Something is Brewing with The Turnpike Troubadours
UPDATE: The Turnpike Troubadours Are Back Together
Look. If you know anything about music, and anything about the Turnpike Troubadours, you had to know that betting against a reunification of this band after the indefinite hiatus they announced on May 31st, 2019 was a foolish proposition, no matter how bleak it appeared to be at times.
There’s a reason The Eagles had to name their 1994-1996 tour and a subsequent live album Hell Freezes Over. It’s because they all had to eat their words when they said a new tour and album would never happen. It’s not just the money, it’s the camaraderie, and the deep friendships that exist in these bands that you just can’t cast off, no matter how severe the drama may seem in the near term. Sure, sometimes bands do split for good. But until they start putting bodies in the ground, never count them out.
Folks are flipping out today because the Turnpike Troubadours updated their website with a graphic simply saying “Coming Soon,” and they also wiped their Instagram page clean. Is this the first sign that the long suffering indefinite hiatus of the Turnpike Troubadours is likely coming to an end in the near future? Yes, it is. Am I at liberty to say how I know this information, or give any further details on what might transpire? No, I am not. And in truth, you don’t want to know the details yet anyway. That would be like taking a peek at your Christmas presents before Thanksgiving. It erases all the fun. And whatever the Turnpike Troubadours have in store, that is for them to announce, and on their terms.
What I can tell you is that after the Turnpike Troubadours dissolved their management contract with Cory McDaniels in a rather messy situation, the band’s affairs are currently being managed by Jon Folk, who is the owner and CEO of the booking agency Red 11. Jon Folk is also the booking agent for the band. At this point, it’s pretty likely something is going to happen, whether it’s a new album, or a new tour, or both.
All signs have been pointing positive for a while now. Evan Felker got sober, which was the underlying reason for the indefinite hiatus in the first place. In March when revealing a new album from Turnpike bassist RC Edwards and Amber Watson and their project RC and the Ambers, Turnpike Troubadours steel guitarist Hammerin’ Hank Early (who also plays on the RC album) said, “Wish I could give you some good news, but I’ve been told not to share any details about all the good news I’d love to share.”
In May in a response to a comment on an Instagram post by Evan Felker’s wife Staci, she responded to the question on if they will ever tour again, “Yeah, he’ll play again someday, but we’ve really loved and appreciated the time to just be a normal family.” Also, Ryan Engleman who had been touring with Reckless Kelly has let that gig expire. He has been seen recently playing in the band of Turnpike fiddle player Kyle Nix called The 38’s.
But all of these folks were off the road, and out of the public eye for large portions of October, leading to speculation that perhaps something was brewing behind-the-scenes in the studio. But strong rumors that the band was supposed to record an album in September either were incorrect, or those plans fell through, potentially when the producer they had lined up backed out. (More on that in the future).
But either way, the “Coming Soon” proclamation is the strongest indication yet that something is indeed coming, and perhaps sooner than later. In May, Saving Country Music placed the odds on a Turnpike Troubadours reunification at 80%. Let’s up those odds now to 95%. And let’s all stay on our toes, and hope we’ll be delivered a country music Christmas present soon.
November 24, 2021 @ 11:45 am
We all knew it was happening at some point. No big secret really.
November 25, 2021 @ 5:08 am
may be they should quit while there ahead
November 24, 2021 @ 11:45 am
Hell yeah.
I have less inside info than anyone, but I’d say 100% because I’ve had an old feeling and i don’t think I ever let it go.
November 24, 2021 @ 11:47 am
Holy shiite. This will be massive.
November 24, 2021 @ 11:49 am
They also wiped their Instagram account clean to 0 posts.
November 24, 2021 @ 11:53 am
There’s also a “special guest” at the Hangover Ball at Cains on New Years Day.
November 24, 2021 @ 2:39 pm
Man if I wasn’t already going to see ZZ Top that night lol…. Probably should have got tickets to the Hangover Ball instead lol
November 24, 2021 @ 2:44 pm
Wait I’m mixing the Hangover Ball with the Leftover Turkey show. I can still go! lol
November 25, 2021 @ 8:13 pm
You’re not going to see ZZ Top, you’re going to see a facsimile of ZZ Top; the Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard tribute version. And spare me the “But Dusty wanted them to continue” nonsense. Billy always said if one of them died, it was the end of the band. Just like Don Henley’s Eagles featuring special guests, it’s a joke. Talk about beating dead horses.
November 26, 2021 @ 6:39 am
Just let the man enjoy what he enjoys.
November 27, 2021 @ 12:34 pm
I hope Joe has a hell of a time. I’m just pointing out that he’s not going to see ZZ Top. ZZ died with Dusty Hill.
November 29, 2021 @ 10:16 am
Ok boomer
November 24, 2021 @ 12:01 pm
Very exciting but if Felker isn’t involved, I would honestly have little interest.
November 24, 2021 @ 12:03 pm
There is a rumor floating around, first posted on Reddit, that the band is reuniting except Evan, and John Fullbright will be the new lead singer. I mean, that would be better than nothing, and I’m sure Fullbright will do TT justice. But under those circumstances…why not just start a new band? We’ll just have to wait and hope for the best I guess.
November 24, 2021 @ 12:12 pm
Seeing numerous folks spreading this rumor and asking about it. First, I’ve heard NOTHING about this from any sort of verfiable or credible source. Second, I just don’t see John Fullbright doing this. I just don’t think that would work out on stage, and he seems perfectly content to just play piano and do his own thing at this point. He’s trying to avoid the spotlight, not step into it. I guess you never know, but to me, this smacks of an internet rumor.
November 24, 2021 @ 3:47 pm
Because the TT name has creed and value that a new band name simply doesn’t have.
That being said, I think Felker is coming back.
November 24, 2021 @ 10:56 pm
You say that like John’s reputation and Grammy nomination have no cred or value…
November 24, 2021 @ 12:06 pm
Be still my beating heart!
Let’s salvage something out of 2021.
November 24, 2021 @ 12:55 pm
Where real country fans get as breathless and hysterical as adolescent Swifties. 0^)
November 24, 2021 @ 1:34 pm
I’m crying I’m so happy
November 24, 2021 @ 1:58 pm
This is something to hold onto.
November 24, 2021 @ 2:09 pm
This is better than any Christmas present! Whether the news gets broken by then or not!!
November 24, 2021 @ 2:23 pm
BFD.
If you are going to get together & play – then play.
Shut up, & do or don’t do.
Simple
November 24, 2021 @ 2:37 pm
Uh. THEY haven’t said anything to “shut up” about. Calm down.
November 24, 2021 @ 5:58 pm
: D I’m calm.
You & R2D2 seem not to be
November 24, 2021 @ 8:10 pm
A better response would’ve been: “calmer than you are, Dude”
🙂
November 24, 2021 @ 9:06 pm
Yes, you Are correct.
: D
November 24, 2021 @ 2:57 pm
Geez someone is triggered.
November 24, 2021 @ 2:51 pm
Alright, here’s my prediction:
The Troubadours are coming back with Evan and releasing a new album. AND it’s going to be produced by Sturgill Simpson. The reason for the September delay is because of Sturgill’s vocal chord rupture, but after some rest he’s able to finish the project.
That would be the single best Christmas present I could ask for.
November 24, 2021 @ 5:17 pm
I doubt that since Sturgill was on tour in September and scheduled beyond then when they were supposed to be in the studio. My guess is that if it’s another artist/producer, it may be Shooter Jennings. He showed up for Hank Jr.’s Hall of Fame induction the other night. That’s not completely out of left field necessarily. They’ve performed together a handful of times before and Waylon was obviously a close friend.
The only thing is Shooter doesn’t live in Nashville and has devoted way more time to producing than performing in recent years, so he’s not the most obvious choice for that performance slot. My theory is that the two of them may be working on a project that he chose to do instead of TT. This is all conjecture of course.
November 24, 2021 @ 8:12 pm
After his last couple of albums, I’m not exactly thrilled at the prospect of SS producing anyone’s album…
November 25, 2021 @ 8:43 pm
Cuttin’ Grass and Dood & Juanita?
November 26, 2021 @ 8:05 pm
I think OP meant Tylers albums more specifically. All Your’n is nigh unlistenable.
November 25, 2021 @ 9:14 am
I’ve heard exactly the same thing and I heard it in September. I was skeptical then but now I’m a believer.
November 26, 2021 @ 7:47 pm
Bro I’m of the camp Sturgill can do no wrong except produce other peoples albums. I hardly listen to any Tyler album anymore and he’s still one of my favorites. Just way too much overproduction. Though the Kesha song was good.
November 24, 2021 @ 3:46 pm
Trigger,
They hate your guts in the TT fan groups.
I don’t understand it. I guess it is OK for them to do the drama talk but not for you.
November 24, 2021 @ 5:33 pm
That’s not saying much. TT is one of my fav bands but a lot of the fans are trash.
November 24, 2021 @ 6:08 pm
Of all the beefs I’ve been in over the years, this has got to be the dumbest, and the most inconsequential. If I wanted to gossip about the Turnpike Troubadours, boy, I could post reams and reams of stuff, and not rumor, but certified fact. I don’t run a popularity contest. I’m a journalist. If some folks in a Facebook page don’t like me, oh well. Facebook is great at sowing division, and hate. If you saw the news about the Turnpike Troubadours this morning and one of your first instincts was to hate on me, that speaks to the depravity of your perspective. Be happy. It appears your favorite group is getting back together. Whoever the woman was that ran their original Facebook group page, she’s just pissed off because she posted with extreme confidence that they would NEVER get back together. It was over. Period. Which was an irresponsible thing to tell people. Now she’s having to eat those words. Or you know, they can just divert attention from how wrong they were by saying what an asshole I am.
Just be happy at the news. Jeez.
November 24, 2021 @ 7:08 pm
“Now she’s having to eat those words.”
“ Is this the first sign that the long suffering indefinite hiatus of the Turnpike Troubadours is likely coming to an end in the near future? Yes, it is.”
I guess the missing 5% odds to make it a hundy is just for fun? ????
November 24, 2021 @ 8:35 pm
Do you just sit around and try to 1-up yourself on brain dead shitty replies or what man? Go to Facebook with your inconsistent, divisive ass
November 24, 2021 @ 9:18 pm
Not consistently.
November 25, 2021 @ 7:49 am
It is ridiculous. Good news is, myself and some other posters fight back against the garbage on Reddit and fan groups.
Right after I read your story, I checked out the new FB group (since the old one was archived), instead of being happy folks were just complaining about SCM. Laughable.
And that lady in question is back there. Conveniently ignoring her previous proclamations. Annoying as anything.
Keep up the good reporting on TT. If you really wanted to be a gossip columnist, you could have written up dozens of stories when Felker was drunk as hell during events.
November 24, 2021 @ 6:49 pm
Why would you even bring that up?
November 29, 2021 @ 9:24 am
I’m in that group, and yeah it can get pretty toxic at times.
November 24, 2021 @ 4:18 pm
In my heart they pay no rent.
November 24, 2021 @ 4:22 pm
The picture looks like a ‘Rooster Roustabout’, good luck to them, I look forward to a new release, and if possible a tour, I spaced and didn’t go see them at the Irving Plaza in NYC (one of their last shows), my brother and sister-in-law went and said it was fantastic.
November 26, 2021 @ 11:14 pm
I feel your pain – I had tix to see them in Philly 10/19/18 and after a bad day at work, skipped it. Haven’t forgiven myself!
November 24, 2021 @ 4:29 pm
Staci quit her job to babysit Evan next year. She has been promoting his career to his detriment even when he completely fell off the wagon. All for some social media attention and validation
November 24, 2021 @ 6:04 pm
I can’t imagine living like that for the rest of my life.
November 24, 2021 @ 6:42 pm
lord, she has his name hashtagged in her bio I cringed.
November 24, 2021 @ 6:57 pm
Yall are some miserable people. Evan is healthy. They are happily married. They have a beautiful baby. It’s a lovely tale of redemption and love. Today’s “news” is good news for all.
November 24, 2021 @ 7:52 pm
I’m thrilled for their health and both their lives, finding sobriety takes a lot of teamwork. just wish she would tone it down on social media bc it comes off as desperate imo. especially when her husband doesn’t seem to be interested that crap at all. anyways this isn’t relevant to anything, a good day!
November 25, 2021 @ 6:44 am
To all of y’all being so hateful to someone you don’t know AT ALL, what does this do for you? None of us know anything about what happens at the Felker home, or why Staci decided to quit her job. I doubt it has anything to do with anything y’all are talking about. Have y’all ever though maybe it’s because they have a beautiful baby together and she wants to be the best mother and wife she can be? Sounds like y’all are all a tad bit jealous, maybe look for a new job if yours makes you this miserable.
As far as her social media presence what exactly does she need to tone down? She rarely posts and when she does all I see if a loving healthy sober family. Has she shared things she loves on stories? Yes. Have I bought them? Also yes. HELLO PERKY BOOBIES and hydration! (If you read this, Thank you for the recommendations Staci!) Maybe next she can recommend a mattress for all of you so you can buy it for your moms basement since you’re clearly sleeping on an uncomfortable couch down there. That would make the most sense as to why y’all are so mean and hateful, bc backaches SUCK.
Y’all are really awful people and I hope all of your music apps crash so you cant listen to any TT music bc you don’t deserve it. And here’s some advice. If Staci bothers you all so much, unfollow her. She definitely won’t miss you.
November 25, 2021 @ 7:36 am
Don’t let people commenting on very specific details of the life of Evan Felker’s wife fool you. They don’t hate her. They love her. They’re absolutely obsessed with her. As Even Felker would say, in their hearts Staci Felker pays no rent. They’re checking her Instagram twice daily. Any little thing she posts, they’re psychoanalyzing. These are the kind of people who would post hateful comments under aliases about some dude’s wife here, and then go to Facebook and roast Saving Country Music for gossiping over the Turnpike Troubadours.
High school shit. And many of the fans of this band strangely are up to their ears in it.
November 25, 2021 @ 10:18 am
As I’ve mentioned here many times before, I think it’s wonderful that he got his act together, got back with his wife, and started a family. I just couldn’t imagine living like that. God bless them and I wish them nothing but the best in the future. I’ve never had a social media account, so I have no idea about any of that.
November 24, 2021 @ 8:32 pm
Yeah – I think it reflects poorly on him, to be honest. From his work, I wouldn’t expect him to want his legacy to be tied to a social media influencer who aspires to fame without any discernible talent. I realize that’s a lot of people these days and she’s not unique or bad for wanting the attention and validation (or the money if what she’s doing becomes profitable) – there are a fair number of famous for being famous wives in mainstream country music – it just seems incongruous with the image of him I have when listening to his lyrics. I’d like for him to speak for himself, but maybe he will once the band is back
November 26, 2021 @ 2:12 pm
Funny, I think your post reflects badly on you.
November 24, 2021 @ 4:31 pm
The picture looks like a ‘Rooster Roustabout’, I’m looking forward to a possible release and tour, they are a great band and hope Evan is back in his stride, life is too short to waste your productive years especially if you have the talent which he obviously does.
I spaced when they came to NYC, which was one of their last shows, my sister-in-law and husband did go and said it was fantastic.
Happy Thanksgiving Trigger and everyone out in SCMland!
November 24, 2021 @ 5:33 pm
Great news! Gotta say, I’d buy a T-shirt with those fighting’ roosters on it! Pretty cool.
November 25, 2021 @ 4:32 am
I bought the hat with those fighting roosters on it when they played up here in Buffalo NY.
November 25, 2021 @ 12:23 am
Someday I’ll learn not to read the comments here. Damn y’all. Pretty harsh.
November 25, 2021 @ 7:51 am
This is actually pretty tame.
Most folks are thrilled about the news.
November 25, 2021 @ 8:55 am
That 5% is due to the possibility of Hank 3 taking over the reigns of TT
November 25, 2021 @ 2:07 pm
With minor exception, the most childish and harsh comments don’t seem to be coming from the regular commenters on this site, FWIW.
Wishing you and Evan the best.
November 26, 2021 @ 6:58 am
Read mine, Staci!
November 25, 2021 @ 1:46 am
You’re teasing us brother. ????
November 25, 2021 @ 4:49 am
I’ve been cautiously getting my hopes up since Hank Early’s Reddit comment earlier this year!
November 25, 2021 @ 7:21 am
I worked in the music industry for decades and know a little about music and I said this day would never come. Maybe I was too close to the band and the music (being burned 2x at TT concerts), but that shit was messy. It took me years to listen to TT music again after seeing Felker’s emotionless face staring at the ceiling mumbling through the lyrics of his songs in Knoxville. I mean Felker went out in flames and burnt a lot of bridges. The Eagles rift was kept in-house and their fans weren’t victims. The TT brand was damaged. We’ll see what transpires, but I’ not running out to get tickets. I’ll have to see them open for another act a few times before I put myself through that again.
November 25, 2021 @ 9:09 am
My man, Felker wasn’t even drunk at that show. He suffers from pretty crippling stage fright. As I remember, that show killed. The venue was a bit big for the crowd that showed up. You’ve been bitching about it for years. As someone who has firsthand seen more shows than you can imagine, I can assure that those times where he’s staring at the ceiling are when he’s trying to ignore the fact that people are staring at him, likely trying not to throw up (again) from nerves. Let me know where to send it, and I’ll personally send you what you lost on that show.
November 25, 2021 @ 9:54 am
I call bullshit. If you answer these 3 questions correctly, I’lll never comment on another TT article posted on SCM ever again (since my posts bother so much).
The night in question….
1. Name the venue
2. Name the last song played
3. Evan left the stage for 2 songs, who took over singing duties while he left the stage and what were the 2 songs?
November 25, 2021 @ 11:51 am
I can’t recall all of those details. I know it was at mill and mine. There was another slight hiccup in the show regarding some drum equipment, and it was rainy all day that day. There was another pretty big show in town that night, although I don’t recall who it was.
November 25, 2021 @ 8:10 am
Over the years many bands have broken up then reformed. Let’s get the band back together has become a rallying call and a joke. Unfortunately, it’s pretty rare that these projects live up to the hype that fans hope for. While everyone hopes for a return to a band of artists looking to rekindle the flame of times past, they are usually left with artists looking to a return to past fame and monetary returns. Like dating an old girlfriend again, it’s hard to re-spark that original passion. The call for the return of Turnpike over the last few years has been hyped almost as much as the actual output from the band during it’s prime. Hopefully they can live up to hopes of it’s fans, but I won’t be surprised if there is a huge let down.
November 25, 2021 @ 10:17 am
I hope they get back together- happy and healthy and making great music again. Love TT and hope everything works out. All of the gossipy bullshit comments above are so stupid.
November 25, 2021 @ 12:05 pm
Staci Felker must be a good woman, I hope Evan has a happy ending (for her sake mostly), and TT fans do the band, and its brand, no favors.
It’ll be good to talk music again.
November 25, 2021 @ 7:31 pm
TT fans act like Staci and Evan are Jim and Lorrie in real life.
It is bizarre.
November 26, 2021 @ 7:02 am
Keith and Lorrie you mean?
November 25, 2021 @ 7:12 pm
All I’ll add to this is that I have it on very good authority that December 4 is going to be a big day in the TPT story arc. Can’t hardly wait!
November 26, 2021 @ 6:50 am
Damn I know it wasn’t intentional but TT really seem like the Eagles of independent country. Mainly because I don’t like either of them but they both kinda got that middle of the road milquetoast sound that the masses can easily digest and love.
Though I hope for the best for the Felkster. Once you’ve been that deep relapses are inevitable unless you got Godly self-control and willpower which addicts don’t have or else they wouldn’t be in that situation. It’s a tough cycle. Knowing nothing will feel as good as your drug of choice in life is a depressing prospect. As time goes the memory of that feeling lessens but it never goes away. You will always remember it. And if it’s alcohol he struggles with knowing you can lay down a few bucks at a 7-11 wherever you are and can start chasing that feeling once again just makes it all so much worse.
November 26, 2021 @ 10:57 am
TT is a rare band I can just hit ‘shuffle’ on and let rip, without worrying about hitting the skip button. No matter what, I’m always in a better mood after listening. If the reunion doesn’t work out, they’ve already left a legacy in my opinion. At least, now I have something to look forward to on these dark winters nights.
November 26, 2021 @ 10:18 pm
Dec 4th canis ballroom Tulsa Oklahoma be there. Look at the lineup for that night!!!
November 29, 2021 @ 9:51 am
Guess who’s back? Back again? Turnpike’s back. Tell a friend. Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back….
November 29, 2021 @ 10:18 am
So it’s 100% now? ????
December 13, 2021 @ 11:20 pm
So happy Miranda Lambert and her penchant for married men didn’t completely destroy Evan’s career like she did Ryan Westbrook. They performed at a bar up the street from me on Tuesday. Evan sounded amazing. Good to see them all together again. Rooting for the ultimate comeback.