The Steel Woods Say Final Farewell

It’s a show those in attendance will never forget. Any show at the Mother Church of Country Music tends to take on that aspect. But for Southern rock stalwarts The Steel Woods and their most dedicated fans, their sold out show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Friday night (11-22) took on special significance. After nearly 10 years of touring and four critically-acclaimed albums, it was time for them to take their final bow.

In March of this year, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Wes Bayliss let it be known that he was retiring from the road, and so would The Steel Woods. It wasn’t due to lack of demand, or not finding critical praise, or any other cause out of their control. According to Bayliss, it was due to him growing closer of God, and wanting to focus his life more on his faith moving forward.

“The Bible talks about the ones that are neither cold or hot being lukewarm and that’s been me for a really long time,” Bayliss says in a statement. “I find that things become easier when we stop trying to justify what we do in search of personal gain and start seeking God’s will for our lives and truly trusting in him to make a way and lead us through it.”

And so Bayliss announced that after a final run of shows that led to Friday’s Ryman performance, The Steel Woods would be calling it quits.

Looming large over this decision was the death of The Steel Woods co-founder and guitarist Jason “Rowdy” Cope. Right before the band released their album All of Your Stones in 2021, Jason Cope died from complications from diabetes at the age of 42. Previously playing with Jamey Johnson and others, Rowdy’s passing hit the independent country community hard.

With the blessings of the family and after some soul searching, The Steel Woods decided to continue on with guitarist Tyler Powers sliding into the lead guitar spot. Along with bassist Johnny Stanton and drummer Isaac Senty in the most recent lineup, The Steel Woods had risen near the top of the Southern rock genre. The band also released the well-regarded album On Your Time in October of 2023, with Bayliss stepping up into the primary songwriting position. 

But you could tell it was hard on Bayliss to soldier on without Rowdy. That’s why for the final song, Jason “Rowdy” Cope’s telecaster, as well as his hat was brought out on stage. Jason “Rowdy” Cope and Wes Bayliss who’d founded The Steel Woods were reunited once more.

“Last night at the Ryman was nothing short of magical,” The Steel Woods posted Saturday evening. “To the fans who sold out this iconic venue and filled it with love, thank you for making this final show unforgettable. Together, we celebrated the music, the memories, and the legacy of our brother Jason ‘Rowdy’ Cope, whose spirit will forever guide this band.”

As we’ve seen time and time again in music, never say never when it comes to reunions or outright reunifications for albums or tours. It’s proven foolish to think “forever” will stick in music. The Steel Woods leave the music business of music on top, and on their terms, with a strong legacy of songs, albums, and performances behind them.

But whether they come back or not, The Steel Woods were here, and they left their mark. And with the braying Telecaster of Rowdy still ringing in our ears, the croons of Wes Bayliss still resonating off the walls, and the immortal words of their songs still alive in our souls, The Steel Woods will live on.