Turnpike Troubadours’ RC Edwards: “Reports of Our Death Have Been Highly Exaggerated”
The Turnpike Troubadours are not done yet. This was the news coming out of Mile 0 Fest last weekend in Key West, Florida, where the Oklahoma-based Red Dirt country band was scheduled to play, but cancelled the appearance last minute along with multiple other shows. However a side project comprised of Turnpike Troubadours bass player and songwriter RC Edwards and long-time friend of the band Amber Watson called RC and the Ambers did play Saturday night (2-2) at Key West’s Cowboy Bill’s Honky Tonk Saloon, and RC addressed the situation that has some fans concerned.
“I also play in a band called the Turnpike Troubadours,” RC Edwards told the assembled crowd. “And the reports of our death have been highly exaggerated.”
RC Edwards didn’t give any further details, but the assembled crowd was pleased to hear the proclamation. RC and the Ambers also played at Mile 0 Fest in 2018, and that incarnation of the band included all of the members of the Turnpike Troubadours except for front man Evan Felker. This year, numerous members of Mike and the Moonpies and other outfits sat in as the backing band, including both the Moonpies’ steel guitar player Zach Molton, and bass player Omar Oyoque playing bass and steel guitar. Turnpike Troubadours steel guitar and accordion player “Hammerin'” Hank Early was also at the show.
On Thursday of the festival when the Turnpike Troubadours were scheduled to headline on the main stage, multiple attendees wore Turnpike Troubadours gear to show solidarity with the band. Cody Canada had requested fans do so, and Canada wore his own Turnpike Troubadours shirt on stage, saying in part, “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.” Cody Canada was one of numerous performers who addressed the Turnpike Troubadours issues over the week.
The Turnpike Troubadours might release a statement soon about what fans can expect in the future. In the meantime, their next show on February 14th at the Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska is still on at the moment, as are other 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.
A full recap from Mile 0 Fest from Saving Country Music is forthcoming, and you can also check out Saving Country Music’s Instagram Page for numerous dispatches from the festival.
February 4, 2019 @ 9:14 am
Well they may not be dead, but definitely on life support with some fans
February 4, 2019 @ 9:19 am
If you get to a show and I tell you “Sorry, the headliner pulled a Troubadour” you would know exactly what I mean. That isn’t good.
February 4, 2019 @ 10:15 am
Let’s get a statement or some reliable info about it already
February 4, 2019 @ 10:41 am
It’s probably best for the band to take an extended hiatus in order to get whatever is troubling them fixed.
February 4, 2019 @ 12:05 pm
Well Mr Cody. Was the f-bomb really necessary? We all get tired. If u need to catch a breath then don’t over extend yourselves and then blame it on the fans. Wish you all well..
February 4, 2019 @ 2:34 pm
Haha you should just stay away from about 99% of these guys if you’re going to be offended by the F word.
https://youtu.be/OOhhEMn-8D8
February 4, 2019 @ 1:00 pm
Fuck the fair weather fans.
One of the greatest disservice we as fans can do to the musicians we love is not giving them the time and rest they deserve so they can keep producing the music that we love. Touring and playing shows is a minor fraction of a band’s responsibilities. The number one responsibility of all humans is to take care of ourselves.
Let these boys do what they need to, so we can continue to have their beautiful and uniquly superior music in the future.
Any fan that cannot support that does not deserve to call themself a fan.
February 4, 2019 @ 1:12 pm
Sorry, but that’s absurd
If I hire a tree-cutter to trim my trees, and he has a bad back and does’t get out there the first week that’s one thing, life happens
two weeks and the tree-cutter should either find a way to trim my trees or refund me what I spent
and if he can’t trim my trees and won’t explain why he won’t cut my trees, it doesn’t take Albert Einstein to figure out that maybe this guy shouldn’t be in the tree trimming business in the first place.
The troubadors need to stop acting like teenagers and either get off the road or get their rear ends on some stages and deliver the product they’re charging money for
because this is just immature, suspicious, and really, really disrespectful
I’ll bet ya a dollar that there’s gonna be more cancelled shows in the future
February 4, 2019 @ 1:56 pm
Exactly. Its not even just the cancelled shows. People make travel plans to go see them…you may get your ticket refunded but what about hotel rooms and days off work?
Who pays for that?
Why should I give them respect when they don’t respect the fans…you know the ones who pay for everything and show up at shows. Once I pay for tickets, music, and merch I owe the band nothing.
February 4, 2019 @ 5:29 pm
Exactly. Its not about the tickets its about taking off work, hotels, gas etc…. Very disrespectful when you cancel last second.
February 4, 2019 @ 2:20 pm
That’s the biggest pile of bull crap I’ve ever heard. These clowns get PAID to do what they do. They’re in control of their schedules far more than the average Joe. This is business, pure and simple. And TT are not handling it well. And Cody Canada can eat balls. If this life is too much for his precious little body, then I’m sure he can merge into a nice landscaping or roofing crew this summer. And RC needs to keep his smart mouth shut until he and his band are prepared to handle their business properly.
February 4, 2019 @ 9:00 pm
Its the night people’s job to get the day people’s money.
February 9, 2019 @ 11:21 am
I’m sure you’re perfect at your job everyday.
February 4, 2019 @ 5:56 pm
Stow the fan police act.
The fan base has a right to be disappointed. Shows are continually cancelled, no legitimate explanation is offered, and more shows are scheduled despite obvious issues in the band.
Music is a business too. In exchange for currency, the band is obligated to show up and perform well. No drunken performances or late cancellations.
February 4, 2019 @ 1:08 pm
NO. eff that shit
If I pay you money and you don’t deliver, I want it back.
If you can’t handle being a musician then pack it up, go home and get out of the way of people better than you who want your slot.
Either deliver or go home, but pick one
if you gotta cancel a show you owe a lot of people their money back
and if you keep cancelling you gotta own up to it
because where there’s smoke there’s fire
Either get your act together or get out of town because the fans don’t owe you a stolen penny
if you can’t be a reliable act then that’s on you
and if you can’t explain to people why you’re unreliable then only a dumbass would buy tickets to see a show that they can’t prove will happen and if it doesn’t there’s no explanation why
If you can’t handle being a touring band then go home.
Pretty soon we’ll forget you ever existed
February 4, 2019 @ 2:15 pm
They are already scheduling more shows for March, April, and May! Are you kidding me?! They JUST had to cancel 2 weeks worth of shows because of (implied) lack of sobriety of Evan. This is so distructive and dangerous to force him out on the road even more. Is his health not more important than $$ at this point?
February 4, 2019 @ 2:16 pm
I don’t know who this Douche “Fussy TwoShits” thinks he is, >he’s not<, but he needs to go lie down in traffic somewhere so the rest of us don't have to deal with his stupidity. You imbecile, no one is twisting your goddamn finger to buy a Turnpike CD/show ticket, or anyone else's for that matter. If you don't like it don't buy it. It's not the bands job to coddle your ego or tuck you in at night nor is it their responsibility to make sure you spend your money how you seem fit. Makes me think of the song "Be With Me" by James McMurtry. People are so entitled anymore.
February 4, 2019 @ 2:23 pm
You deserve to lose all of your time and money because of Turnpike Troubadours.
February 4, 2019 @ 2:59 pm
Entitled for wanting their money’s worth? Screw off
February 4, 2019 @ 3:01 pm
Its also not the fanbases’ job to coddle the band so that the band does a job that a thousand other just as talented musicians are scratching a clawing for a chance to get to do.
February 4, 2019 @ 3:02 pm
It’s not the fans responsibility to coddle the bands and especially Felker’s ego either. He certainly wanted the stardom. If they can’t handle running their business or being on the road, get other jobs. However, quit scheduling concerts, taking fans’ money and not showing up. In any other business that is consumer rights deception. I was lucky that they showed up in Boston but I got the ticket at last minute
February 4, 2019 @ 3:29 pm
I totally understand folks who were cancelled on being angry, but I’ve never thought of Evan Felker or anyone else in Turnpike wanting to seek “stardom,” or to be especially egotistical. In fact one of the underlying problems here is that the band is trying so hard to stay private, there have been communication breakdowns. And even before all of the cancellations, they never sought out significant press coverage or did anything else that would make you think that being famous is what they’re all about.
February 4, 2019 @ 4:03 pm
Sorry if you want to he private you don’t show up in NY holding hands with Lambert after the press were tipped off. If that isn’t looking for stardom I don’t know what it is. Oh I forgot it must have been true love that lasted a month.
February 4, 2019 @ 4:54 pm
Hard to argue that point
February 4, 2019 @ 5:51 pm
Trust me, nobody from the Turnpike camp is tipping off the press about Miranda Lambert and Evan Felker holding hands in New York. I can’t speak for the Miranda crew, but we’ve seen over the last few months and weeks just how “hands on” the Turnpike Troubadours publicity crew is.
February 4, 2019 @ 6:19 pm
This might be the problem. The lack of communication about the situation is making their supporters angry and they’re going to stop buying tickets and albums. I understand wanting to be private. No one wants to air their dirty laundry. However, seeing as how they are now “public figures”, I’m not sure that’s an option anymore.
These jilted fans are feeling just that, jilted. With NO explanation, the fans are beginning to feel like they’re being taken advantage of and taken for granted. Like others have stated, it’s not only the cost of the ticket. It’s also the associated costs for some, like travel, hotel, vacation days, babysitters, etc.
I wonder too if the real problem isn’t these extra costs. I wonder if it’s the unrequited effort. These people have demonstrated just how dedicated and supportive they are as fans, willing to incur these additional costs just to see a band they love. I believe that a simple explanation should be offered up, even if it’s bad news and the band has to take a long hiatus and go dark for awhile. TT would be surprised just how supportive their fanbase really is and will continue to be.
Also, this isn’t the 50’s. TT’s fanbase won’t shun them because of a little substance abuse (if that’s really what it is). Obviously, we want “whoever” to get the help he needs. I’m sure most of their fans are well acquainted with Waylon, Jones, Cash, Travis, etc. It’s nothing new…
February 4, 2019 @ 3:49 pm
Turnpike Troubadours are a great band. They are all great guys. I remember seeing them in concert for the first time, thats been a few years ago. Theres a local venue that does a pretty good job of getting them there once a year, its something i look forward to. I appreciate the fact that Evan is trying to get help, and i wish him the best. I promise you weve all needed help at one point in our lives. People have a right in life to be upset, theres many country legends that we all listen to that had their struggle with addiction, some got help, some died from it. Prayers out to Evan and The Turnpike Troubadours at this time.
February 4, 2019 @ 4:07 pm
This is great news!
February 4, 2019 @ 5:20 pm
confident that if Miranda knocked on your window….ALL of you would use the stone your throwing to break the glass…and deal with it later as well…even if you had to cancel a few t-ball practices
February 4, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
Hopefully most would put their wives before her. She gave him 7 months of what while his wife stuck by him through hell. Sorry for his problems but get help. If he didn’t give a damn about his wife everyone should realize he doesn’t give a damn about his fans.
February 4, 2019 @ 6:21 pm
Nope. Would instead hide husband and the wedding ring and board up the window lest she throw a bottle of whiskey or vodka while trying to get in.
February 4, 2019 @ 5:27 pm
No way in hell Im buying tickets and driving 4 hours to Lincoln NE on a maybe. Im done traveling to see these guys. been burned way too many times.
February 4, 2019 @ 5:57 pm
. “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.” Cody Canada was one of numerous performers who addressed the Turnpike Troubadours issues over the week.
Fans dont force you to book shows and arent responsible if you miss them
February 4, 2019 @ 6:07 pm
Honestly, I am not surprised by the lack of communication or solid publicity. I love the band’s music to death but their off the stage management leaves much to be desired. I ordered the Long Way From Your Heart package off their website pre release and I didn’t receive it. After two weeks, I got tired of waiting and I emailed the website. The response lacked any apology or genuine sentiment. Just a blunt, it will be sent to you. I told my family about it and they said that they should have sent me a discount, free merchandise or a refund. I didn’t need those offers but an acknowledgement of the error would have been appreciated.
That is the way bands lose fans. I am mostly a Spotify user but I chose to splurge on a CD and a shirt that I really didn’t need. Next time, I am thinking twice about a pre-order.
February 4, 2019 @ 8:33 pm
I bought a cd from them, a charity thing iirc, and it was blank.
…
February 4, 2019 @ 7:10 pm
I’ve been a fan of these guys for a long time. I saw them for the first time in 2008 at Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater. Seen numerous shows ever since, bought every album the day it was released and stood by them no matter what. Whatever is going on maybe they can get figured out. Nothing they could do will waive my fondness and appreciation of their music. Chances are I’ll be going to one of the 2 shows they got coming up here in Oklahoma and if they get cancelled then so be it. My only hope is they make it through this and Evan is able to write a hell of a record out of this situation.
February 4, 2019 @ 9:05 pm
I honestly had never thought of this word until reading this article, and I dont know if it’s even this article specifically or just the continuingly flippant disregard for paying customers that has been the theme of this saga, but the word ‘boycott’ came to mind tonight.
February 5, 2019 @ 7:20 am
Tickets to Chicago house of blues with hotel and parking $500 plus time off work -Nov canceled- ok
Hotel/ expenses for made up show and time off work $400 in December. Canceled. Ok
Sunday’s show in Chicago canceled and it was the make up for the make up. Cancels. $200 hotel to extend trip. Ok
Key West. Cancels. $1,000+! Canceled. I did enjoy the vacation though so ok
Girlfriend bought me cavern tickets near Nashville for Christmas. Airfare already purchased. $600. I won’t even make the trip. They won’t show and won’t announce it until the night before.
So no it’s not the ticket money. It’s the respect given to fans. Just call it. If you build a year of successful touring maybe they’ll come again. Or maybe a new band will emerge and take your place. It’s not about time to chill. It’s simply respect for your fans
February 5, 2019 @ 9:38 am
No Troubadours at Braun Brothers this year, for the first time in a long time. I know of one other festival that tried to book them as a headliner in late July but was unable to do so, due to “circumstances.” Hopefully this means the band is taking the sustained break it needs to get its house in order.
February 5, 2019 @ 10:01 am
I wouldn’t have purchased tickets to a George Jones show when he was in his ‘No Show’ heyday, and I damn sure ain’t buying any Turnpike Troubadours tickets until they get their shit together.
(Actually, I seem to recall my old man got stiffed on George Jones show tickets once. How about that!)
February 5, 2019 @ 8:06 pm
Fuck Em., been burnt twice. Fuck Em
February 6, 2019 @ 7:45 am
Not buying any tickets until the band shows some stability…same thing happened to old crow and they took a hiatus and came back years later losing over half their fan base…they are slowly picking up fans…probably what will happen here….I dont like it but have patience to wait for some stability
February 9, 2019 @ 8:38 pm
To all of the people that are completely bashing them, you have no idea what’s going on in their lives. The things that Evan is going through isn’t all they have to deal with. You need to remember these guys have families and sometimes, things happen to people you love unexpectedly and then happen back to back. Show some respect for them as human beings.
May 26, 2019 @ 4:29 pm
Welp…