The Turnpike Troubadours Are Back Together
Turnpike Troubadours Indefinite Hiatus: May 31st, 2019 to November 29th, 2021.
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Christmas is coming early for many fans of the startlingly talented band from Oklahoma, the Turnpike Troubadours. After first dropping hints that their 2 1/2 year hiatus was coming to a close last week by posting an ambiguous “Coming Soon” graphic on their website and wiping their Instagram clean, on Monday morning the band posted a photo of all six members of the most solid lineup the band has experienced in its history, all reunited, and together once again, snapped by renown music photographer, David McClister.
This includes drummer Gabriel Pearson, guitarist Ryan Engleman, steel guitar and accordion player Hank Early, fiddle player Kyle Nix, bassist RC Edwards, and frontman/singer/songwriter Evan Felker, whose battles with alcohol are thought to be the primary reason for the temporary dissolving of the band in 2019 after numerous cancelled shows. Evan Felker has since gotten sober, reunited with his wife, and they now have a young daughter.
If anything was proven during the hiatus, it was that the Turnpike Troubadours should be considered a supergroup all unto themselves, with RC Edwards and Kyle Nix launching solo projects, and all the members being infinitely missed by fans of what is considered by many listeners and critics alike as one of the best, and most important and influential independent country music bands in the modern era.
It also puts to bed the ludicrous internet rumors that sprang from a Reddit thread that former Turnpike Troubadour and solo artist John Fullbright would be taking the reigns as frontman for the band. Rumors are still swirling that the band will be reuniting at a date at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa that both RC Edwards and Kyle Nix are playing on December 4th. But so far, there’s no confirmation of that either.
What the posting of this photo does help corroborate are the theories that the band has been in the studio recently or perhaps soon will be, and we can hopefully expect some live shows soon as well, including perhaps a big reunion somewhere and maybe a subsequent tour. But as we’ve seen with other rumors and assumptions about this band in the past (see above), it’s still best to be patient, and allow the band to reveal their plans on their time, and on their terms.
As everyone’s hair is on fire with excitement and anticipation that the Turnpike Troubadours are finally reuniting, it’s probably important to also reflect back on how trouble beset this group of close knit guys from Oklahoma in the first place. Evan Felker and the other members of the Turnpike Troubadours have likely gone through a great amount of personal work to put bygones aside and help make this dream of many fans become a reality, and they will have to continue that work to make sure similar troubles don’t strike again.
But fans have an obligation as well, to not put unrealistic expectations on this band, to not tempt certain members towards their demons when interacting with them personally, to not gossip incessantly about their business, and to understand the human frailty that makes the music of the Turnpike Troubadours resonate so deeply is what also can and did put the future of this band in grave peril.
Independent music isn’t like the mainstream. It’s a community, and we all have a responsibility, and a shared role to make it work without the money changers bankrolling it behind-the-scenes, or pulling the levers of power. That’s why we celebrate the achievements alongside our favorite independent performers when they do well, just as we feel deflated in their defeats.
The bigger picture from this solitary photo of the Turnpike Troubadours together once again is that conflicts can be resolved, people can change, and wounds can heal. But it takes work. It takes understanding and forgiveness. And if everyone is willing to give a little, it can succeed. And hopefully, it will continue to succeed now into the foreseeable future for the Turnpike Troubadours.
Don’t ever take the moments you share with your favorite artists and bands for granted, because you never know when they could get scuttled and go away forever. That is the lesson of the last 2 1/2 years from the Turnpike Troubadours. And thankfully, that painful and protracted lesson is finally over.
November 29, 2021 @ 10:26 am
Merry Christmas indeed.
November 29, 2021 @ 10:32 am
Well said. I understand the temptation to have just a minute or two with someone from your favourite band, but the kindest thing to do is to go to the gig, buy the music and let them live their lives in privacy. No matter how wonderful the song or how deeply it speaks to you – their work is the music and the show, not the autograph, the email, the fan mIl, the photos etc.
November 29, 2021 @ 1:07 pm
That being said, I’ve had artists that go out of their way to follow up on communication on merch or take the time to have a conversation after a show; and I think that goes a long way to establishing a fan base that feels more invested in the success of the artist. There are a few artists/bands that I will immediately pre-order any new music and always find a way to see live if they’re within an hour or two of where I live; because of the connections I’ve had with them in the past. When I see someone live, I’m usually dragging a few people with me that wouldn’t necessarily be going to that show, who themselves will end up buying merch after shows. I definitely encourage independent artists to make time for their fans and believe it will be paid back one way or another.
November 29, 2021 @ 1:50 pm
I don’t want to discourage people from interacting with all artists. Like you said, those interactions at the merch table early in an artist’s career can be critical to forming a fan base. Hank Williams III was famous for signing anything put in front of him, and shaking every hand until they stopped coming, even when he was playing venues with 500+ capacities.
But there is a culture around bands to buy shots for them, drop a baggie of pills off at the green room, etc. without people thinking about the bigger implications for some musicians who struggle with addiction. To some, when the band comes to town they want to party with them. That’s completely fine for some artists and bands. For others, you’re helping to fuel their breakup. It’s just important to be aware.
November 29, 2021 @ 2:09 pm
Completely understood, and you’re 100% correct on being aware of addiction issues. I recall speaking with James Hunnicutt before a show and offering to buy him a beer. He responded that he wasn’t drinking anymore but told me to hit up anyone else in the band (back during the Jayke Orvis and the Broken Band days). I felt like crap not knowing that he was sober and have kept that in the back of my mind when talking with other musicians since. I apologized and we still talked a few minutes about music.
December 2, 2021 @ 11:02 am
As someone who has struggled with drinking for most of thirty years you did nothing to apologize for at all and actually did the right thing. When a sober friend comes around I offer them a drink like I would anyone else because it is their choice to make. Nothing worse than when people start treating you differently.
November 29, 2021 @ 10:32 am
Sometimes it amazes me that any band exists. I’m in a little amateur band with three members and sometimes it feels impossible to coordinate even that. I guess it helps if you’re getting paid.
November 29, 2021 @ 10:50 am
Imagine being married to 3-5 other people (or more) all at the same time. That is what being in a band is like. You not only have to spend an incredible amount of time with each other and often in cramped quarters on the road, your financial and emotional future is tied to them irrevocably. It takes an incredible amount of give and take from everybody. When it works, it can be beautiful. When it doesn’t, it can be catastrophic. You’re right, it’s a marvel some can make it to the next rest stop, let alone make a living out of it.
November 29, 2021 @ 12:33 pm
Thats why we need more Boomswagglers material Kyle.
December 1, 2021 @ 1:04 pm
“When it works, it can be beautiful.” So true, as is the corollary: It’s worth the angst to find that beauty.
November 29, 2021 @ 10:44 am
Best news of 2022 and it’s still 2021.
November 29, 2021 @ 10:46 am
Im old enough to remember being told, with 1000% certainty, the band “will never EVER get back together”.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:15 am
I think I have a screenshot of that somewhere.
But you know, I can’t think of a better day to let bygones be bygones than today.
November 30, 2021 @ 6:40 pm
I was at a festival this past summer, wearing a TT shirt and someone came up to me and said that they knew either Felker or someone close to Felker and that a reunion wasn’t gonna happen. Fortunately, I remained confident that they would. This is a great day for country music
November 29, 2021 @ 12:11 pm
Hilaria wanted to manage expectations ????
November 29, 2021 @ 10:49 am
Well said at the end there, Trigger.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:12 am
Meh. I’ve never really gotten the hype. I have their first album but wasnt really able to get into it as much as I felt like I should have.
November 29, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
Everything ain’t for everybody – music, drugs, or otherwise.
Can’t say I’m a diehard so I feel the sentiment, but they have enough material and talent for me to keep an eye on them. Glad to see he did what needed to be done though and hope he can stick to keeping clean.
November 30, 2021 @ 8:33 am
Not to say you’d like their other material, but their first album, while not bad by any means, is their weakest in my opinion.
December 2, 2021 @ 11:58 am
You must mean their actual first album, which sounds not a lot like what they became. “Bossier City” has pretty much been scrubbed out of existence by the band. The “official” first album in the TT canon is “Diamonds and Gasoline,” which is a masterpiece to just about anyone’s ear.
December 3, 2021 @ 5:45 am
I actually am talking about Diamonds & Gasoline. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s a bad album and it has some terrific songs, but I think Goodbye Normal Street, Self Titled, and A Long Way From Your Heart stand head and shoulders above D&G.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:17 am
Looks like there was some tension in the room, when this particular photo was taken.
Felker is really going to have to toe the line, this time out. Let the band know he is 100% committed to making this work.
Respect to Gabriel Pearson, Ryan Engleman, Hank Early, Kyle Nix, RC Edwards.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:36 am
And just how do you come to that conclusion? Looks like a standard band pic to me.
November 29, 2021 @ 12:10 pm
Except they’re all in the same room together recently posing for a photo
November 29, 2021 @ 12:45 pm
When Evan’s got a 1-year chip, I’ll believe.
November 29, 2021 @ 4:46 pm
They just look serious and ready to do something again, in my opinion. Fresh photo shoots usually preface a new record. McClister is one of the best in the biz and typically does album promo shoots for bands/artists.
November 29, 2021 @ 5:51 pm
Maybe i’m coming at this from a totally female perspective, but think the guys from the original TT’s should be in a group.
Felker doesn’t deserve to be the little princess in the middle everyone is gathered ’round.
He needs to earn his position in the band, once again.
Will be an unpopular opinion, but i do not care.
He put the guys through a ton of crap.
They’re showing the kind of balls they have.
If it is OK with Kyle & the guys, Felker should show at Cain’s.
Why float the picture, now?
Pony Up
November 30, 2021 @ 7:16 am
Female here….disagree.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:18 am
Point of clarification – that show at Cain’s is December 4th. And speculation just pushed it to selling out earlier this morning. Doubt it’ll get publicly announced at all (any more than RC already alluded to), but there’s some real smoke here.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:39 am
The show at Cain’s very well may involve some pseudo Turnpike collaborative stuff. Or it might actually be a total reunification of the band. But I have not seen anything to be able to confirm or corroborate that at this point, and have also seen some stuff that refutes that. I just want to caution everyone because the rumors out there are thick.
November 29, 2021 @ 12:31 pm
I can 100% confirm Evan will NOT be there.
November 29, 2021 @ 12:41 pm
Pony up
November 29, 2021 @ 1:08 pm
Name your price, you can’t beat my source trust me on that.
November 29, 2021 @ 1:22 pm
You or your source have Felker on a leash?
Control his every move, 24/7?
If that is the case, Evan needs to walk away, make a clean break
November 29, 2021 @ 1:22 pm
Do tell.
November 30, 2021 @ 9:54 am
Maybe Evan doesn’t want to take any attention away from his bandmates projects and their performances by showing up to the gig? That being said, they probably should have waited until after these shows occurred before making any kind of announcement about a reunification if they didn’t want to deal with the complications it would cause. Then again, Kyle Nix’s show is sold out now, so maybe they wanted to generate some buzz before the show to sell extra tickets. Can’t blame em’ for it. Clever marketing right there.
November 30, 2021 @ 10:35 am
Joe,
I had the same thought.
If it is/was a deceptive marketing ploy, the entire band would risk having their integrity called into question.
Would no longer be just a Felker issue.
Wishing them the best.
We’ll see what happens on the 4th.
There is still time for the actual TT’s to do the right thing.
You’re going to throw the TT’s photo out there? Back it up
November 29, 2021 @ 2:10 pm
Kyle Nix just posted that it’s ONLY going to be a Kyle Nix and the 38’s / RC and the Ambers show.
November 29, 2021 @ 3:03 pm
And RC reposted the same.
November 30, 2021 @ 1:34 pm
Man who cares, go for the shows and the artists there. I saw RC a couple months ago and it was a fantastic show, the female singer blew us all away (her voice is absolutely amazing) and was so nice after the show. Even asked me and my wife what we do and seemed genuinely interested, threw me a follow on social when I showed her my art. I’m sure Nix’s band is also fantastic, would love to see them live someday. Go support the bands and hear some killer music.
November 30, 2021 @ 3:19 pm
Agreed! Saw RC and the Ambers this summer and they are a talented, talented group. Amber has a phenomenal voice and RC is an underrated songwriter. (If Evan Felker weren’t in TT, everyone would be talking about what a great songwriter RC is). Kyle Nix is also really good. In fact, the only downside of TT reuniting is that their two “side projects” are going to be sidelined.
November 30, 2021 @ 4:25 pm
I saw both RC and the Ambers and Kyle Nix perform earlier this year, and agree they’re worth seeing on their own. To concur with Hank, Amber Watson is a great singer. Have not seen Nix with the 38’s, but he was great on his own. Didn’t mean to pour cold water on the gig. Just didn’t want folks to stop the world to attend a Turnpike reunion show that wasn’t going to be a reunion.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:20 am
Excellent news. This is one of the few bands I’d travel good distances to see. I hope they stick around for a long, long time. Going to pray for Evan and his family.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:28 am
What little hair I have is definitely on fire. Love too that my 18-year-old son and his buddies are equally stoked. Looking forward to catching a few shows with my kid. Such great news.
November 29, 2021 @ 11:32 am
It’s hard to stay sober on the road. But if Gene Ween can do it, I gotta think anyone can.
There’s a big possibility Evan’s sitting on some astounding songs right now, too.
November 29, 2021 @ 12:07 pm
It blows my mind that anyone handles that lifestyle well. If I got paid to hang be in bars all the time I’d be a drunk too. Lots of respect to anyone who makes it work.
November 29, 2021 @ 12:01 pm
If only we could get Ragweed to do the same, we’d have the perfect Red Dirt year in 2022.
November 29, 2021 @ 12:11 pm
I like how these guys are mostly just a band that lets their music (or one picture) do the talking.
So sick of everything being so overhyped, over documented, and over explained. A little mystery goes a long way.
I am excited though.
November 29, 2021 @ 1:21 pm
I love happy news! Just gonna wallow in the thought of it today.
November 29, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
This is fantastic. I was a doubter of a reunion. Too many moving parts and as noted above, others are Red Dirt “stars” in their own right. Glad to be wrong.
For what it is worth, Kyle Nix tweeted today “that it is important for everyone to know that Saturday’s show will be a Kyle Nix & the 38’s/RC & The Ambers show “
November 29, 2021 @ 3:40 pm
Let’s get this show on the road!
All those prayers were answered.
Hopefully, they drop a live album. Great way to energize the fan base and they are due for one. And they sound great live.
Hopefully, whoever is in charge of their online store is an improvement. Same thing with their PR team. Love the band but they need some work on that front. They are crucial for success.
Most importantly, I hope they still healthy in their private lives.
November 29, 2021 @ 4:00 pm
Great news! I hope we get to find out what Lorrie has been up to all this time.
November 29, 2021 @ 4:09 pm
This is the best comment all damn day on all the sites. ????
November 30, 2021 @ 6:03 am
Man, I literally welled up!
November 29, 2021 @ 4:15 pm
Man, i want to hear from Hoptown on this …
They getting together, they not getting together?
What.
Time to put up or shut up.
Who are these people trying to emulate?
kartrashians R us?
November 29, 2021 @ 5:11 pm
I said this day would never happen, because twice I saw first hand how destructive Evan was to the brand and read fans comments they would never be fooled again. But this is a testament to the other band members walking back. Good for them.
Like I’ve expressed (and I can because _____ only answered 1 of the 3 easy questions correctly – I think he was there, but maybe left early or got to drunk) I’ve recently started listening to TT again after almost 4 years, so time may heal everything.
November 29, 2021 @ 5:23 pm
“…so time may heal everything.”
I wish that for them as well.
November 29, 2021 @ 5:40 pm
Hoptown, you don’t have to believe I was there. It was a long time ago, and there have been too many shows in between, but I can assure you I was there until the doors were locked and everyone went home. I don’t want you to stop commenting on anything. I just hate that you had such a bad time at a show that I remember as being great. Lord knows there were some absolute shit shows. I was at those, too, and it hurt to experience. For me, it’s not about verifying if I was ever at any. I know the truth. I can stand disparagement on shows that were drunken nightmares. But I can assure you that, between the drunken steamboat show and about November of 2017, the band was on point and Felker was not drunk for a single show in that almost two year stretch. I know it for a firsthand fact. Can I verify it? Not in a public comments section. I hope you can find a bit of solace in that. And my offer to pay for your tickets to the mill and mine show still stands. Cheers.
November 30, 2021 @ 6:13 am
Man, they killed it at Brighton Music Hall in Spring 2017.
November 29, 2021 @ 6:23 pm
This is great news. Saw them open on Miranda Lambert’s tour which was probably a big catalyst in the band breaking up. Never got to see them do a full set of their own anywhere and was always disappointed that I may have discovered them too late. Hopefully when they begin to tour it’s somewhere I can get to without spending a mortgage payment to get there. Here’s to a healthy happy future for the whole band.
November 29, 2021 @ 7:23 pm
Worst kept secret
November 29, 2021 @ 9:45 pm
“…what is considered by many listeners and critics alike as one of the best, and most important and influential independent country music bands in the modern era.”
Lol. Easy, you sound like a preteen girl drooling over the latest Taylor Swift single. I get that these guys make you hard, but you’re asking fans not to put unrealistic expectations on them, and then you’re hyping them like they’re the second coming of the Beatles.
November 30, 2021 @ 1:25 am
Great news! So over here we have new hope for European shows in the not-too-far future!
November 30, 2021 @ 6:12 am
Yay!
That’s all.
November 30, 2021 @ 6:53 am
In addition to the band members, I also think it is important to give credit to the amazing Facebook group and there awesome admins who have kept the fanbase positive through this whole time.
Welcome back, Turnpike!
November 30, 2021 @ 9:51 am
We saw these guys in 2017 in Dewey Beach, DE at the Bottle & Cork and man!! We had the BEST time!! I’m so excited to see this! #welcomebackTroubs!
November 30, 2021 @ 4:01 pm
This new is by far, the best news I have heard in a long time. I am anxious to hear how their travails will inform the new music they make. Lord knows we all need to hear more stories of redemption and mended relationships. Onward troubadours onward and this time when they come to Houston I am going even if I have to go by myself or driving to Dallas to see then with my son.