Turnpike Troubadours Cancel Shows After Undisclosed Personal Issue
The Turnpike Troubadours have cut short their current tour, with lead guitar player Ryan Engleman citing an undisclosed personal issue as the need for the cancellations. The shows cancelled affect dates primarily on the West Coast and in the interior West for the next week, starting with Saturday evening’s (8-5) show at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA, through the August 13th date at the Snowbasin Resort in Utah. The dates affected are as follows:
Aug. 5th – Belly Up – Solana Beach, CA
Aug. 6th – Fremont Theatre – San Luis Obispo, CA
Aug. 9th – Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
Aug. 10th – Teton Valley Foundation – Victor, ID
Aug. 13th – Snowbasin Resort – Huntsville, UT
Turnpike will still play their appearance at the annual Braun Brothers Reunion on August 11th, but guitarist Ryan Engleman will not be with them. Other players will fill in.
“From our family to yours: Unfortunately, sometimes reality rears its ugly head,” said Ryan Engleman in a statement. “All of you, the rest of the band, and I have had innumerable times together which have brought so much joy into my life that I have a difficult time even putting it into words. That being said, my family and I are going through a difficult time at the moment for reasons I will leave undisclosed. I will only say that my family needs a moment to focus on itself. I don’t plan on being away from the road for long, only long enough to support my immediate family in the best ways I know how.”
“That being said, it is with deep regret that I have to announce that we are cancelling the remaining shows in the western U.S. The rest of the guys will be flying back out to join the Brauns at the Braun Brother Reunion, but only for that particular show (as they will have numerous musicians that can fill in). Barring any unforeseen issues, I will return to my position with the band that I love on the 18th of August.”
Some fans, including those who reserved hotels rooms or booked flights to attend the shows, voiced their displeasure over the issue via social media after the news was announced, with Engleman’s band mates coming to his defense.
Earlier this week, the band announced they will release their highly-anticipated 4th (or 5th) album A Long Way From Your Heart via Bossier City Records and Thirty Tigers. It is their followup to their September of 2015, self-titled release, and marks the first time pedal steel player Hank Early will be part of the bad as a full time member.
August 6, 2017 @ 9:27 am
Good for him putting family first. Of course, I’m not in California and haven’t laid out money for shows, hotels, etc. I hope whatever is going on is fixable.
I find it odd that we expect musicians, athletes, and celebrities to be robots and perform no matter what’s happening in their personal lives.
On a side note, who has the money to book a flight for a show? Is this now a thing? I can understand it for a one time only event or a farewell tour, but a 2 hour concert by a currently touring band?
August 6, 2017 @ 9:31 am
This practice is more common than you probably think, and especially common out west where the distances are greater between tour stops, and a band like the Turnpike Troubadours may only tour once a year.
August 6, 2017 @ 9:41 am
I probably fly 2-3 times a year for a show, but it’s typically a factor of the band, the venue itself, and if I will be able to see them any other way closer to home.
August 6, 2017 @ 9:44 am
If I had the money, and unlimited vacation time, I would be tempted for some artists that never come in my area. But I’m a train ride away from NYC and can drive to Philadelphia, so I’m spoiled being near a large market.
August 6, 2017 @ 10:31 am
I’ve done it 3 times and will do it soon to see Sturgill at Red Rocks.
August 7, 2017 @ 8:44 am
Same
August 6, 2017 @ 2:37 pm
Hell yea I will…. and tailgate for 6 hours too
August 6, 2017 @ 10:02 am
I actually had purchased tickets to attend the SLC show. While Salt Lake has came a long way in the past few years it used to be terribly difficult to catch any quality bands in the area. However, I am not in the least bit upset that they had to cancel. They are humans with families and real lives to lead. Occasionally that stuff rears its head in every single persons career. I hope things get fixed and they are back out touring as quickly as possible. I’ll catch them next time I can.
August 6, 2017 @ 10:47 am
Nothing against Ryan, but they could easily get a hired gun to fill in. I know a bunch of guitar players that know all their songs. Or they have done acoustic shows before aswell, I get the family issues thing, but they don’t have a bunch of complicated leads or anything. His role as steel player may be harder to fill, but not impossible, not for a band with their notoriety, tons of people would be willing to fill in.
August 7, 2017 @ 5:41 am
Truth.
August 7, 2017 @ 6:42 am
They have a steel player currently. Aside from that filling the role in a band like that is about 2 dozen other things beyond just playing the songs.
August 7, 2017 @ 5:01 pm
He’s a huge part of the show. Shreds for two hours and looks like he could jump in a rig and drive a load of chickens across country after the show.
I’m sure a million guitarists could play Keith Richards’ part, but whenever Mick took the stage without him it just looked wrong.
August 6, 2017 @ 12:16 pm
So what is the deal with the 4th or 5th album comment? Isn’t their first record OOP?
August 6, 2017 @ 12:29 pm
It’s their 4th record, but since they also released Bossier (now out of print) and some people count that, I threw that out there.
August 6, 2017 @ 12:34 pm
I found your response in the other article after I posted that. I don’t really understand an artist doing that in 2017. I would like to be able to hear that album on Spotify at least.
August 6, 2017 @ 1:22 pm
Give them a break they have been putting it all on the line day in and out to bring you the best American Band today. They all deserve a break regardless these guys are together pretty much 24/7 to bring you the best music today. Take your break just don’t break up. Even I am sure there would be many wanting to take Ryan’s place everybody isn’t in for the money and show loyalty a value many of you seem to lack. The Road Goes on Forever meaning you have time to take a break. Via con Dios
August 6, 2017 @ 5:01 pm
I have tickets for the SLC show, and saw them last fall with my son in Salado Tx. Great musicians, so of course I’m bummed— I hope they reschedule !
August 6, 2017 @ 5:42 pm
All my well wishes to one of my favorite bands. This sounds a bit serious. I hope everything turns out okay. Bummer. 🙁 Also just heard today that John Anderson is not well at all. He is apparently experiencing some very, very bad health problems and had to cancel a bunch of shows this morning. Another guy to keep in your thoughts, folks.
August 6, 2017 @ 7:53 pm
If Turnpike breaks up I will fucking cry
August 6, 2017 @ 11:01 pm
I have to jump on a plan any damn time i want to see a show. Rome is like the middle East for americana artists.
August 6, 2017 @ 11:02 pm
*plane
August 6, 2017 @ 11:03 pm
Misses their show due to cancellation, but things happen and one cannot fault someone for taking care of family. Should be all our priorities. Will catch them next time.
On a positive note, their opening act still performed even though we will receive refunds. Charlie Crocket and the band touring with him was fantastic; tight players. They played extra long and put on a great show. Would go see them again as well!
August 7, 2017 @ 5:32 am
Family always comes first. I’d doubt they’d cancel without a good reason. Life happens, especially these days. I get that people shelled out money to travel, I’ve done it myself. But I’ve always lived in big cities where I’ve pretty much been able to see anyone I wanted. I also always fly southwest, which has an easy cancellation policy. Stuff happens, you gotta roll with it sometimes.
August 7, 2017 @ 5:49 am
I think the folks doing all the complaining are just a reflection on what our society is becoming. This ‘me first, I’m so important, how dare you inconvenience me’, attitude is way too common. I commend the man for doing what is the right and only thing a family man, or woman, should do: take care of your family first and foremost. A real fan would understand this.
August 7, 2017 @ 8:46 am
Some like the Troubadours do come through here, but Memphians pretty much have to fly out to see the Americana/Red Dirt/Texas acts. I’m relieved that they will be at Braun Brothers because we are flying out for that next week. It would suck to have spent the money for travel and have the band cancel, but I’m sure whatever Ryan Engleman is going through sucks even worse. Just gotta keep it in perspective.
August 7, 2017 @ 11:25 am
There much be a bunch of very wealthy people with tons of free time if people are flying to distant locations to see a show. More power to you, but if you’ve got the dough ray me to do it then it isn’t like you can’t eat the loss.
August 8, 2017 @ 5:39 am
I remember Stapleton got crucified here when he canceled with his finger issue. “just go get another guitarist” was the most prevalent comment. Funny how few there are here when it pertains to the TT. Not an issue, I just find the difference interesting…
August 8, 2017 @ 2:00 pm
Stuff happens to us mortals even our favorite bands. Just chill out and move on. They are flesh and blood not robots.
August 11, 2017 @ 9:53 pm
I fly from Argentina to see the TPT in Brooklin. My best decision ever. Great band. Was so fun.
August 14, 2017 @ 8:47 am
Dustin “Sunshine” Schaeffer (ex Motorcars) filled in on guitar in Challis. Was a great damn show. Including, of course, Jamie Lin Wilson guesting on “Call a Spade a Spade”
November 8, 2018 @ 2:40 pm
Tack care of what you got going on!
JRWJR