).
2, I do agree with some of the comments here about over reaction. this would be by my count about the 3rd time on here where i felt that i was reading an article on SCM that went on to long and things got a little immature. I have been here for awhile. even before I started posting.
3, although far to long and unfocused, like many of the responses, I agree with the majority of what you have to say Trig. always have, and its what has kept me coming back here: funny satire, cutting commentary ( that means opinions people ), thoughtful appraisals , but mostly new music.
I say stick to what you are good at.
4, I saw Shooter live at Farmageddon . He was slicker than most other artists there, and had a strong stage presence. his playing was excellent and his singing confident and savvy. a few songs he was singing about Isis or some shit and it really didn’t mean anything to me personally so i zoned out but he is a talented guy. I am sure there are few of us with the type of expectations put on us during our whole lives as Shooter. I think he is who he is and most of us don’t know what his life is like. i also think that in a way he is following in his fathers footsteps … how? by being his own man. I don’t like everything he does but in this world of luke bryans and kieth urbans and sissy chesneys I would happily trade this world for one where Shooter got any air play in my town.
March 21, 2013 @ 8:14 pm
Articles like this make me ashamed that I am so addicted to this site. I’ve been checking your page incessantly, knowing something like this was coming. I bought “The Other Life” on its release date (I’ll freely admit I’m a big fan of Shooter as well), and I really like it. “The Gunslinger” is quite possibly my favorite song on the album, but as soon as I heard it I knew it was going to be Taylor Swift’s “Mean” all over again, as far as this site is concerned. It quite possibly is about you, but if it is, do you actually think he intends to shoot you over your little disputes? Or to destroy the hall of fame with a tank? Ever heard of a metaphor? Symbolism? To me, the song just means not to mess with him, and the tank just says things need to change, maybe by force.
This just shows one of the biggest problems we are facing in this country. American men have been so castrated by society that the prevailing belief seems to be that the biggest sin is to offend another. We can’t express ourselves for fear of making someone else feel bad. I respect Shooter for taking a stand against his detractors and laying down the proverbial gauntlet. I think that’s how men probably used to act before we all became such pussies. Sorry for getting political…
I’m a big fan of yours, too, Trigger, when you do what you do best – promote good music. Enough with this soap opera shit. I suppose that’s what the real problem is here – a lack of enough good music for you to talk about. Sure, some decent stuff comes out of this segment of music now and then, but how often does anything great that we can all agree on and unify behind actually come along? Does the music world need any more country/punk mashups? How about another string band? How revolutionary!
Sadly, I suppose I’ll remain just another fly in your web until I can find a more compelling online time waster.
March 21, 2013 @ 9:24 pm
“This just shows one of the biggest problems we are facing in this country. American men have been so castrated by society that the prevailing belief seems to be that the biggest sin is to offend another. We can”™t express ourselves for fear of making someone else feel bad.”
Where in the world did I say I was offended? There are days in the week where I wake up with the sole purpose of offending an artist and their fan base as much as I possibly can. There is a massive difference between making funny quips about someone’s hair, and threatening to shoot them. Trust me, I am not offended by anything that Shooter said, I am concerned that it has escalated to personal, physical threats that have gone too far, and that was the theme of this post.
Though it has been suggested by numerous people that what I should have done was keep this whole thing to myself, in my opinion that would have been the most pussy move possible, to have someone threaten you and say nothing. The most obvious move would have been to rant and rave, call Shooter names or threaten him back. Instead I tried to take the high road by using the situation to illustrate the absurdity of the whole thing and take a principled stance against ANYONE making threats to others about music. But that seems to have been lost on some folks who simply saw Shooter’s name, skimmed through the content (not you necessarily), and then gave their per-prepared comment about how they’re tired of the drama. But funny those people still clicked on the link and put forth the effort to comment, which they rarely do on my album reviews that everyone seems to covet in moments like these, but nobody seems to read. If you’re tired of seeing the drama, stop looking at it. I have a right to defend myself, and since the attack was made in public, so will be the rebuttal.
At the same time, I understand everyone is tired of the “drama” and that is why I worded my response as I did. Trust me, I hear you.
March 21, 2013 @ 10:04 pm
I can’t believe I read this trite keyboard diarrhea in it’s entirety.
March 21, 2013 @ 10:11 pm
And as far as taking the masculine high road…that would probably have involved talking to the source of your concern directly as opposed to writing some disingenuous post that you try to pass off as a sincere admonishment of “death threats”. Personally, I think Shooter Jennings has never proven himself to be anything more than a hack. But it is also frustrating to read posts in a usually decent blog that make it clear the writer thinks his readers are fools.
March 21, 2013 @ 10:18 pm
What is “disingenuous” about my post? The whole reason I posted a video for this is because I wanted to convey my sincerity. Since you called this “keyboard diarrhea” I’m assuming you read instead of watched. It probably won’t help to go back and watch now since it seems you’ve already made conclusions, but I wrote this to be read aloud, not necessarily to be read. I posted the words just in case there was any misunderstanding about what was being said.
I know this probably won’t help, but I will assure you there was nothing more sincere than what I said here.
And once again, I am expected to handle this privately, while Shooter instigated it publicly. Are people emailing Shooter telling him they’re tired of seeing the drama or that he should have handled it privately?
March 24, 2013 @ 9:12 pm
I did in fact watch the video. And I hate to say that it makes me take this with an even larger heaping of salt. Very very hard to take seriously.
March 21, 2013 @ 11:03 pm
The recurrent flareup of this feud is tiring. In the event that the reference is actually to you, its far from the first time a song has taken a dig at a music critic, and you should treat it more as a source of amusement than anything else.
As far as people talking over the top shit in comments, most forums just delete anything that crosses some line and not feed the trolls. Sure, there’s a level of specificity and malice that can be crossed that justifies reporting to the authorities if you feel it has hit that. But the net is full of people who just enjoy provoking others, especially if it’s easy to get them to take the bait. Even the ” my little pony” blog gets some hateful shit I’m sure.
However, anyone who ever writes anything bad about Biram is going to get a headbutt from me. Just kidding.
As for Shooter’s actual music, it doesnt do much for me, and the live performance wasn’t up to my standards. But I’m sure there are people who would say the same about artists I like. It’s obvious that he has a lot of fans that really like his stuff. Has he had an easier time because of his last name? Sure, but so has Hank 3. Sure, he’s done a good job of jumping on to our little scene but it’s also obvious that he’s a fan and helping other artists.
March 21, 2013 @ 11:14 pm
“…its far from the first time a song has taken a dig at a music critic.”
But It’s probably the first time they’ve been threatened to be shot. If it’s happened before, I’ve been unable to find reference to it.
As far as people talking over the top shit in comments, most forums just delete anything that crosses some line and not feed the trolls
The threats I received were direct messages sent through the contact forum. There was one done publicly, but it wasn’t nearly as harsh as the others. I initially moderated it, but then let it through as an example.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/song-review-shooter-jennings-the-white-trash-song#comment-448463
March 22, 2013 @ 3:40 pm
Not a death threat, even worse case scenario it is a directed at Triggerman. Have you ever listened to a rapper talk about shooting someone, calling other people out by their name? Is that a death threat, no. Songs are fantasy at times. Have you ever heard any Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under? Mass Murder Rampage, Torture Killer, Hammer Smashed Face, Ect. Last I heard Chirs Barnes has never harmed a fly. Plenty of bands sing about violence, its a part of life, its art.
Also this feud is lame, we all come here to hear about new artists, not this bullshit.
March 22, 2013 @ 8:26 pm
“Have you ever listened to a rapper talk about shooting someone, calling other people out by their name? Is that a death threat, no. Songs are fantasy at times.”
Funny how you mention this and I just was corresponding with someone else on how similar this is to a rap turf war that usually ends up with someone dead. Here’s a list of rappers killed in turf wars over music, and this just includes ones of national prominence:
Big L, Bad News Brown, Camouflage, Carizma, Dolla, Fat Pat, Fat-Tone, Freaky Tah, Big Hawk, Blade Icewood, Jam Master Jay, Yaki Kadafi, Killa Keise, Lil Phat, Mac Dre, The Notorious B.I.G., Seagram, Tupac Shakur, Magnolia Shorty, Slim Drunkin, Soulja Slim, Stretch, VL Mike.
That’s 23 for those of you counting at home. Try telling the mothers of these men it was just fantasy.
Now do you understand why I wanted to come out publicly against violence stemming from music disputes?
Furthermore, I don’t run a rap website or a heavy metal website. This is country music, and if you’re going to play country, then you must show respect to the format. Shooter interjecting the rap and/or metal-inspired element of threatening people’s lives might be as disturbing as the threatening message of the song itself, and validates my opinion that Shooter is doing just as much to degrade country as the denizens of pop country on Music Row.
“Also this feud is lame, we all come here to hear about new artists, not this bullshit.”
Then somebody, anybody go read one of my album reviews for one of those new artists. You and others can say that all you want. Your actions speak louder.
March 23, 2013 @ 1:23 pm
I read your song and album reviews. So, according to this statement I can call you out for articles like this. However, everytime I do you shut down the thread. You have a double standard that is full of bias for your own agenda, which seems to be alienating your shirking fanbase as of late.
You are missing the arguments that people like myself are making. You’re being close-minded and resort to name calling and insults. This site has become a complete joke because of your acusations and publicity surrounding these threats that you receive. Don’t air your dirty laundry on Savingcountrymusic.com. Keep this shit to the people who subscribe and follow you on twitter and facebook. You are turning a lot of people away because of petty disagreements.
I used to encourage people to check out your site because of the music coverage. Now, I tell people to stay away unless they just want a good laugh.
March 22, 2013 @ 3:50 pm
That song is pitiful.
March 22, 2013 @ 5:03 pm
Enough of all of this. It’s a fictional song about a gunslinger with an itchy trigger finger because people want to run him down. It’s not about anyone. If some fans have sent death threats because of this song, they’re idiots. You’re an idiot if you read anything into this song that isn’t there because he uses the word trigger. I’ve respected this website for years because of the reviews you write and the artists you cover. But this thing with Shooter over Outlaw Radio Chicago, XXX and whatever else you want to say it isn’t about is driving fans like myself away from this site. You’re no longer the only website covering this scene like you were when I first started coming here and you’re trying to stay relevant with stuff like this, the stupid MJM character you created and other things. Stick to what brought your fanbase to this website and cover music, not some gimmick character or some sad feud that should have been over with a long time ago.
I’ll be back when this site is back to what made it great a few years ago.
Can ya feel me, punk?
Sorry, was just listening to that song and damn it’s a good song.
March 23, 2013 @ 12:14 am
“You”™re no longer the only website covering this scene like you were when I first started coming here and you”™re trying to stay relevant with stuff like this.”
See Sandman, this is what you and many others don’t get, and I don’t know how to express it any more articulately. I don’t believe in “scene.” I think scenes are where good music goes to die. Sure, they have some importance when an artist or band is attempting to get their legs under them, but for an artist to succeed, they must move away from “scene.” Regularly I’m told by Shooter fans that I’m “losing my relevancy.” That is because I am purposely trying to lose my relevancy with them. I am purposely trying to create separation, and for some reason, people keep trying to drag me back in. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t still some good music in the underground scene, but I have no desire to preach to choirs to rack up “likes” on Facebook. I’m interested in trying to get it to a wider audience. As soon as people understand that and quit thinking there’s some sort of resolution possible between Shooter and I, or the thing that I need to do is only post articles about artists people in the underground scene know about to validate their opinions, there will be less conflict.
“Stick to what brought your fanbase to this website and cover music.”
HA! Nobody reads music coverage. Nobody. On this site or anybody else’s. Read this:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/12/26/168097407/what-happened-to-music-writing-this-year
People come here for my rants and roasts, and big news stories. Now there’s probably 20+ comments on this thread alone of people bitching that I need to just stick to the music, but few to none of those people bothered to read any of the music coverage I posted or to leave a comment there. Same as the people who say, “I don’t want to see the drama,” but come here nearly 48 hours after this post was published to leave a comment saying they’re tired of seeing the drama. You have a choice. I have posted plenty of music coverage this week. You don;t want to see the drama, don;t look at it. Move on. I appreciate there’s people out there that want to read everything I post, but it would be impossible for me to please everyone all of the time.
And by the way, multiple times I’ve seen folks play this “relevancy” card against me as if it is some cutting jab. And of course, if I fervently defend myself by explaining why I have never been more “relevant” then I am self-centered and bragging. But I will say that I am very happy and humbled by how well the site is performing, and that from the very beginning, I’ve always insisted that there must be growth to continue my commitment to it.
March 22, 2013 @ 5:04 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6UAYGxiRwU
You are being childish and pathetic. You need a full time job or a hobby that get’s you away from your computer.
March 22, 2013 @ 6:36 pm
…says someone who’s left 7 comments on this article.
This is my full time job. What’s your excuse?
…and you seemed to have glossed over the 3 separate places in this post where I went out of my way to say I wasn’t confident that this song was about me. But keep trying to drive your point home. Some Shooter fan out there will probably believe you.
March 22, 2013 @ 8:13 pm
Hope everybody is ok.
March 22, 2013 @ 8:18 pm
Trig,
I hope you know that your website is one of the ones i visit daily and I am a dedicated reader. I think you are absolutely fair and balanced in everything that you say. I support you fully and if Shooters song is directed towards you then that is incredibly ignorant of Shooter for doing so. I think this website is great and it has been an amazing forum for finding good country music, because Lord knows finding good country music in the mainstream is like trying to find a vegan at a steakhouse.
Best regards and God Bless,
March 22, 2013 @ 11:38 pm
Thanks Patrick.
March 22, 2013 @ 9:58 pm
As others have said, this seems to me to be a song with a fictitious storyline. Not directed at any real life person. Shooter, like an actor, is talking from the perspective of the character in the song. Playing a role and telling a story like decent singer/songwriters should. I love what you’re doing on this site, I really do, but I think you’re overreacting here to nothing. How’s that old carly simon song go?…”you’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you”
March 23, 2013 @ 12:45 am
This is getting tiring. Here’s direct quotes from above…yet again.
“I want to first say that I am not 100% confident that this song is indeed pointed at me, or pointed at me solely.
“Nonetheless, since the target of “The Gunslinger” remains ambiguous in the song, I, along with any Shooter detractor, have every right to feel that his unveiled death threat is being leveled at me. The lack of a clear target in the song makes his threats even more dangerous because it can mutate to fit many people.”
If people think that I am the target of this song, that”™s all that matters. Also, whether “The Gunslinger” is about me or not, it has emboldened numerous of Shooter”™s toadies to take his leadership and send me very specific death threats, most of which name my specific physical address, and one of which warned me not to sleep because their plan was to burn my house down with me in it.”
March 22, 2013 @ 10:09 pm
When looking at Taylor Swift’s catalog of songs and comparing them to “The Gunslinger” by Shooter Jennings, there is very little difference to how both songs are phrased.
Taylor Swift writes songs about boys she has broken up with or who have broken up with her. Sometimes she even uses the first names of those boys such as Drew, John, and Corey to name a few of the names she has used.
What Shooter Jennings is doing in his song is the same thing. He is attacking people that he feels have harmed him. When Taylor Swift attack her critics in her song “Mean,” very few people were up in arms over how horrible it was that she wrote a song criticizing her critics; but when Shooter Jennings writes a song similar to the message of “Mean,” except with more violent lyrics, a great number of people are upset.
“The Gunslinger” cannot qualify as a threat because it is very unspecific, it could be about Trigger, however it could be about a lot of other critics too. Legally there is nothing that could be done, so even considering the possibility that the song could be a threat is pointless, because no judge would hear the case, there is not enough evidence.
Regardless of who it is aimed at, “The Gunslinger” is no different from what Taylor Swift does except it is more violent, and includes some swear words. There is no need for this much attention to be given to the song when very few people are criticizing Taylor Swift for the songs she writes, and this song would not be considered a threat in a court of law.
March 22, 2013 @ 11:34 pm
Alright, I don”™t usually comment but now I almost feel obligated to share my opinion. I”™m not going to lie, I”™m a pretty big Shooter Jennings fan. At the same time, I visit this sight quite a bit, so I understand that I am doing so knowing that I am probably going to hear some negative things about Shooter that I don”™t agree with.
As for how I feel about the song, I think it is pretty badass. I think it is Shooter giving every one of his haters the finger. I don”™t think it is a death threat, but I do think it sends a powerful message.
You said in the comments section “Shooter and his fandom are the ones who feel self-righteousness to think they are above criticism.” ”“ I know I have complained about your criticism of Shooter once in the past, but please show me where he has commented on this forum.
You also said “As for calling law enforcement if it is a credible threat, in my experience this would only make it so demonstrably worse” Then what the fuck is this article about? You don”™t think that article made the situation worse? If you don”™t feel threatened by this song and you”™re not 100% sure it is directed at you then just shut the fuck up. If you do feel threatened by this song then I completely encourage you to call the police. And if it is Shooter”™s fault for some of his fans threatening you, then I guess it is your fault that someone threatened to rape his daughter on you”™re website.
In closing, I think this article was just you jumping to conclusions. If some Shooter Jennings fans have actually threatened your life, then maybe you should think about a restraining order. I really think it is pretty weak to call this song a death threat against you personally, but at the same time I understand you have the right to post whatever you want on your website.
March 23, 2013 @ 12:36 am
“I know I have complained about your criticism of Shooter once in the past, but please show me where he has commented on this forum.”
Well first off, I’m not sure it needs to be in this forum to qualify. Shooter has said many things on Twitter for example. But Shooter has commented on SCM 49 times according to the comments search I just did. If you search around, you can find them, especially on the initial articles about XXX. Here are two links, and if you poke around on the post the first one links to, you can see lots of Shooter comments.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/this-new-shooter-jennings-xxx-genre#comment-27463
https://savingcountrymusic.com/really-shooter-jennings-bucky-covington#comment-149614
“Then what the fuck is this article about? You don”™t think that article made the situation worse?”
Honestly, I didn’t think it would. I thought condemning threats towards each other stemming from stupid music disputes would be something we could all universally agree on, but apparently being receptive to that idea depends on if you like Shooter Jennings’ music or not. Really where this article got out of control was with people that didn’t even read it or watch the video. And by the way, that’s one of the reasons I included a video, because I knew it was a lot of info to crunch. A lot of people saw Shooter’s name, rolled their eyes, had a reactionary moment, and then navigated to the comments section to give their opinion on whether they thought the song was about me or not, which completely misses the point. Blame me for overestimating some of Shooter’s fans, and trying to build consensus around a nonviolent theme.
March 23, 2013 @ 11:19 am
This is hilarious. The song is about being misrepresented. Metaphors man. Obviously out of your reach if you think anything about this is a death threat. You’re taking point a way over there and connecting it to point be in another universe. Like the outlaw radio shirt. It’s got a picture of a shank and plays on words on your site. It doesn’t say “I am going to kill Kyle C” it’s stupid dude. You are paranoid. Just because someone makes fun of you or doesn’t take you as seriously as you do doesn’t mean they’re threatening your life. A fucking song about a gunslinger being misrepresented which stands as a metaphor for dudes own misrepresentation is far from Tupac saying he screwed Faith Evans in a song and that he’s gonna cap biggies ass. This is stupid. But I’m sure you sold a lot of records for Shooter so I’m sure he’s thankful if he even knows
March 23, 2013 @ 11:41 am
I long for the day when there are no feuds between people over music. Music is supposed to be a vehicle for understanding and in a real way, love. Not some theoretical hippie horse shit.. but true love. Solidarity. The idea of “hey, I’ve been there. I relate to what he / she is saying!”. That’s love. Not all music is for everyone. Some people will love you no matter bad you are, and others will hate you no matter how good you are. Christ.. it’s music.. It’s nothing more. Some get it. Some don’t. But feuding gets no one anywhere. Trigger Man is my friend. Shooter is my friend. I wish everyone the best, and I hope that one day this all is behind the lot of us. Cheers. -JB
March 25, 2013 @ 11:16 am
Mr. Beverley I think most of us in this underground music scene, who goes to Farmegeddon and Muddy Roots, who tries to drink a beer with James Hunnicutt (he dont drink), and falls for Rachel Brooke’s voice and mannerisms feel the same way you feel. We cherish the coverage and expertly crafted articles Trigger man provides for us over the years (and his helping hand at concerts) but at the same time we love everything Shooter has done for yall musicians and his down to earth mannerisms (offering me a bottle of jack and treated me like an honored guest in Helotes, TX last year). People like us hope one day we all can get along and let this great music be shown to the world. Nothing good happens with feuds but heartache and disunity. Thanks for your inspiring and most needed comment. And most importantly good music.
March 23, 2013 @ 12:24 pm
Check out a different perspective to this BS. A letter to Trigger.
http://www.blackcountryrock.org/moonrunners/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=293:dear-kyle-coronos-aka-the-triggerman&catid=5:rants&Itemid=28
March 24, 2013 @ 5:37 pm
Sorry, can’t get there. This is what I see.
March 25, 2013 @ 5:24 am
Really Trigger? The best response you have is to post an image of a fake alert with a purposely blurred out URL? You disappoint me, I thought you were better than that? The website is legit and you know it and I’m sure you have read it. By the number of likes it looks as if 3 others have read it too.
March 25, 2013 @ 9:11 am
To be fair, I get the same warning in firefox. I was able to open the site on internet explorer though.
March 25, 2013 @ 3:39 pm
I don’t use Firefox, but the link works fine for me using IE and Iphone Safari.
March 26, 2013 @ 6:35 pm
MR has been spitting out that error for a while. I’ve fixed it for them once and told Shooter about it again a couple of weeks ago. I’m not sure what the problem is exactly this time. You can still proceed to the website. I’m sure it’s safe — the problem before was an image hotlinked from another server that was flagged.
March 27, 2013 @ 6:00 am
Trigger, I apologize for accusing you of posting a false alert. Seems others have gotten the same alert. I have had no problems with accessing the site and wrongly jumped to conclusions.
March 23, 2013 @ 1:25 pm
Trigger,
Long term lurker first time commenter.. I’ve been a Shooter fan dating back to 2006 at the New Orleans Voodoo Festival, anyhow I agree with you he has glorious stuff but when he misses, he misses pretty bad.
At any rate I was still hoping and waiting patiently for a proper review of his album The Other Life from you..
Best of Luck
March 23, 2013 @ 1:54 pm
Hey Caleb,
We’ll see. I would really like to post one eventually, but if it is just going to cause drama, I may pass. I feel even if I wrote him the most glowing review ever, people would just say I was lying. We may wait a little bit for everything to cool down a little bit and then post one.
March 23, 2013 @ 3:09 pm
Worry less about what Shooter’s doin and worry more about updating SCM’s calendar. Death threats? Get real….
Here’s some ideas:
Report death threats to the police.
Find and introduce new country music on SCM.
March 23, 2013 @ 4:06 pm
A few things:
With all due respect, you have no right to demand me to do anything. You don’t pay for this website, and I don’t get paid to run it. So show a little respect.
As for the calendar, that, as well as the message board and some other peripheries are being revamped as part of the continuing process of updating SCM to meet higher traffic demands. The issue of calendaring music has been a critical one for years now, and I just heard from someone who might be working on a final solution and if possible we will be partnering with. During Grammy week, I took part in an online seminar, and this was brought up as one of the biggest problems in the music world that technology needs to solve.
“Find and introduce new country music on SCM.”
I am seriously considering starting to delete any comments with this assertion. It’s patent bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit. I know that it’s very popular to say this, but this site offers a ton of “new music” that nobody wants to read about. You and dozens of others can say this all day, but your actions speak louder. This is the second time I will post this link in this comments section:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/12/26/168097407/what-happened-to-music-writing-this-year
Long story short, people are flocking in droves away from in-depth music coverage, on this site and others, despite our dedication to it. You may not be specifically Bunch, but most everybody else is. Last week I spent 5 full days, 12 hours a day at SXSW trekking through Austin in horrible traffic and massive crowds to try and cover all kinds of “new music” for my readers, and what happened? Despite my numerous links to my live blog that includes dozens of specific reviews of bands, pictures, videos, etc, it is the least read article on the home page of the site right now, except my SXSW schedule. The Caitlin Rose review? Lonesome Wyatt? Yeah, people will navigate to this article 3 days after it’s posted to bitch how they don’t want to see it, but they won’t bother to lend their eyeballs to the actual music coverage being offered. Say what you want in comments, the traffic numbers don’t lie.
Oh, and I have a big update on this story coming up, so keep those fingers oiled to come here and bitch that you don’t want to see it (while you read it anyway, and come back 4 times to see what’s happening in the comments).
I don’t want to come across like I am picking on you Bunch. You’ve been a good reader and commenter. But I’m done with this train of comments. People have choices as readers. So start making them, and quit acting like any post is being shoved down people’s throats while the one’s they clamor for are ignored like the ugly girl at the dance.
March 25, 2013 @ 3:01 pm
I guess I need to rephrase.
Trig, I’m not saying you don’t find and introduce new music, I’m saying that’s what you should do in complete lieu of everything else. As in, never engage the negativity. Of course it’s your blog and no one sitting behind a keyboard can “demand” anything of you (hence the use of the word “ideas”). I simply don’t see the benefit of any articles devoted to Shooter, unless the goal is traffic to pay the bills. And you’re right, here I am, commenting again on a negative article. You must see how all the Shooter bickering has a gloomy effect on the readers rather than a enlightening effect. All I am saying is that these articles seem to do nothing more than ending up putting you at odds with a handful a folks commenting (although based on your update half those folks might be Shooter and Jashie).
As far as the calendar goes, sorry, Ms. Gillian, I have no programming experience or knowledge that would help point you in the right direction.
March 23, 2013 @ 9:07 pm
Hey Bunch – I’m the calendar person over here at SCM. I do apologize for not being as on the ball as I should be with updates. Point is, I’m frustrated. The format isn’t what I want it to be, and if you don’t mind me pouncing on you for a bit, I’d really appreciate your ideas. I’ve been looking for a programmer who can give me something like what Bloodshot Records has (I’ve emailed them a couple of times asking how they do it and they never responded). With them, you can filter by artist, date, and location. That would be a winner in my book. Do you know any programmers? What do you want to see in the SCM Calendar? Also, right now I’m manually typing in each performance which is painfully time consuming. Anybody know how/if we can extract the data from the ReverbNation widgets and then filter is through Excel? I’m an open door for suggestions. Thanks!
March 27, 2013 @ 5:57 am
Hi Gillian,
I am not sure about how to fix your problem as I’m not that computer savy, but I will say I would be glad to help you enter information in my spare time. I currently do that now with a facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/SupportCentralILMusic/). Believe me I know it’s time consuming. I started off doing it for my own use to know which bands/concerts are in the area and now I use it to to help support our local music scene and let others know about what events are happening each month. I’m not real good at keeping up on it, but try to do it at least monthly. Just let me know how I can help.
March 23, 2013 @ 3:12 pm
I am on your side Trigger, I am a Shooter Jennings fan and I did not take any offense to your criticism and critiquing of shooter’s music. These people just cant take any constructive criticism. To hell with the death threats and keep the criticism going.
March 23, 2013 @ 5:50 pm
please stop commenting on this story. trigger wants attention, why would shooter jennings even mention you in a song? you are sad and pathetic, what was bush behind 9/11? was there a third person behind the grassy hole? let the conspiracy theories begin!!
Shooter is not stupid, threatening you on a song? how stupid! it’s a wonder you have a following, instead of saving country music, try saving your dignity.
if the only way of saving country music is through dumb asses like you, then country music is doomed!!
is johnny cash’s deala, about a real woman, who he wanted to kill? see how stupid that sounds?
if you want attention trigger, try doing something else. this just makes you look sad stupid and pathetic..
stop blaming and trying to ruin shooter’s reputation, you are the childish one, just grow up and get over the XXX, thing be a man for once in your life okay?
March 23, 2013 @ 11:26 pm
“why would shooter jennings even mention you in a song?”
Yes! What hubris to think he even knows who I am, or would waste the energy to try and call me out.
(hint: check the very top of this site– http://www.shooterjennings.com/ )
March 23, 2013 @ 6:53 pm
Ive refrained from commenting on this for quite a while but wanted to say something. I am a fan of Shooters stuff, most of it is great, but there are a few duds, as with most artists with a number of albums under their belt. As you know, I also frequent here and read almost every article (if I already dont care for the band I wont read it, or most of the making fun of pop country stuff either). I honestly didnt think twice about Gunslinger when I first heard it, or after, of it being about you. I took it for face value as a good song with a good story and not a threat at all. Just wanted to let you know that there are some people out there that dont take sides in this “feud” or whatever, that appreciate the both of you.
Secondly, I think a lot of people do read the articles that you post about new bands (well at least I do) but dont really comment on them. You give us a review of Lonesome Wyatt today and I was excited to read it, but didnt feel like “Dude is always awesome” would add much to the comments. I think articles like this get so many hits because many come back to see the comments as they come in and it creates conversation (good or bad). But you giving a good review to a good album, there isnt much to say that you didnt already say so the comments stay low.
I guess in closing Id say sorry that you took it as a threat, I think many listeners would have never thought that it was except for a few that pointed it out or wanted to make something up and tell you it was about you. Also, keep up with the new band stuff, I loved the SXSW blog and thought it was great that you covered so many artists that I can check out now.
March 23, 2013 @ 11:41 pm
Comments are not indicative of traffic, and that fact is becoming more true by the day. This is something some Shooter fans who have this propensity to question my “relevancy” aren’t aware of. I spend lots of type every day studying analytics data. I understand that album reviews do not necessarily stimulate comments, which may not stimulate repeat trips to the page, but there’s also other indicators, like “unique visitors,” meaning how many individual people that have come to a post, not considering the same people that have come multiple times. Analytics show that in-depth music coverage on this site and others is dying. I have various theories on why this is, but it’s probably for another time.
You and others might take this as sounding like an insane assertion, but I’ve never tried to convince anyone to not like Shooter’s music. I’ve given my opinions which are sometimes unfavorable, but that is all they are, is opinions. I say it all the time that life is too short, and if someone’s music speaks to you, that’s all that matters. This is the first rule of art appreciation. I think one of the reasons some Shooter fans think it is impossible for me to divest my personal feelings on Shooter based on his extra-curricular music dealings compared with his music is because they are unable to divest those feelings. But when you look at others artists I’ve covered like Eric Church, or even Taylor Swift to a certain extent, it is an insistence of mine to always look at music on its own merit. And when it comes to Shooter, I would be lying if I said the man doesn’t have talent.
March 23, 2013 @ 7:47 pm
Trigger, This is my first post on your website ever. I rely on your website (for a long time) to keep me informed about “good” country music. I have been introduced to many awesome artists from you (HBG, Left Lane Cruiser, Eric Strickland and the B Sides, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Jason Boland, etc.) but you should’ve just let this one go. I am a fan of Shooter too (since his first album and you have been tough on him) and I plan to go see him in San Marcos on 04/11. This article undermines everything you are trying to do with this website. I mean, Bob Wayne, Hank 3, and Joe Buck are far more violent than Shooter, but you praise them all time (try listening to Hank 3’s PFF). I guess I’m just sad to see you respond to Shooter’s song like this and claim it is under the guise of “non-violence.” Just seems very hypocritical given your praise of other violent artists. -Wags
March 23, 2013 @ 11:24 pm
I get these types of comments all the time on posts about Shooter. Some of them are legit, most of them are just an attempt to land a lick. I’m not saying yours is one or the other because I really don’t know, but I will say that if you think this post “undermines everything you are trying to do with this website,” then you’re not ready for Saving Country Music. This post embodies everything I’m trying to do with this website, and one of the reasons I know this is because it is so unpopular with a certain sect of people. The dissent means that it is working.
Nowhere did I come out against violence in music. I came out against specific threats of violence stemming from a known music argument.
March 23, 2013 @ 8:36 pm
Cool hat.
March 24, 2013 @ 9:18 am
This blog embodies the (near?) impossibility of saving country music. What’s (real) country music? What needs to be saved? It’s all very, very personal.
But we humans like guidance. We like to have ‘leaders’ to point us in the right direction. What starts out as just a movement, soon gets institutionalised. People with a clear voice and oppinion are easily appointed as spokesman. And soon we don’t look anymore at what unites us, but we start to look what differs us.
I like Hank 3 (probably like most people here). But he’s no hero, he is no saint to me. I will enjoy his music as long as I do, but his opinion of (country) music, is not automattically mine. Nor is Triggers opinion, or anyone’s else. In the end, I’m responsable for my opinion. I’m just a nobody, with a taste for country music.
I hope that there a enough sensible people here, that will take responsability for there own opinion and unite in what they like and not what in what they dislike.
And like almost everything else; this is near an opinion!
March 24, 2013 @ 10:40 am
I see what you did there.
As I’ve stated many times, Saving Country Music is just a name. I have never, and will never assert that I or this website are “saving country music.” It is the artists who will save country music, this website simply embodies and champions that principle. That is also why it is in direct opposition of Shooter Jennings on many occasions. Attempting to promote the idea that this website thinks it is saving country music is similar to promoting that it wants to be the only information outlet for a certain scene of music. These are both assertions that attempt to paint this website and I as arrogant, self-centered, craving attention, etc. However none of these theories can be corroborated with true evidence. The evidence is to the contrary.
“I like Hank 3 (probably like most people here). But he”™s no hero, he is no saint to me. I will enjoy his music as long as I do, but his opinion of (country) music, is not automattically mine.”
This issue that somehow I or this website is simply a mouthpiece for Hank3 and that is why it takes opposition to some of the things Shooter Jennings does was irrelevant 3 years ago, and at this point has extended to be beyond laughable by its horrifically dated notion.
Take note of the date of this article posted on this very site: https://savingcountrymusic.com/hank-williams-iii-shooter-jennings-bury-the-hatchet
March 24, 2013 @ 12:17 pm
Don’t take this any personal…. but:
to me you’re just a country/music fan. You try to keep alive / promote what you think (real) country music should sound, feel, be like. You’re being very serious at it. But what started out as your dedicated hobby, is taken away from you. People are confusing your opinions with rules about how country music should be saved. And suddenly your opinions starts to count, way bigger than you probably intended.
As you said: you, nor this website, never are saving country music. But apparently, that’s not some people do think. They put you on a high horse, looking up to you, or hating your guts and ‘influence’, and try to talk you down.
Just do what you do best: being enthousiastic about what you think is good music. Let other people benefit from your opinions and hard work.
You shouldn’t feel the need to defend yourself in your role as leader of a movement (as SCM is seen in my opinion). For saving country music we need no leaders, but good musicians.
I do agree with you Trigger. You’re no self acclaimed messiah for the country music. But I think you’re underestamating your influence in the current scene. And it takes you sometimes away from what you intended to be: an enthusiastic.
SCM is not just a website, you’re not just a blogger anymore. It’s got bigger that than, and that’s what you have to deal with.
This is an opinion, but an honest one. I not very thrilled with my point of view.
March 24, 2013 @ 1:11 pm
This is a good comment and makes some great points. When I have a moment, I’ll come back and respond further.
March 24, 2013 @ 1:19 pm
Shooter vs Trigger: I relish the irony in that for some reason
I really like this site. It’s helped me find great music that’s under the radar. I also like seeing bands that I do know and have seen, get discovered by a larger audience.
I try to like Shooter Jennings, and I do like a lot of his music, be it country, southern rock, or whatever.
What I’ve learned over time, whether it’s music, movies, writers, etc., is that if I like the music, the movie, the art, I may not like the musician, the actor, the artist, if I get to know more about their personal lives or opinions. So I avoid reading too much personal stuff about popular, and not so popular artists, and just enjoy, or not, their product or art.
I guess though, as a blogger with some notoriety, you can’t always avoid the personal actions of those who you are writing about, and at times you’re going to not be liked, whether justly or not.
I typed what I thought was a sound piece of advise, but deleted it. I’m not in your shoes, you have to follow your own path in how to deal with the negative shit that happens.
I won’t take sides either way. I come here to find music not take sides in feuds.
Good luck and keep all the good music reviews coming.
March 25, 2013 @ 10:29 am
shooter jennings is a boa wearing poser.
March 25, 2013 @ 10:49 am
As a network admin, these recent IP updates amuse me.
March 25, 2013 @ 10:49 am
So. Same way you caught Donnie F Cash. The mind boggles.
March 25, 2013 @ 11:17 am
I can’t stand Shooter. Hes such a child, his music sucks. I’ve tried so hard to give a shit about him but I just cant seem to. Maybe this will eventually make him crawl back under his rock.
Thanks Trigger, you are justified in posting this.
March 25, 2013 @ 11:21 am
Jashie P has asked me to post this on his behalf:
“The reason I needed to post under different names is because you would not allow me to post in defense of myself and my friends under my name. Seems a bit unfair, and one sided if you ask me. I cant just sit here and let someone spew out all this negative heresy, and not jump in, in some form or another. If you listened to my show, or read my Facebook posts under ORC, I have never denied the fact I post here. I even read the posts on air, so people know it was me. I have nothing to hide bud, nothing.
March 25, 2013 @ 12:08 pm
This wold be my response/explanation.
On numerous articles on Shooter Jennings, I was getting numerous comments from people saying their comments were getting deleted. This simply was not true, except for comments that were complaining about comments getting deleted because they were redundant. These comments were going to moderation because 1) The user had changed something in their profile, ie different name or email address, even a wrong keystroke will flag the comment as coming from a first-time commenter and send the comment to moderation for approval. The way SCM is set up, EVERYONE’S first comment must be moderated. After that, as long as you keep the same login info, you can post at will. 2) The user was using multiple names from the same IP address, so the site’s comment widget saw them as suspicious and sent them to be moderated.
Once comments are sent to the moderation cue, I must manually approve them. Sometimes I’m busy doing something else, sometimes I’m away from the computer for hours, and this takes time. Furthermore, when multiple aliases were discovered coming from the same user whose clear intent was to cause drama or break other defined comment rules, I would either block or ban their comments.
Furthermore, there is a difference between using nicknames on a website, and using proper names like “Andy Falls” and “Gary Meier.” Beyond being disingenuous, I have been told by lawyers numerous times that my biggest worry about the site should not be First Amendment issues, but people impersonating others in the comments. This is something I can be sued for, and these lawsuits are common. Somewhere out there, there is an Andy Falls, and if he doesn’t like the way he is being represented here, especially when the comments are coming from someone who doesn’t share his legal name, I could be held legally responsible.
The thing I most hate doing with this site is moderating or deleting comments. I believe in everyone’s right to share their thoughts here, regardless if I agree with them or not, and I think anyone looking at the comments section of this post and others would agree that is the case. But there must be rules, and people must show respect to this site for the comment culture to stay healthy. As I always say, the most important thing that happens on this site, happens in the comments.
March 25, 2013 @ 12:05 pm
I have a brilliant idea. One of these underground roots festivals like Muddy Roots or Farmfest should set up a boxing ring. Then everyone can just duke it out, one on one and be done with it. Settle it like men. Hell, they could even charge for admission and use the money for a charity or some other good cause. It might even get more people to the festivals.
March 25, 2013 @ 12:11 pm
All things aside, music as an art and entertainment form is open for criticism, and if people begin to get upset when their music is criticized instead of praised, well it comes with the territory. I’ve been playing music for years, music I know half of my friends don’t like since they can’t get into that “twangy” shit or however they put it. But the roots/underground/alt country scene is booming right now and when people create drama within the scene itself through one means or another, it’s really disheartening. Rifts are created and the support for each other as bands begins to fall off. What Trig does here is ultimately superior because he is spreading information about the music scene in general and promotes attention to the bands, albeit good and bad. That being said, even negative attention is good attention sometimes, and I’m sure there were quite a few people that went and bought the Shooter album after a few of Trigs articles/reviews. Artists should embrace criticism on all levels because there will not only be varying responses to releases, but the fact that they’re being criticized to begin with is saying something about their popularity.
March 25, 2013 @ 12:59 pm
Triggerman I must admit, when I first read this a couple of days ago BEFORE the update on matching up the IP addresses I thought you were losing it. Now the only thing I can do is applaud you for making this Monday quite an entertaining one and sit back and eat this crow.
March 25, 2013 @ 1:11 pm
Trigger needs to get a life.
March 25, 2013 @ 1:50 pm
I’m a dedicated reader of SCM and have been for some time and will continue to be. I completely agree with the fact that it’s ridiculous for Shooter to post comments like he did but it seems that now it’s water under the bridge. I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of Shooter and I never have been. I gave his music an honest chance five or six years ago and while I’m not personally a fan, I respect it. I think he’s a talented guy and I get why he’s been successful and why people like his music. He’s done a lot to get exposure to get underground artists which I think is kickass. I’m rambling at this point but it’s frustrating that this whole ordeal is still going on and that it’s caused so much division in the world of true country music.
March 25, 2013 @ 2:16 pm
I just wanted to jump in a say a couple of things…
I really do enjoy reading your blog. You’ve turned me on to lots of good music over the past couple of years and I want to thank you for that. I also dig some of what Shooter does. Do I like it all? Nope. But some is pretty damn good which I believe you have said in a bunch of posts. If indeed this is Shooter posting back he needs to give it a rest. Posts on the internet you may not like are part of the business. He should get used to it or think about some other line of work.
Personally I wouldn’t waste my time with this “feud”. Just go back to cranking out the reviews and move on. Please do however continue making fun of pop country. That shit cracks me up!
I have linked to you a couple of times from my humble little blog and I check you out daily. Don’t let the bastards get you down.
March 25, 2013 @ 6:09 pm
First I want to say I love savingcountrymusic.com, I love Shooter Jennings & I love Hank III. With that said I want to say this. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! You and Shooter don’t like each other we get it, but there is no reason to keep going back and forth. Shooter and his friends need to stay off this site, but you need to quit feeding the fire. Don’t talk about how his songs might be about you, don’t write rants about the things they say about you & don’t review anymore of his albums. Pretend for the rest of your life he doesn’t exist. I started coming here because this was the one place I could come to find out about the music I love. This is the place I’d come to for honest reviews. The thing is that’s only true now if the subject is not Shooter or Hank III. It’s time for this site to ban the S word. Not because I don’t like him but because this feud is ruining this site.
March 25, 2013 @ 11:18 pm
“At this point, I think the best thing is to not attempt to resolve the differences between Shooter and I, but to appreciate our differences and allow there to be separation to reduce the likelihood of conflict… Like the teacher used to say in school, just ignore the people you don”™t like, and keep your hands to yourself. This is like the Palestinian / Israeli conflict, and people need to respect that small things like a comment on an article that has no bearing on Shooter Jennings can turn the cold war hot and damage both sides.
This was the comment I left on an article when a commenter attempted to steer the conversation towards Shooter Jennings when the article had nothing to do with him. The commenter who instigated to response was in fact…Shooter Jennings, using the alias TSteamroller.
In other words, I agree.
March 25, 2013 @ 10:15 pm
My 2 cents.
Shooter, if you are replying to this site stop! It makes you look small. Would someone like Taylor Swift reply to a site like this? NO!
Trigger, quite crying. You got what you wanted which was added views to your website. All this whining about, oh he made a threat to my life with the song Gunslinger. You come across as a pu**y. You run a website that states your opinion, people are going to say stupid shit, it”™s the internet. In the words of Jay and Silent Bob on those who talk shit on the net. “All you motherfuckers are gonna pay. You are the ones who are the ball-lickers. We’re gonna fuck your mothers while you watch and cry like little, whiny bitches. Once we get to Hollywood and find those Miramax fucks who is makin’ the movie… we’re gonna make them eat our shit, then shit out our shit, and then eat their shit that’s made up of our shit that we made ’em eat. Then you’re all you motherfucks are next. Love- Jay and Silent Bob. “
March 26, 2013 @ 12:01 am
“You got what you wanted which was added views to your website.”
…and people telling me what a pussy I am. Trust me, I would swap the hits for not having to deal with the drama. There’s plenty of other things I can do for traffic if that was my motivation. But I have to say I find it quite unsettling that some people aren’t more shocked that Shooter Jennings was pulling a large scale deception, basically lying over a year period in dozens and dozens of interactions. And what’s funny is folks are telling me to “quit whining” or calling me a pussy, but when you actually go read the comments Shooter left under the various aliases over the last year, it is a voluminous, incessant parade of whining and bitching that dwarfs any whining in this article, or in my entire Shooter Jennings coverage in total.
March 26, 2013 @ 6:48 am
“But I have to say I find it quite unsettling that some people aren”™t more shocked that Shooter Jennings was pulling a large scale deception, basically lying over a year period in dozens and dozens of interactions. ”
The British have a word that would describe my reaction – Gobsmacked. I was expecting maybe deeper Last False Hope crowd involvement to be revealed. Not Shooter Jennings’s active involvement. Dangerous and deceptive, indeed.
March 26, 2013 @ 1:05 am
One last post on this site. I’m over the drama, have been a long time. To clarify this controversy about the multiple postings, in my household in california, at the time I was living at my one residence in which I had 4 room mates including the mother of my children. During that time, and during the past in most of them have been living there, they along with several other friends have posted many times under many different names. In fact I could pick out which ones were who, but that’s not important. I don’t feel the need to do this, in fact, I wouldn’t be unhappy to claim I wrote them all if I did have the time, but if you actually cross referenced my tour schedule and if you were privy to my own life, you might actually realize I wasn’t in either place in many of the posts. Look dude, a lot of people love me, I am lucky to have many dear dear friends who would go to bat for me at any time, and this is a case of that. They’ve all become aware of your angry and hateful actions towards me, and find it pathetic, and they’ve become pretty regular to your site, and in many times have gone as far as to try and find ways to make you realize who and what you’re dealing with. I would never brag about my own record, I would never post your personal address, I’m a bigger man than that. But that being said, I’ve told them to quit interacting (As I had many times before). I’ll own up to a few of them, not sure which ones over time, I think I may have made a nasty post on one of the bucky things, as every time I’d be over at that house I’d post something. But for gods sake man, you milked the shit out of that bucky song just because you were personally angry and found an angle to try and turn your loyal fanbase and my own against me. But it doesn’t matter. You have sold a few records for me man, and I appreciate that, just by being a dick and being so obviously over the top interested in everything i do (as well as the amount of activity your site gets for it all). Here’s what I’m gonna say. You won’t see any posts from my buddy, or my other friends who care, my love interests, whoever it is that really believes in me, and hates the way you blindly and using your unbalanced bias to tear me down. It doesn’t effect me, never did. There are much bigger fish to fry than you, and I’m dealing with stuff that is way heavier than a WordPress post every few months. I made this request when your disgusting regulars made absolutely horrid posts about my daughter, and really BEYOND a death threat to a 5 year old innocent child. And you LIED to Justin Wells saying you’d apologized to me, LIED to your fanbase. Yes you apologized LATER but not before LYING and saving face. Just as you LIED about receiving a copy of Fifth on the Floor when you got jumped by fans to review it. Dude you LIE. you LIE all day long. And it’s fine, it’s your site, as you always say. I’m sorry that my friends and my room mates, my best friends, the mother of my children, and people who truly care about my feelings and the work I always put in have gone to bat for me. I’m sorry if theyve done it from the same static computer in that household. I’m sorry if I popped int here a few times under my name or someone elses to take shots at you. I’m sorry you cannot write an article about my music without making personal jabs. Trust me, you have no idea how many times I’ve wanted to exact some kind of revenge by lowering myself to your level, but honestly over the last 6 months i’ve had much bigger things to deal with and haven’t really been keeping up with your site. It’s really whne someone tells me about something you posted negatively against me that I maybe check it out if I have time. But regardless, I am very happy for my friends, I am proud they went to bat for me even if they used 5 or 500 aliases, and even if it WAS me in a few of the incidences, then I don’t care if you expose that. Honestly you don’t even know what you’re dealing with and IP’s linked to a static computer in a home that once hosted my rehearsal space and was shared by over 15 people throughout the duration of the year doesn’t say much. Unless you stalked me or something and had cameras in the house, and in that case I’d love to see more photobuckets of it. JahshieP too, he cares about me man, you hurt him by showing you coulnd’t be a bigger man in all of this. And you have absolutely nothing fair about the way you review music, my music, his music, or anyone else who is trying to do one thing, unite a group of younger artists by working together and showing Nashville and the pop music industry that comradarie and loyalty are the only way we can fight against such a rigid industry. Waylon and Willie did it. You know this, and Waylon was an amazing hero of mine. My father was my best friend. He taught me everything I know, and showed me how to be a good man, not a bitter, angry, jealous man. This is the kind of stuff that rises to the top. As someone else posted, in a film, the antagonist is clearly you man, don’t you see that? You’re not the hero, not to say that I am, but you are one of the few people who are bringing this whole thing to a horribly slow pace, becasue alot of the artists we are working with and have become friends with are counting on you to be a source of positive energy. Pointing a tank at the CMHOF isn’t REALLY pointing a tank at it. A shirt with a shank on it isn’t really a death threat. It’s all people saying to you “PLEASE STOP THE BULLSHIT AND WAKE UP” Whether you like my music or not, whether you think you know my motives better… dude YOU DO NOT KNOW ME. And with every article you try and tell your listeners who I am. That I changed Outlaw in the Bucky song so i wouldn’t be a hypocrite? Man I changed it in the song cuz I think the Outlaw thing is stupid and played out. I wanted to improve the song. I wasn’t thinking about myself. But this is how you play this out to your listeners.
I never want to talk to you again, defend myself or anything. I’d like to be friends. If you cannot understand this, maybe your readers will. You are a good dude I’m sure with good intentions, but you let alot of your ego, arrogance, anger, hatred, jealousy, rage, and just plain ignorance get in the way of what could be a much more successful journey on your part. Keep on doing what you’re doing, I’m not telling you to change it (as you often tell me I should change what I’m doing), but really take a step back, look at your life (and i’m not insulting you for not having close friends, a girlfriend, a real job, or wahtever) i’m saying, look at the energy you put forward. If you don’t see that in a lot of cases you’re doing more damage than good, then maybe there is something here that can be learned for you. But I have a feeling it wont be. If you want to do me a favor, review my record, good or bad, because it will sell records for me, and it will in turn bring a lot of traffic to your site, especially if it’s bad. But be real man, don’t put your “western hat” and your “vest” on and be “The Trigger (man)” Be Kyle, and show people the humanity.
Alright, I’m done. Again, I’ve tried numerous times to be friends with you. You won’t be getting any comments from my friends or from me or from anyone else who just plain cares about me. I bet danny will post drunk a few times, god bless him, trace the IP’s and prove they’re the same as the other. Cuz they probably will be, and for the record I haven’t lived there in almost a full year, so that’s another thing.
I had one of the most experiences of my life a few weeks ago. Buck Thrailkill and his family took me & my lady into their house at Rebel Roots studio. We stayed for 3 days. Billy Don Burns, Aaron Rorgers, Husky Burnette, JB Beverley, Mr. Bandana, Jake Cox, Carolina Still, among other wonderful people sat around and played music, drank, chilled, had a great time. Ate great food cooked for us, as they opened their house up to sleep and feed us. It was one of the most amazing times of our lives. THAT is what will keep this scene alive and strong. Not a site. Not arguments. Documentation of something like that, that’s what you shoudl be covering, and you should be there without some kind of bitter chip on your shoulder. Hank III was great when he came out, yes, although I often didn’t feel like the immense amount of songs about drugs,drinking and shooting guns and bravado was even necessary. LB&D was an amazing beautiful album, but I understand it all now, it’s part of his art and true to his personality. My music is just as in tune with my personality, and something I care very deeply about. My dad cared more about music than almost anything. He was never a gun toting drinking bad boy. He had some moments with drugs, and with wild man antics, but that was because he was fearless in many ways, but when he sat down with a pad of paper it was about him and that song in his head. About making people happy. This is what music, REAL music is about. You may not like everything I do, that’s fine, you may not like anything I do, but I can tell you right now, I DID inherit that trait. Making music is the most intimate, beautiful thing in my life, the one gift I’m very proud of. Working with FOTF, Jason Boland, hellbound and Last False Hope, trying to bring together the knowledge I had with the great songs they’d written was an amazing gift of inspiration for me. I’m very proud of the records we’ve done, and I think people feel that they were honestly and truly inspired. But that kind of bonding and working together, it’s what I live for, and honestly I do believe that music is what you live for too, but you must have a better sense of reading someone, and their intentions. And you cannot judge without knowing someone’s REAL heart and intentions. Or you become “Ballad of a Thin Man” very quickly, which I feel in honestly that you have become.
Okay I’m done here. My point is, friendship is my ultimate goal with you, but you’ve crossed so many bitter lines, that I am unable to repair that. It is up to you, and if you were to come to me in earnest, I might be able to look past all of that and say, “water under the bridge” but if you don’t that’s fine too, keep it like you like it. I’m sure your readership and hits would drop dramatically if you did that. Either way. Ball’s in your court, but you won’t see me or my friends around here anymore. I know you’re a good man, (even tho in your video you do seem a little off-kilter with your anger and stuff, that’s why I posted it on my facebook page it was almost comical – but i’m not dissing u, your passion runs deep) But death threats have NEVER come your way in any form, and I wrote Gunslinger about my own journey over the last 15 years. But you DO factor into that in certain ways.
End of transmission. See you at Muddy Roots. You will have two options 1. Come & Give me a hug and say ‘bro, let’s be buds, and cut the bullshit’ or 2. avoid me all together. But if you come to me with attitude, I will say right now (and this is not a death threat of ANY kind so please don’t call the police at this point) that I will be surrounded by a lot of people who really love me and who I really love (and i resent the ‘he’s cool cuz he kissed my ass and played me on his radio show’ I CARE deeply for these people and you are dissing THEM by saying that calling their interest shallow and their instincts undeveloped) and it would be very unwise to represent yourself in that way.
Have a good night, have a good life, and I hope not to see any more of your childish anger directed at me, I’d rather you just leave me out of your articles and site all together, but I know you will make the decision you feel is right based on your site and how you feel.
Until MR, hope all is well.
Shooter
March 26, 2013 @ 9:50 am
A couple of clarifications:
The majority of the alias posts originated in New York, not LA. I’ll take it as a given that some of the LA posts might have been friends, because there are some inconsistencies in voice and typing patterns in that group of comments. But there is a cohesiveness in the New York ones. But we don’t need to argue this back and forth. You’ve fessed up to using aliases, and given your explanation that they are not all you. The readers can decide from there.
As for my “LIES” (in all caps), I really don’t want to re-hash the issue once again with the comment that unfortunately went through about your daughter, that I want to clarify, I did not post and did not see because it was during SXSW 2012, but I DID apologize. You just may have not seen it, or have your timing off of when I said I apologized or did. Also I find it curious that you and one of your lieutenant toadies have said repeatedly that it was up for months instead of the 5 days I have PROOF (in all caps) it was up for before it was removed, yet never took the time to take a screen shot of it to validate your claims. I was told someone came to this site every single day to validate it was still up for 60 straight days. But at no time did they take the most cursory action to include proof by taking a screen shot. As insulting as the comment was or hurtful to you personally, some folks saw to take advantage of the situation to attempt to say I “promoted child molestation” on my site.
As for the Fifth on the Floor album, you may not know what you think you know. I am on many lists of record labels, distributors, publicists, management companies, etc., and get auto sent many albums as a matter of habit, whether I want them or not. I was sent two different copies of your latest album without request. This all stems from another LIE told by someone that I would “NEVER (in all caps) talk about Fifth on the Floor on this site,” when at the time the lie started I was already playing their song “Distant Memory Lane” on my radio show. At this point, the biggest thing precluding me posting dedicated coverage of Fifth on the Floor on this site is concerns of blowback, regardless of what is said, from your fan base.
March 26, 2013 @ 6:09 pm
Shooter, the only thing that matters is the music and the man. You got it bro. I, like many others, have seen you many times in concert, got to meet you, turned on many people to your music. The music… it starts and ends with that. Anything beyond that is just bullshit.
I’ll be seeing you at the Indy and Columbus shows in the next month, and the only reason I’m there is because of who you are as a man and the art you create for us.
March 26, 2013 @ 11:57 pm
Really hope that you and Trig get past this nonsense at Muddy Roots. This feud is setting the movement back and for what it’s worth I appreciate you still being open to reconciliation, Shooter. Trigger, as a fan of both your website and Shooters music, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we’d rather see you and Shooter both fighting on the same team for the greater good of the music we love. Take the man up on his offer.
April 22, 2013 @ 5:07 am
I’m not stepping into this argument in any way- I just want to give a “here, here!” to the fact that Buck and Susan Thrailkill, JB, and the whole extended Rebel Roots family are indeed exactly what the camaraderie, love, openness, and respect that musicians and any music “scene” are supposed to represent. The world of honest country music (and the world as a whole) needs more people like them.
April 22, 2015 @ 2:30 pm
Ok, Shooter
I don’t not give a rats behind that your not posting comments on this site again you will answer this question
Are you trying to look like Dave Grohl or is Dave Grohl trying to look like you?
Anyway I don’t need to hear about this crap
Green Day was right this country is full of American Idiots
But Russia ain’t no better so
I’m in Johnny Cash land if y’all need me
March 26, 2013 @ 10:10 am
What a soap opera. This back and forth is the least country, least “outlaw” thing I have ever read.
The only way to settle it is to get a handle of Jim Beam, two .45 caliber revolvers, and a table at an abandoned bar room. Sit at the table by yourselves and hash it out. Drink til you finish the handle. There are two possible outcomes. 1. One of you will shoot the other one. 2. You’ll end up friends. Either way, its better than this bitch fest.
March 26, 2013 @ 11:11 am
I really should just second what JB said above.
I’m repeating myself I’m sure, but it’s worth reiterating. I’m not a Shooter toadie/lacky/what have you. I’m just a musician. But I am a musician who is grateful to Shooter for giving me a chance, after 7 years with this band, to put food on the table for my family doing what I love. I am emmensely grateful for that.
I also frequent this site, which is no secret. I’ve been coming here for a couple of years.
I love Shooter, and if he asked me for something I’d do everything I could, because that’s what he’s done for me and never asked for anything in return. I dig this site, and as far as I recall Trigger, you and I have never had any harsh words. Any friction towards FOTF is likely due to folks speaking for us, and though we wholeheartedly appreciate it, we can’t be held accountable for it.
I do absolutely think every single individual that is a part of this underground would benefit from reconciliation from all parties. Is that naive? Maybe. But I think it’s worth saying here.
Cheers ya’ll. No hate.
-Justin
August 6, 2014 @ 1:31 am
Well put!
March 26, 2013 @ 1:15 pm
with all due respect the video makes you looks as lame as shooter… if shooter wants to stay relevant he needs to bring Leroy back into the band.. everything after Leroy split has been horrible.. i have gone to shooter shows from day 1 and have stopped because in all fairness he is not offering anything good anymore.. sure when something comes out i check it out in hopes its good but it just isn’t.. thats the truth!
March 26, 2013 @ 4:00 pm
As someone who is on the outside looking in I am starting to get the feeling we are all being taken for suckers and this is another WWF Andy Kaufman/Jerry Lawler stunt.
March 26, 2013 @ 5:19 pm
Trace my IP if you must, but Shooter makes great music, and you just talk about great music. Shooter has a loyal following and has an incredible amount of creativity. Those who can’t do, blog.
March 26, 2013 @ 5:42 pm
Trigg…..let this one go. You do know me, we have been around each other before at some Hank 3 things, but listen……I happen to like a lot of Shooters music. There have been some that I have scratched my head at but Shooter is weaving his own path and for that the man gets major props. Shooter and I had a discussion several years back in Mt. Vernon, Missouri at the old snorty horse saloon. I would like to think that Shooter and I came away with a awesome understanding of situations. Anyway, You ever had a brother who does some things that you shake your head at? You get mad, disappointed, whatever, but at the end of the day, he is still your brother, you still love him.
Shooter is one of us, he is part of this wooly family of underground country music. And I for one, will probably shake my head at one or two more things he says but at the end of the day…..I love the shit out of him because he is my brotha……
March 26, 2013 @ 8:32 pm
Shooter, I’m sure that Trigger has stated what he thinks about some of your music, but I seriously doubt he has ever said one word about you personally. There is a BIG (all caps) difference there. You, on the other hand, have just called him a liar which where I’m from would definitely qualify as a personal attack. It seems this defense of your position is nothing more than a logical fallacy.
http://philosophy.lander.edu/scireas/personal.html
It’s especially crazy you would call Trigger a liar after admitting to deceptively posting comments favorable to yourself under multiple other names.
March 27, 2013 @ 6:45 am
“It”™s especially crazy you would call Trigger a liar after admitting to deceptively posting comments favorable to yourself under multiple other names.”
I agree and I think this is one of the significant examples of that:
Given that Shooter Jennings only addressed the LA posts and not the NY posts in his several paragraph post here, I think it’s not unreasonable to think that those NY posts came from him, unless we hear otherwise. One of those posts (under alias TSteamRoller), elicited the response from Trigger that contains the “most DANGEROUS, most DECEPTIVE” quote that was then extracted from the Trigger’s multi-paragraph response and placed at the top of Shooter’s web page (all caps words in RED on Shooter’s page). I do find that ironic.
March 27, 2013 @ 2:48 am
Send me tickets to muddy roots and I’ll provide protection.
March 27, 2013 @ 5:31 am
Oh christ, saw this on FTM and just had to share it
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cn-HDiOP6RQ/UVGd-Qw0FeI/AAAAAAAAEls/m2ahREZZMlo/s1600/6.png
March 27, 2013 @ 2:18 pm
For a long time, I’ve had the feeling that Shania Twain has been trying to get me in the sack through her songs. It hasn’t worked, yet, and it seems like she quit trying.
March 27, 2013 @ 5:55 pm
thank you shooter as you can see trigger is all about the drama, how else is he gonna get people to come to his lame website and buy the bull shit he is trying to sell?
OH LOOK, THE DIXIE CHICKS HAD A SONG ABOUT A GUN, AND KILLING A MAN IN GOOD BYE EARL, THETRIGGER OF A GUN HAS TO BE SHOT, SO THE DIXIE CHICKS ARE AFTER TRIGGER!!
JOHNNY CASH sung about deala, had to shoot her,oH NO THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH IS AFTER TRIGGER!!!
BOB WAYNE LISTEN TO HIS TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF SONGS ABOUT SHOOTING AND KILLING PEOPLE, YOU PULL THE TRIGGER OF A GUN.. GOOD GOD CALL THE FBI!!! BOB WAYNE IS AFTER TRIGGER!!
WOW!! is your life this pathetic?? shooter tried to reach out to you for friendship, and yet, the drama continues!!! trigger go home take some advil ,lie down and maybe your head will stop hurting from sniffing all that wood glue!!! dude get a life!!
March 27, 2013 @ 11:05 pm
There is nothing I’m more proud of in the going on 6 years operating this website than labeling Shooter Jennings the “Svengali of Country Music” BEFORE he released “Drinking Side of Country” with Bucky Covington, but AFTER he had already began posting comments on this site under numerous aliases, but BEFORE I knew about it.
By offering up other songs as evidence of why this song is not targeted at me simply because they say “Trigger” or talk about killing people or are otherwise violent in nature, you are making the biggest insult someone can make to a songwriter: not listening to their songs and trying to understand their message.
If this website is so “lame,” then what does that say about someone who would perpetrate as many as 13 different aliases and post over 100 comments using said aliases and his own personal name on that same site? And do you think that this behavior might lend to supporting the theory that Shooter may have a grudge? I generally don’t make it a habit of making friends of people who repeatedly and systemically go to great lengths to purposely mislead people.
But I understand, you’re a Shooter Jennings fan and so it is hard for you to see these things. You’re not ready for Saving Country Music, and that’s OK, but the simple fact is now twice Shooter Jennings (1. “Drinking Side of Country” 2. His multiple comment aliases”) has proven my quote of “Shooter Jennings is the most dangerous, most deceptive artist in the overall country music world right now” to be a steadfast truism.
The all caps anger that you and others are spewing here and other places proves what a deep, penetrating blow the revelation was of Shooter’s nefarious activities in regards to comments on this site. Someday, everyone will know that Shooter Jennings is the Svengali of Country Music, and when that day comes I will once again enjoy being ahead of the curve, regardless of how unpopular, or even damaging taking that opinion may seem right now.
March 28, 2013 @ 7:21 pm
Sweet Jesus, all this ire because of a Bucky Covington song? You got a real problem, bro. Do you trash Queen for appearing on American Idol? Zakk Wylde? I mean, seriously, one song!!! I think you need to get over yourself, because you end up looking like the antithesis of everything you write about.
I mean, seriously, who are you trying to fool by basing some criticism based on 1 song?? This renders your writing about Shooter (and every other artist here) just some academic exercise, instead of something that’s lived and breathed every day.
March 28, 2013 @ 10:47 pm
Yes, all of this because of a Bucky Covington song. All. It bookends this entire situation. I would take that perspective and spread it far and wide across the dirty internet. But before you do so, you may want to read this:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/a-response-to-shooter-jennings-song-the-gunslinger
HINT: That’s the article you just posted a comment on.
March 28, 2013 @ 10:23 pm
Regardless as to who posted under what aliases from what computer in what city, I have to say Shooter outclasses Trig by a long shot in this episode. The histrionics displayed in this thread are disturbing.
March 28, 2013 @ 10:58 pm
Never seen the word “class” used with the unveiling of perpetual, systemic lying with the intent to disrupt and destroy.
You understand that Shooter Jennings, using as many as 13 aliases, maybe more, and working in conjunction with other people using multiple aliases, came to this website on a regular basis to post comments to spread misinformation and wreak havoc, right? And you’re talking about “class” in the comments section?
The Svengali of Country Music indeed.
March 31, 2013 @ 1:20 pm
Misinformation? Havoc? Regular basis? C’mon man. The level to which you exaggerate the scope of a disagreement certainly does little to calm the flames. From the perspective of an unbiased reader, the notion that you get a kick out of the dramatics isn’t that far fetched.
March 28, 2013 @ 10:43 am
“I hope Shooter gives you a toot backstage for licking his asshole”
WTF, are you twelve? You’re right I’m not “ready for Saving Country Music”. I’m done with this site and the playground ‘doo-doo head’ insults. Happy Trails, Trigger!
March 28, 2013 @ 11:01 pm
That comment crossed a line and I removed it.
March 28, 2013 @ 11:23 pm
Who is it?! Big wonder!? Big mystery!? All caps!? Who gives toots to who!? Who does drugs!? Who has a blog!? Who makes music!? Who does it right!? Who does it wrong!? How many people are actually reading this!? How do we know Shooter really is posting!? If he doesn’t address New York posts does that mean his friends don’t post there!? Have you been to his house!? Are you fucking going crazy!? I’d pay a million dollars to see when you guys first meet!?
March 28, 2013 @ 7:34 pm
Dude,
Your kidding right? You went through all this trouble to pin somebody in this conspiracy? Really? Do you not have better things to do like a life? So someone else [meaning not you] has been controlling the comments on your website for several months, who cares? I just started reading this blog and I am done, this is ridiculous. Trace this ip address. I’ll bet you its shooter!!!
March 28, 2013 @ 11:04 pm
“So someone else [meaning not you] has been controlling the comments on your website for several months…”
Nice. Perfect. Thank you so much for that quote. I want it to be known that a self-proclaimed Shooter Jennings fan believes that Shooter has been “controlling the comments” on this website “for several months.”
Thank you.
March 31, 2013 @ 6:29 am
Either you are illiterate or stupid but I never claimed to be a shooter fan.
April 5, 2013 @ 12:02 pm
So did like, Becky’s cousin sister tell her BFF who told Jenny which is Jessica’s like not number one BFF but number two who told you this song was a total death threat…. You sound like a highschool girl. Do you realize how pathetic this article is? Dude get back to enlightening us with real country music we otherwise would not hear of. What a waste of my time reading this.
April 5, 2013 @ 5:54 pm
Dude get back to enlightening us with real country music we otherwise would not hear of.”
…you post nearly 3 weeks after this article was posted, and after a dozen other articles have been posted on this site since doing that very thing.
As I’ve always said, the people that complain about drama are the last to pull their noses out of it.
April 6, 2013 @ 4:57 am
This isn’t my first time seeing the article. I’ve just stewed about its ridiculousness that long. The only drama is being created by you. Let it go….
April 20, 2013 @ 6:08 pm
I like Shooter Jennings music, especially a lot more than the crap being put out by Jason Aldouche and others. I got to meet Shooter Jennings once when I was in the Marines, after one of his concerts. He shook my hand, spoke to me for a minute, and was cool enough to take a photo with me. He seemed like a down to earth kind of person, and he has my respect and admiration of his music.
April 21, 2013 @ 5:54 pm
I hate to get in on this “drama”, because it really does seem quite stupid, ….. but, I think its pretty far fetched to assume the song “Gunslinger” was directed at you as a threat, its almost funny if you think about it, you really think Shooter is gunning for you??!! and if there are “fans” contacting you and threatening to do you harm, you absolutely cannot blame that on Shooter, you can blame the deranged people making those threats!!
The song more seems like a metaphor of a man on a mission, actually taking care of business in a group of others who are just pretending to!! (sounds familiar to me)
and as someone else said, go ahead and check my ip, I am not Shooter or affiliated with him in anyway except for really digging his music!!
take care, and be safe!! you might as well watch out for big foot and the boogeyman too while your at it!!
April 22, 2013 @ 12:36 am
“…you really think Shooter is gunning for you??!!”
The fact that someone would ask this question after clear and undisputed evidence has been presented that Shooter has posted scores of comments on this very site using as many as 13 different aliases, with the clear intent of these comments being to discredit and disrupt this very website, including one that directly resulted in an out-of-context quote being posted at the top of his website and at the top of press releases about his latest album, and that Shooter himself has admitted to doing, tells me that I have not done my job of explaining myself and the situation good enough.
So damn the “I’m tired of the drama” comments.
April 22, 2013 @ 6:13 am
Mornin Trigger,
I didn’t say I was tired of the drama, just thought it was kind of dumb. The point I am making is that when I said “gunning” for you, I meant literally. You seem to think that Shooter is making violent threats to do you physical harm, that is a serious allegation and one that shouldn’t be thrown out there because of a song. Like I said, if there are fans who’ve taken it too far, that’s on them, not on Shooter. I’ve never seen hide nor hair of him directing anyone to make such threats. The whole thing reminds me of this DJ trial we had over this way a few months back (MJ and Bubba), and I thought that was dumb too.
as far as researching the ip addresses, that’s just hunting for trouble, in my opinion.
one other thing to consider with this song is “The Other Life” movie that plays like a long music video to the album. There is a gunslinger scene at the end of the film, perhaps the movie was in mind when the song was written.
April 22, 2013 @ 9:30 am
I still am confused that Trigger made the link that this song was about him because “trigger”-finger is used in the lyrics.
If the song was about him, or some fans, or he came to that conclusion, it was not due to the lyric, it was due to the actions of Trigger in the past regarding Shooter. And that could/and is directed at anyone, including Trigger, in my opinion. Songwriters are creative, so rather than just say “you don’t know me you’re wrong”, a song like this is created. Triggers reaction probably should have been handled with medication, and not a blog like this.
April 22, 2013 @ 10:04 am
Blogs are my medication.
May 7, 2013 @ 10:05 pm
“The inability too just let things go”…. a term given to me by a dear friend and business partner… I thought I was the king of it, I thought I could outlast anybody with this double edged sword of a trait especially if I thought I was right.
Trig you got me beat dude…. by a mile…. and (LOL) I feel really sorry for you man.
I will leave you with these words of empathy…. your life path changes for the better and gets there faster when you look to the mirror to see who is keeping you down.
Even if you are “in the right” here and Shooter is in the wrong, dude you are not that right and he’s no where near that wrong. look in the mirror if you really want this to go away…. thanks for the link on this thread…. I think.
May 16, 2013 @ 6:12 am
I was listening to Shooters new cd last night as I was drifting off to sleep and I was shocked at the profanity. I doubt many country radio stations would play it.
I was hopeful that Shooter would make his ,mark on country music but I’ve been mostly disappointed.
If you want to keep going down the profanity laced outlaw couldn’t care less about the fans road take a lesson from the dixie chick or the “dixie who” as they are now referrred to. Make music your fans can listen to without sending the kids out of the room.
November 5, 2015 @ 11:38 pm
I realize this is an old post…. I just today happened upon this site. I am a very big Shooter fan(I named my dachshund after him and Bleu, my other favorite country artist), and loved “Gunslinger”. As for the song being written about anyone… I feel it is written about all those jerks who wanna talk trash behind your back but never have the balls to say it to your face…. Or even worse, they pretend to be your friend if only to gain more amunition. Not just celebrities, but even no-names like me and you.