Fellow Artists Show Support for Turnpike Troubadours at Mile 0 Fest
The Turnpike Troubadours did not make it to Mile 0 Fest 2019, despite being booked as the featured Thursday night headliner, and were the first name listed on the back of the official Mile 0 Fest T-shirt (which might turn out to be one of those rare musical collectibles, considering the circumstances). After unexpectedly canceling their show Thursday, January 24th at the House of Blues in Chicago, and then cancelling other dates due to “unforeseen circumstances” including their Mile 0 appearance, fans of the band are spooked that it may be the end of one of the most important and beloved bands in Texas music, Red Dirt, and independent country.
How people feel about the Turnpike Troubadours at the moment depends a lot on who you speak to, and if they’ve been personally caught up in some of the recent cancellations. But when it comes to their fellow artists in the Texas/Red Dirt scene assembled at this week at Mile 0 Fest, it’s love, concern, and respect.
During the Tuesday night (1-29) kickoff street party on Key West, FL’s famous Duval St., Canadian country artist and honorary Texan Corb Lund shouted the band out from the stage. “Leave those boys alone. They’re my favorite band,” Corb said to applause from the assembled crowd. Later Tuesday evening Jamie Lin Wilson took the stage at local music venue Durty Harry’s for a surprise set backed by members of American Aquarium, and performed the song “Oklahoma Stars” she co-wrote with Evan Felker—the front man of the Turnpike Troubadours. Jamie Lin Wilson dedicated the performance “to those boys back in Oklahoma.”
At Wednesday night’s show at the Key West Theater, the always laid-back Todd Snider said, “Y’all just need to give that kid another chance, and another, and another, and another…”
Along with the artists and bands, multiple fans wore Turnpike Troubadours T-shirts and other swag on Thursday to show their support for the Turnpike Troubadours (see below). Cody Canada had requested fans do so earlier in the week, and led by example by coming out on stage sporting his own Turnpike Troubadours merch.
“It’s a common misconception that as musicians, we’re bulletproof, and we’re not,” Cody Canada said. “Life catches up to us from time to time. And you as fans should let us chill the fuck out for a minute, and let us catch our breath. Sometimes we need to catch our breath. Sometimes on the roller coaster of success, we have to step off and be a train for a minute. We need to work on our self for a minute. I know you guys are sweet and caring and nice. Every now and then, we need to step off and take care of ourselves. And then we’ll come back, as long as you’re here. We’re musicians. We’re a little brittle. We’re not gladiators … I know that everyone’s wearing their Turnpike shirts tonight and we appreciate that. So this is for the Turnpike boys. Long live the Turnpike Troubadours.”
Then American Aquarium took the stage, and BJ Barham stood up for the Turnpike Troubadours with a bit more pointed language.
“People call themselves fans, taking shit. If anybody in you family has been affected by addiction, you know exactly what I’m fucking talking about. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Turnpike family. They’re one of my favorite bands in the entire world. If you call yourself a fan, and call yourself a member of somebody’s family and you do not support them at their lowest times, you are a piece of shit. That’s the easiest way I can say it. We’ve always got their back. I know most of you folks bought tickets tonight to hear some Turnpike Troubadours songs. So I’m going to get my friends John Fullbright and Jamie Lin Wilson up here, and do you a Turnpike Troubadours song.”
American Aquarium, Jamie Lin Wilson, and John Fullbright then performed the well-known Turnpike Troubadours song “Every Girl.” Grammy-nominated John Fullbright was an early member of the Turnpike Troubadours, and is also a 2019 Mile 0 Fest performer. Also seen in the crowd near the side of the stage was Turnpike Troubadours bass player RC Edwards, who will be performing with his side project RC and the Ambers on Saturday of Mile 0 Fest.
Since the Turnpike Troubadours didn’t play Thursday night, Stoney LaRue, Cody Canada and the Departed, and American Aquarium played extended sets to make up for the time.
According to multiple sources, the Turnpike Troubadours are still mulling their future, and might release a statement soon. In the meantime, their next show on February 14th at the Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska is still on at the moment, as are their shows in Miami, OK, Waco, TX, Lawrence, KS, Durant, OK, Dallas, TX, and their show on March 2nd at Rodeo Houston. Stay tuned for updates.
For regular updates from Mile 0 Fest, you can follow Saving Country Music On Instagram, as well as here on SavingCountryMusic.com
January 31, 2019 @ 8:10 pm
What do you mean when you say they are “mulling their future”?
January 31, 2019 @ 8:30 pm
A lot of folks want to know what the future holds for the Turnpike Troubadours, but I just don’t know if anyone has that answer at this point. What I can tell you is that it’s being hashed out, and as soon as some things are determined, they will likely release a statement. If I hear anything, I’ll be letting folks know.
Also, I know there’s a lot of folks that think I’m being too harsh on Turnpike and making too much of this issue, and other folks saying that I’m letting them off the hook. All I’m trying to do is tell the story and keep folks informed. I completely understand and respect the frustrations on both sides.
February 1, 2019 @ 4:59 am
Evan is destroying this get great Band and Fan base. Reminds me of how Cross Canadian Ragweed went down.
February 1, 2019 @ 7:54 am
Evan’s not destroying anything. Substance abuse is.
February 1, 2019 @ 7:58 am
Yes, but that doesn’t free him form any blame. We can acknowledge that he is the problem while also showing love and support
February 1, 2019 @ 10:57 pm
No, the decision to abuse substances falls solely on the user. That decision destroys everything.
June 27, 2019 @ 12:34 am
We never know what someone is going through so we should never expect anyone to handle whatever they’re handling. It’s not our place to point fingers at anyone struggling, regardless of how their struggle appears to us. You should be ashamed of yourself for your harsh judgmental reaction to someone’s battle with addiction.
February 1, 2019 @ 8:25 pm
Not hardly. Addiction is different than growing apart. Nobody in Ragweed had near the problems Evan has, if rumors are true. Ragweed had problems because they had different persons who wanted different sounds, different career directions. What’s hurting Turnpike, if rumors are true, is a chemical addiction to a substance.
February 2, 2019 @ 3:37 pm
Same people running their mouths on here are the same ones that would be kissing their butts and asking for an autograph after the show. No one has any idea the work, stress and pressure a band like this goes through. Pray for Evan to be able to come out of this like BJ did and become a healthy HUMAN, not some puppet on stage you can laugh at when he falls on his face. For the guy who compared this to Ragweed, COMPLETELY different. You’re off base. That band wanted to go in different directions and set an end date. Evan just needs to get healthy so he can be here. He’s a person first, musician second. The Music will work itself out when it’s ready.
February 2, 2019 @ 4:22 pm
You want work, stress and pressure, why don’t they try bringing up a family on minimum wages. Poor them. If it is so tough, get off the road. He can get help and then write for others if he can’t handle the road. I feel bad for the rest of the band but sorry tired about hearing how bad it is for him. Get help if it is so bad. Stop taking advantage of your fans by continuing to sell tickets when you know you are not going to show up.
February 2, 2019 @ 5:44 pm
Well said. Unfortunately this opinion isn’t so popular.
January 31, 2019 @ 8:12 pm
Well sounds like from BJs statement it is Evan off the wagon again. Hope he pulls through as he had a lot of shit last year.
January 31, 2019 @ 8:41 pm
BJ seems to have hinted at it a few times. First on twitter last week, then this. Yes, hopefully EF is well and can find his way out. The best minds are the most tortured.
January 31, 2019 @ 8:42 pm
All of his own selfish choosing. I think his wife had a hell of worse year because of him and Miranda.
January 31, 2019 @ 8:53 pm
Folks, let’s please keep this discussion on the topic at hand, and not veer into gossipy stuff. I completely understand there is a gossip nature to this story, but let’s be adults. Thanks!
January 31, 2019 @ 9:02 pm
Honestly. Addiction is horrible. It takes lives too soon every day. Praying he can find a permanent solution however long it takes & the boys come back like they never left.
January 31, 2019 @ 9:07 pm
Sorry but it is not gossip. They flaunted it in NY so it is factual. Last post on it but he chose it.
February 1, 2019 @ 5:46 am
Sorry but a disease of addiction doesn’t allow u choices. We dont knw what he’s going through. Life is fragile
February 1, 2019 @ 11:57 am
Your comment suggests addiction excuses Felker from choosing to cheat on his wife. You’re a fucking idiot.
February 1, 2019 @ 11:58 am
^@Sandra
February 1, 2019 @ 12:39 pm
Who cares if they did, maybe he had problems with his wife before that. No one knows so stop blaming Miranda and everything involved around it. Geez!!
February 1, 2019 @ 10:03 pm
Evan has character flaws that included lying, cheating, sneaking around which are embroiled with his addiction and recent behavior of adultery and now ghosting not only the ex-wife but also the fans. Yes addiction is a disease but these flaws are not ,which are also not acceptable to become a decent responsible adult. As to which ones came first, the substance abuse or the lying really doesn’t matter. These behavior should stop because if he just continue to do what he’s doing right now, he’ll destroy all the important loving relationships he has. He already did with his marriage.Someone had to let him know this and it can be done in a compassionate and non condescending way. Hopefully he will listen and also accept because otherwise unless the addict recognizes he needs help then no matter how much we comment here, won’t work and there goes the heartbreak for people who cared for him like his ex and his fans. Nevertheless, one cannot be silent and “leave him alone “ or give him space “ as he won’t see the consequences of his actions and will just continue. Ever heard of codependency? Or even enabling?
Am not perfect, far from it but I hold dearly my family and loved ones so I try my darnest not to lie or cheat as I have seen the effects of addiction and these behavior as a recipient of the lying and cheating from addicted relatives. In the end the only thing I can offer is prayer that he’ll eventually listen and that the people around him including his band mates and managing team will aid in the recovery by not encouraging further exposure to temptation like bottles of whiskey or alcohol in red cups on stage. It is hard to hear that you have flaws but Evan has to learn his exact same flaws are causing him to lose everything dear to him . He already lost Staci. And he can continue on destroying other relationships as well until finally no one is left as he had pushed away everyone else by his lying and cheating. Then depression sets in, God forbid eventually death from suicide or OD.
February 2, 2019 @ 1:41 am
Who are you? I think I know you just from your comments
January 31, 2019 @ 8:31 pm
I honestly just don’t care. Moved on.
January 31, 2019 @ 8:43 pm
Don’t mean to be a jerk but if you took the tume to comment, you obviously do care.
I say that because it’s okay to care!
January 31, 2019 @ 8:36 pm
They canceled a show in Kentucky last year that I’d been looking forward to for a long time. Never rescheduled. I haven’t been able to listen to them the same since.
January 31, 2019 @ 9:03 pm
I still have The Bird Hunters in rotation. Sam Hunt could have recorded that song and I’d still listen. But everything else has disappeared cause all I see is Evan’s emotionless, moon face, staring at the ceiling, mumbling through his set when I listen to Every Girl or 7 and 7.
February 1, 2019 @ 8:26 am
If Evan had cancer how would you people act? Shameful
February 1, 2019 @ 10:01 am
Cancer would be very unlikely to cause these last minute cancellations, unless he was undergoing treatment such as chemo on the road. Extremely unlikely, and even then, management and the band should have made the decision to stop touring last year.
January 31, 2019 @ 8:44 pm
Two of those fans look like they just found out about TT’s cancellation.
January 31, 2019 @ 9:06 pm
They are human beings with human frailties like all of us there but by Gods amazing grace go any of us. God Bless the Turnoike boys!
January 31, 2019 @ 9:08 pm
Why did I get a Turnpike/ American Aquarium date for March 8th in Indiana?Shouldn’t they stop selling tickets until they know if they’re going to be there 100% ????
February 1, 2019 @ 4:27 am
I have tickets to that as well… Hoping they pull through!
January 31, 2019 @ 9:43 pm
Don’t get what this BJ Barham guy is blathering on about. This has nothing to do with being a “real fan” or not. Reasonable people are going to support the member of Turnpike Troubadors going through whatever he is going through. What is irritating, and deserves to be criticized, is that they continued to sell tickets to those shows after they reasonably knew that the band wouldnt be able to perform. I support people who are suffering from addiction, but I don’t support whatever attempted cash grab was going on.
January 31, 2019 @ 10:32 pm
Best comment on here. I don’t get what all the manufactured “leave Evan alone” bs is about.
February 1, 2019 @ 7:02 am
Amen. These statements are a bunch of moral grandstanding, in response to something that’s not an issue at all.
I support Evan, hope to god he manages this, and would support any decision have to make.
The issue has nothing to do with Evan, but is rather their lack of communication and deception.
February 1, 2019 @ 8:39 am
Precisely, that’s the only thing I take umbrage with. Shit happens, which rational people understand. But when you stop making an effort to get ahead and let people plan accordingly (which the Chicago show and the concert announcements/cancellations immediately following felt like) is when you lose me.
If I pulled this shit at my office, I wouldn’t get a second chance. Let alone a third, fourth, fifth, etc. That’s just the way it is. No amount of family and friend support changes that fact for me. Probably the same for vast majority of people who spend money on TT music, merchandise and concert tickets.
Cody Canada’s comment “let us (the entertainers) chill the fuck out for a moment” seems to ignore the fact that fans don’t schedule the shows, they just get the option to buy tickets for them.
February 1, 2019 @ 9:27 am
Exactly! Everyone supports Evan or whoever in the band is having troubles. But why in the name of Jesus is the band’s management keeping them on the road, having their agent book shows, knowing there is a pretty damn good possibility the band won’t show?
Keep in mind TT doesn’t play everywhere. They haven’t played near me in the past 4-5 years, and I live in a huge city. Lots and lots of people, like me, travel to shows, spending money on transportation and lodging. If a show is canceled, you get your ticket money back, but you are still out a grand. Shit happens. But it is kind of lame to keep booking shows, knowing your fans are spending a lot of money to come see you, when you know the band isn’t up to it.
Take all the time you want to get your shit together and we’ll be here when you’re ready. Just respect us like we respect you. That’s all.
February 1, 2019 @ 11:46 am
Yeah what the hell would BJ Barham know about addiction? ???? Next we’ll have Isbell voicing his thoughts. The nerve!
Maybe…just maybe they kept scheduling shows because they thought they were on the other side and then…a relapse. That’s the whole point about addiction…it seems to be pretty unpredictable.
February 1, 2019 @ 7:42 pm
That BJ Barham comment was sarcastic, right?
And Jason Isbell will certainly not voice his thoughts. Turnpike opened for him maybe once or twice, but other than that he has no affiliation with them. I doubt he has any thoughts on the matter.
The nerve of those addicts, right?
January 31, 2019 @ 10:07 pm
“Old Evan, he been known to play half time, and he been known to get out of his mind. Don’t know whether he’s right or wrong, he’s got a string of hits bout two miles long, why dont you leave that boy alone and let him sing his song?” Paraphrasing Hank Jr..
God bless all these folks for showing their love and respect for the Troubadours. I am so hoping they can get everything straightened out at home soon so they can come back stronger than ever. As much as I love the music Evan and the boys turn out, I hope they take as long a time off as they need and don’t feel rushed. Can’t hardly imagine going without Turnpike tunes anymore, they are the soundtrack to life it seems.
January 31, 2019 @ 10:28 pm
This reaction and sentiments from the Mile 0 performers who are referring to “talking shit” or are saying “leave them alone” are way off base. People are upset with how this mess has been handled by those around Evan, specifically, Managment and the band for not having the balls to step in and insist Evan get real help last year. Nobody is talking shit about Evan for being weak, and everyone gets the addiction thing. Completely unnecessary for these artists to insinuate that. And the ironic part, is that by saying what they said (some of it at least), they are actually betraying Evan’s trust and privacy by giving hints about the situation…..one that the band and Evan have obviously wanted to cover up to the point of flat out lying about it.
January 31, 2019 @ 11:26 pm
I’m wearing from this bullshit! The only one who fans should be thinking about a Stacy. Everybody’s so worried about Evan rebuilding his life after he embarrassed himself to the point of no return but nobody’s thinking about Stacy… The real victim… who has to rebuild her life! get over it people! Stop feeling sorry for that fool!! She’s got more brains and talent than he apparently has. he needs a mental health unit to get over his embarrassment and the wreckage he created! I guess I wonder why that impresses fans. Cuz it actually turns my stomach.
February 1, 2019 @ 6:18 am
I imagine most people aren’t thinking about Stacy Felker because they don’t know she exists. I’ve been a fan of Evan/Turnpike since 2011 or so and had no idea the dude was married until the whole Miranda Lambert debacle made its way on to SCM. It only makes sense that people feel sympathy (deserved or not) for the person they have a connection to, rather than a woman that they know nothing about.
February 2, 2019 @ 3:41 pm
Boo hoo. They got a divorce. The ex wife fans really need to get over it.
February 1, 2019 @ 4:49 am
Most overrated band on this site, maybe? Maybe Sarah Shook…
February 1, 2019 @ 5:39 am
If I could just figure out how to reply with an “eye roll” emoji, Bootsy, you would be devastated.
February 1, 2019 @ 10:05 am
Can’t say I disagree, Black Boots. Just want to let you know you aren’t crazy. ; )
February 1, 2019 @ 11:12 am
TT is certainly the most overrated but Sarah deserves the accolades. She/they (Eric is just as important) have 2 great albums, shows up to gigs on time with a great attitude, played 22 songs note for note perfect, greets her fans afterward with smiles and affection. Tour their asses off!! Just like you guys tell me about TT I’ll say she’s vastly underrated. The Sarah machine I saw in action are all consummate professionals from the band to the sound man.
One thing I’m not sure anyone’s touched on or maybe they have. I’m sure the TT Band & crew aren’t financially secure and probably live paycheck to paycheck. These boys (even Evan) aren’t living off big royalty checks which means, for all you accountants out there……….no gigs/tour = no bills being paid at home. It’s easy to say “take a year off and get your shit together” but how many people on this site or anywhere can afford a year with no income? In their eyes the show must go on…………but then it doesn’t and the fans get shafted without even an explanation.
February 1, 2019 @ 11:33 am
Or they could just get a shitty cubicle/retail/factory/farm job like the rest of us instead of deceiving fans and exploiting their friend who seems to be too sick to tour.
February 1, 2019 @ 2:57 pm
I don’t wish the misery of low income labor on any but the worst of the worst. Perhaps instead of dropping the dream and going into mundane nothingness, they could find another way to make money within the music industry.
February 1, 2019 @ 11:54 am
In response to the second paragraph of your comment I say what youre describing is “hustle”. You’re basically saying we should excuse them for profiting from deception, because they have to make a living. By that logic we should allow thieves to steal.
February 1, 2019 @ 12:41 pm
Of course Seth I’m not saying you guys should excuse anything at this point.
Money is a funny thing and if people are desperate for it to pay bills strange things happen. I assume they have a manager. That person or people owe anyone that plunked down money an explanation if they ever expect you to support them in the future. I’d say the same for any band of any genre. Maybe they think they can slide through all of this without explaining a thing? Book another tour? What promoter/booking agent would want to take that on? Never the less, you see these comments, some people would buy tickets tomorrow if a new batch of shows was announced.
February 1, 2019 @ 12:56 pm
“Never the less, you see these comments, some people would buy tickets tomorrow if a new batch of shows was announced.”
That’s what makes this situation so tragic. I appreciate your viewpoint, JB. It’s hard to survive out there as a true artist.
February 1, 2019 @ 5:33 am
Well, I myself, will back up Evan Felker and the Turnpike Troubadours. I will back them up til’ their bellies cave it. I hope you will too!
February 1, 2019 @ 5:47 am
no matter what is in the future, I will always remember the TT as taking the bad taste of Dan & Shay out of everyone’s mouth by playing immediately after the former at a local all day show.
February 1, 2019 @ 6:20 am
Agree with many here. Addiction is serious, and doesn’t get solved in a matter of a few weeks. When they suddenly cancelled a string of shows around November and made a statement about needing to take care of their family member (far from the 1st time), then started playing a few weeks later, well, that was pretty ridiculous. I’m not a fan of theirs but close w/ folks around them and that situation screwed over a lot of people. The best way to support someone who is dealing with addiction is to be there and encourage treatment, not head back out on the road with them. It’s so predictable, I’ve been waiting to hear this news. I hope they can take it seriously this time.
February 1, 2019 @ 6:38 am
Hank Williams, Sr. Fans put him through crap, too.
Sadly, most really good music comes from lots of real pain.
February 1, 2019 @ 1:34 pm
Nobody is putting Evan or TT through crap. That is precisely the problem with the overly sensational comments made by the performers at Mile 0.
February 1, 2019 @ 6:42 am
I’m w/ the Troubadours 100%. I said from the beginning that I’m not ready to throw the baby out w/ the bath water. With that being said, BJ Barham is a dick if he dose’nt understand why fans might be upset. A good percentage of the Troubadours fans are hard working middle Americans who don’t have the luxury of calling in sick to work or canceling appointments. So, they feel like it’s not too much ask that if they pay their hard earned money for a ticket the band should actually show up. It’s a complicated situation, and I hope they make it thru the dark, but BJ needs to understand that those “pieces of shit” also buy is records and concert tix.
February 1, 2019 @ 7:38 am
“If” the issues are stemming from drug abuse, that is a whole different situation. Drugs change a person’s brain:
https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/brainchange/
I really hope they figure it out.. I can’t imagine what they must be going through. i love their music, and hope they’ll be around as long as The Stones..I was so happy to see the support from the other artists, and fans at the festival. Also, BJ’s comments (American Aquarium) were spot on. Sending prayers..
February 1, 2019 @ 8:39 am
My $0.02:
Evan Felker = Person
Troubadours = Business/Brand
Sometimes it’s a little blurry, but it’s pretty easy to separate the two
February 1, 2019 @ 9:46 am
It’s great that artists want to support their friend. They should. But being so obtuse as to why people are bitter is inexcusable. It’s business that they’re in, they don’t do this stuff for free. With that comes a responsibility to do certain things the right way or your fans/customers get shafted. Let artists chill out? Fine, stay off the road then and don’t enter into business agreements that you can’t fulfill. Canada and Barham are way off base and need to stop acting like douches toward those who make their lovings possible.
February 3, 2019 @ 10:20 am
I consider myself lucky to call both CC & BJ friends/family….”Douche” is the bizarro adjective.
Stand up guys & family always first!
February 1, 2019 @ 10:18 am
I understand the disappointment of Texas Troubadour fans who paid for concerts that were cancelled. But it’s generally true that the artists that move us most deeply do so because they expose themselves to the darker aspects of human nature, and, fortunately for us, they are eager to share their insights so we don’t feel alone when we face this darkness in our own lives. In doing so, these artists walk a tightrope without a net below. Sometimes they fall, but they are vulnerable only because they’re willing to take risks. The faux country artists rightfully ridiculed on this site play it safe, with music that purposefully (and profitably) ignores the hidden dangers that we are all exposed to all the time.
The stakes that a fan takes in buying a ticket to see an unreliable band are not nearly so high as the risk that inspired performers face in order to make great music.
February 1, 2019 @ 10:20 am
Some insight from Maia Sharp: https://youtu.be/-053KmuuQzg
February 1, 2019 @ 10:51 am
What does Ernest Tubb have to do with this?
February 1, 2019 @ 6:39 pm
Could you at least get the name of the band right? Good Lord…
February 1, 2019 @ 10:45 am
It’d be nice if they could tell us what exactly is going on. Me and the boys can get the band back together to fill some dates if needed. We got the …s almost figured out in “The Thrill”
February 1, 2019 @ 11:42 am
Business acts like a business. Always. Based on the business behavior coming from the Troubadours, I can’t help but think they’re squeezing the last of the juice out before they fold up this shitshow. But sometimes the end of one chapter leads to the beginning of another.
Todd Snider and B.J. Barham really come off as inconsiderate brats in this situation. But considering they’re both addicts, it’s not surprising they would spew such selfish rhetoric.
The consensus of people reacting to TT’s troubles is one of understanding and love for a struggling person they’ve connected with over the years. The anger and vitriol is rightfully directed at the people around the band and possibly other band members who aren’t even willing to address the specific problem causing the turmoil and continuing to proceed with a business as usual attitude in order to prop up this cash cow before it dies.
The artists in the indie country/roots scene dont seem to get it that their fanbases are largely lower income people who plan their downtime and save their earnings for these musical and artistic experiences in order to feel alive and enrich their lives with real music instead of taking the easy way out by turning on their radio.
Shame on the artists at Mile 0 who are speaking so condescendingly to the fans. This only compounds the problem. And shame on the TT circle for not supporting their fanbase by being honest and responsible about all these financial transactions that have been wasted because of their indifference about the plight of hardworking people who support their lifestyles.
February 1, 2019 @ 6:59 pm
Perhaps these lower income fans you speak of shouldn’t be spending so much money on “musical experiences” if it’s going to put them so far behind financially. I guess it’s these lower income folks who’ve been complaining about the thousands of dollars they’ve wasted on travel expenses and lodging because the Troubadours cancelled? If that’s true, it doesn’t appear as if they’re making wise financial decisions. Maybe they should’ve stuck to the radio after all.
Not to mention, a Turnpike Troubadours ticket has never sold for more than $40 unless they were playing a festival (where if they cancelled, you could still see incredible live music). And for the people spending up to $1,000 in travel expenses: where the hell are you staying?!! If you’re flying somewhere and balling out on a budget like that, you’re taking a major risk no matter WHAT event you’re going for. I don’t care if it’s Disneyworld.
People just love to complain. Make a damn decision already and just STOP LISTENING AND PAYING ATTENTION TO THEM.
I’ll be right here when they get back. Long live TPT.
February 1, 2019 @ 9:40 pm
“Perhaps these lower income fans you speak of shouldn’t be spending so much money on “musical experiences””
That comment pisses me the fuck off! Country music is for the rural, poorer classes…. the farmer, the coal miner, the over taxed, blue-collared union man! It’s for families and the one night a year they get to go out.
They probably shouldn’t pay as much as they do to see their favorite artists, but for a few hours the can escape their demanding lives and fit in with other concert goers and not feel like the forgotten class.
You and EF can kiss my lower income ass with that elitist attitude.
Signed,
The man who just cleared snow for the past 20 hours to buy tickets for Whitey Morgan and Mike and the Moonpies next month.
February 1, 2019 @ 11:49 pm
Morgan and Moonpies > TT I’ll be at both
Signed……..I’m drunk 🙂
February 2, 2019 @ 6:07 am
Hey Hoptown, you’re absolutely right. I apologize. After sleeping it off, I realize that my comments do come off as pretty high and mighty. Trust me, I’m no elitist and I work hard for my pay too (not 20 hours of plowing hard, though…I tip my cap to you).
I wasn’t trying to berate lower income individuals in any way. I wanted to make the point, in response to another comment, that many fans who’ve been griping on social media claim to have spent thousands of dollars on travel expenses for one TPT show. I found that to be over-the-top. But hey, it was my opinion and people could disagree or maybe I could be wrong altogether.
Thank you for putting in so many hours to make sure the roads are safe for travel. I like both bands but haven’t seen either one live yet. Have a blast!
February 2, 2019 @ 8:23 am
You did come off pompous. I am middle class but when my late beloved husband was diagnosed with a rare disease in 8/01 with 4 years to live, I spent $7,000 to take him to see his beloved Patriots in the AFC Championship and Superbowl which they won in 2002. He spent lots of our money taking me to about 10 concerts a year. We have our choices and priorities but entertainers should respect their fans. I love Van Morrison but stopped buying tickets to see him for his disrespect of fans.
I am tired of being preached about supporting the addicted. At some point after years, you get help and the loved ones need to stop enabling. Coming from some one who left a beloved boyfriend I oved dearly due to heroine addiction who years later died. I couldn’t lift him and I wasn’t going to let him destroy my life.
His sister’s IG bitches about the lack of support, and there she is with pictures of him mostly always with a bottle in a hand. ENOUGH!!
February 2, 2019 @ 5:12 pm
Scooter,
I was tired too when I read your comments and your response puts things in a better perspective.
Thank you,
Matthew
February 1, 2019 @ 3:17 pm
I’m not mad at anyone with TT. I’ve got tickets to go see them in April at the Georgia Theatre, but if they cancel for Evan (or a mysterious dark horse candidate within the band) to get their life together, I’m totally cool with it. I don’t want to see anything happen to anyone ala Jason Molina or a long list of other really talented musicians that battled with addiction and lead to an early grave. Too many what-ifs in this world. Hopefully, he gets better and we all get a kick ass album inspired by recent events. I feel like being an artist is a lot like being a spinning top and one bump can really throw you off course, but that is just my opinion. Hopefully, things coalesce for Turnpike and lead to better tomorrows for them.
February 1, 2019 @ 8:24 pm
Hey Trig, if you can get a message to them. Tell them to take the time to deal and heal. It would be better to face the issue, take the needed time to deal with the issue, and then see if being a public entertainment figure is a life you can handle on water and iced tea. Having had a family member on heroin it is their decision to change and fight thru to the other side after having there own epiphany. Our job is to be waiting on the other side with open arms. Say a prayer for all the addicted, afflicted, homeless and helpless.
It could be anyone of us.
February 1, 2019 @ 8:44 pm
Ahhhhh..the difference between creators and critics, basically personified in some of these overly judgemental and self-righteous comments.
Best wishes to these guys, no matter how this ends.
February 1, 2019 @ 11:33 pm
Pretty sure you missed the point of the comments entirely.
February 2, 2019 @ 5:32 am
Pretty sure wasn’t enough, in this case.
February 2, 2019 @ 11:39 am
Nobody is faulting Evan for having issues. We are faulting the way the whole situation has been handled. Two totally different topics.
February 2, 2019 @ 6:01 pm
“Nobody is faulting Evan for having issues.” Here’s a sampling from these comments:
Stop feeling sorry for that fool!!
Evan is destroying this get great Band and Fan base. Reminds me of how Cross Canadian Ragweed went down.
All of his own selfish choosing. I think his wife had a hell of worse year because of him and Miranda.
And if you look at the previous couple stories about this it’s way worse. Not to mention social media.
You may have thought you were “pretty much” a mind reader, but these are the comments I’m referring to. And good for the artists for sticking up for the guy.
Finally, unless you have first hand, inside knownedge of the information and decsisions at hand that the management was making, then I don’t think it’s right to criticize them. Their decsisions or actions may be based on more than we realize. Everyone blasting them like a bunch of keyboard cowboys, without knowing the full story, is in my opinion, not right. If it is for you, then fair enough.
February 2, 2019 @ 7:13 pm
@ScottG
Considering the quantity of cancelled shows and lack of explanation from TT’s management team, any criticism is at the very least understandable.
February 2, 2019 @ 8:00 pm
@Seth…to you and many others, but not to everyone. And as I’ve said almost every time to that opinion: “fair enough.” That’s not going to stop me from voicing my opinion and support though. Obviously, thats not ok for some people. Not long ago we didn’t have all of this instant communication and online postulating and criticizing. Personally I’m ok with giving these guys privacy and space. It’s pretty clear what’s going on…. I don’t need an official response or to know the exact details. I’m also not going to point the finger at anyone (band / management) associated. They might have made a mistake. They might not have. Neither of us know everything needed to make an informed decision like that in the first place. Either way I’m not going to criticize. Just my choice. I know it’s not the popular opinion, but I’ve seen at least a few people make similar comments. ✌️
February 2, 2019 @ 8:59 am
Addiction is tragic but she is a tango. You choose to dance with her.
I love the Turnpike Troubadours but I am not buying another ticket until they resolve their issues. The fan-band relationship is a two way street.
As for the singers, cut the high and mighty act. People have a right to be disappointed. And I am sorry, I don’t believe in cutting someone a break just because they can sing or play sports.
February 2, 2019 @ 1:05 pm
I wonder what all these leave Evan alone people are going to say when he drinks himself to death or ODs. Hie doesn’t need his friends and family out there making excuses for him and shitting on the fans, he needs somebody to step up and help him. As for people blaming Miranda, she’s just as messed up as he is. Healthy people don’t walk around with a bottle of vodka in their purse. She’s not to blame for his drinking she was just something he did while on a bender.
February 2, 2019 @ 1:27 pm
At the almost certain risk of being raked over the coals, I will comment with my perspective on the artists voicing their support. I am a fan of TT. And as a fan, I can understand how traveling miles and booking hotel rooms for cancelled shows is reason for frustration and anger. That said, the artists in question here are not just fans but friends of Evan and the band. They love and support their friends and may be speaking out on some of the same callous comments I have seen.
I remember when this site reviewed Dierks Bentley’s ‘Black’ album, someone saying they bet Cody Canada was ashamed he named his son Dierks. I figured since they are friends that was not the case. Cody proved that a few months ago when he posted a pic of his family going to a Dierks show. His post was that their music was miles apart but not their hearts and anyone who had anything negative to say was “ pissing on the wrong tree.”
February 4, 2019 @ 6:15 am
I don’t recall that, re: Dierks. I mean, “Black” wasn’t good, but damn why would people think a bad album would destroy a friendship like that. It’s ridiculous.
May 11, 2019 @ 1:25 pm
My wife and I saw TT last April at Salvage Station and it was a great show by a great band. Evan needs help and I wish him the best.