Zac Brown Selling Iconic Southern Ground Studios
The empire Zac Brown built during his big run in the 2000’s continues to be threatened among critical takes on his new music, and dwindling tour revenue due to the Coronavirus. First having to lay off the majority of his full time employees after cancelling his 2020 tour due to COVID-19, now Brown has listed his iconic Southern Ground recording studio in Nashville on the market.
Originally a Presbyterian church built in 1903, and converted into a studio in 1968 by Fred Foster to be the recording home of his Monument Records label, the property takes advantage of vaulted wood ceilings, and has become a sought after recording space for artists from a wide swath of music. Not just the home base for the Zac Brown Band, Willie Nelson, Blackberry Smoke, Eric Clapton, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, The Foo Fighters, and Neil Young are just some of the many names that have recorded in the space, making it as famous as some of the bands that have recorded there.
Zac Brown acquired the property located on 17th Avenue just north of Music Row in 2012 for roughly $900,000, and shortly sunk about $4 million into the studio to update the building and equipment, including adding a state-of-the-art kitchen so he could explore his culinary passions as well. Sitting on a two-parcel property and roughly 0.31 acres, the studio is located in one of the most sought-after real estate settings in all of the South. The property is currently listed at $10 million, and comes fully equipped.
In a teary-eyed address posted on March 18th, Zac Brown explained that after 15 years of touring, he was having to let go of 90% of his full time employees from his road crew and support staff due to the Coronavirus cancellations. Brown was one of the first to cancel his tour plans when Coronavirus concerns began mounting, and has since canceled his entire 2020 tour.
April 26, 2020 @ 12:08 pm
Seeing this happen to Zac Brown reminds me of what happened to John Entwistle’s(Bass Guitarist of The Who) 70s solo career. It’s very interesting how their careers followed a similar path with the only difference being the music that caused fans to give up on them (EDM Country for Zac Brown and Fifties Rock parodies for John Entwistle)
April 27, 2020 @ 1:01 pm
Zac brown band is one of my many favorites. Just goes to show how much this virus effects us all, rich, poor. Talented, untalented. If anything this virus makes us all equal. God bless us all. Fast eddie. CHI-TOWN
April 27, 2020 @ 5:24 pm
Except not everyone is running into hiding like he is.
April 26, 2020 @ 12:14 pm
This is good news. I genuinely love seeing people like Zac Brown go under. I really do. I hope somehow he winds up hanging chickens in a Tyson plant.
Hopefully all the really talented people he’s surrounded himself with can find new gigs soon.
April 26, 2020 @ 2:54 pm
That’s a terrible thing to say, Karma is a b****!
April 26, 2020 @ 5:51 pm
I agree completely, that comment was terrible. And you’re right, a Tyson chicken plant is way too good for him.
April 27, 2020 @ 5:17 pm
It may be but it was just as bad with this idiot cancelling the rest of this year’s tour.
Why?
No one knows where we will be in the future but for this chicken s**t to cancel out the entire year back in February about the same time he fired most of those employed by him?
Go back to you secluded home in Alaska and stay there until you die of old age Brown because there will no doubt be more bad shit coming in this world, yet you are to afraid to face the challenges ahead.
You supported our military with your camp but dont f’n dare from this point forward request needing your help to help military members because those members put their lives on the line every day and they never had a choice to just give up and hide from the hard choices as you did you chicken s**t bast**d.
Go back to what you did best in life when it mattered most, cuddle up in the arms of the most important person in your life who never had a doubt about what she would do to help or save the future of her son regardless of what that future provided.
Your career is over boy and no one will save you from what the future has coming for all of us.
Enjoy your seclusion.
April 28, 2020 @ 8:04 am
I’m not sure if you’re familiar with venue booking, but you can’t just cancel and rebook on a whim. This is why most are cancelling.
If you choose not to like him, fine. But he’s cancelling his shows for the good of his fans. It would be selfish not to cancel.
April 28, 2020 @ 5:51 pm
No I am not familiar with venue booking as well as canceling but have been informed that those in charge of ticket sales are now denying a refund to those acts regarding cancellations, they will no longer be refunded, this does not effect ticket purchasers.
Zac Brown fired everyone and now this recording studio is up for sale.
He cancelled his entire tour for the year without knowing how this will play out and yet he is a big backer of those that put their lives on the line yet he folds in the face of “fear”?
Typical person who wants to make a name for themselves to help those that actually placed their lives on the line but when it comes to truley supporting those people?
He is an f’n fraud and has now shown to the world as well as those that he wanted to help that he is a coward.
Like I said, head back to your secluded area in Alaska fraud.
May 14, 2020 @ 9:45 am
Funny how these Haugh guys can muster up much needed courage to talk s*** over a post on the internet. I am by no means sticking up for ZB, as his new music and way of life has been atrocious, However, the fact that people like you two spend time on typing comments as yours above, is adding to the constant issue our society has. Cowards like you sitting behind a computer screen writing aggravated speeches about other folks pretty much violate every moral behind good country music. You will get what is coming to you.
May 14, 2020 @ 3:45 pm
“You will get what is coming to you”?
Zac? Is that you?
Who ever you are you now have made your point of a personal threat.
I made a point that Zac Brown chickened out regarding the rest of the year of which other bands that we have an interest in to see them this you still have concerts scheduled. State cancellations are one thing but when a band cancels an entire year?
Scared are we?
The wife and I actually purchased tickets to see these other bands perform and to date none of them have cancelled and they will be performing at the same venues that chicken sh$t Brown backed out of.
Many people have mentioned how Mr. Brown lost a court suit because his property is along a trail to public property that they need access to. His seclusion in that property was shot down by the courts, maybe he should have planned for a more secluded location before trying to lock out the public that we all f’n paid for through taxes. This basically explains the mindset of Mr. Brown.
That court action points to an issue as Zac as being “I am more important then your attitude” and as such backs up why I say that I am finally done with this fake.
One more thing regarding that threat?
Being it on buddy if you feel you are in the right because I will be waiting for you.
Grizzly? Which lives in Alaska? Of which you yourself live Mr. Brown?
Bring in on Zac.
May 14, 2020 @ 4:24 pm
That’s the end of this thread. Ain’t gonna allow threats here, veiled or otherwise.
May 14, 2020 @ 5:28 pm
Just for the record I have taking a screen shot regarding your comment which included you comments regarding I will get what is coming to me.
April 27, 2020 @ 5:59 am
That is messed up to say something so rude and evil about someone who’s hit hard times.
I hope the band comes back stronger and harder in the future.
As for you I have nothing to say, because my mama always said if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.
Good day!
April 27, 2020 @ 9:09 am
Hard times? Zac Brown has an estimated net worth of $30 million. His laid off workers are in hard times, but he’s not.
April 28, 2020 @ 8:57 am
the hypocrisy is once again. decrying the cancel culture in the ryan adams article and wishing for zak brown’s ruin in this one.
April 28, 2020 @ 11:23 am
Can you see the difference between voicing discontent, including wishing for financial ruin In a comment, and actively pressuring other businesses, including radio and concert venues to cancel performances and air play? I can provide many examples of that happening to the Dixie Chicks and Ryan Adams – things that, you know, put the “cancel” in cancel culture. Is there evidence of one person here doing or suggesting that? If so I’ll criticize them with you. If you’re going to make a “gotcha“ comparison, maybe make it an actual comparison?
April 28, 2020 @ 11:38 am
according to jesus, thinking and wishing for something is no different than doing it. still wrong. still a sin.
“you have heard that it was said, ‘you shall not commit adultery.’ but i tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
April 28, 2020 @ 12:03 pm
Lol well there you go, you win I guess????
You do have a point, if you’re referring to people who claim to live by the teachings of Jesus, making those comments. Do they? I dont know. Aside from my own joke about the chicken plant, I actually don’t care that he’s successful, and try to stay away from jealousy myself. His recent music, on the other hand… is fair game.
April 26, 2020 @ 12:16 pm
Zach brown should cover Streets of Aberdeen by Hellbound Glory. He’d be back in the money in no time. Guaranteed hit.
April 26, 2020 @ 12:37 pm
Then you could finally have enough to make your way down to Louisiana to play some shows.
April 26, 2020 @ 12:20 pm
I don’t feel the least bit sorry for this freaking Judas.
April 26, 2020 @ 12:33 pm
Who needs a studio when you have a laptop?
April 26, 2020 @ 2:33 pm
Jake you beat me to it. Was gonna say, given the new direction of his “music” the studio wasn’t gonna get any use and a teenager on a laptop could do the same thing! Sadly true.
Who wants a 10 mil recording studio? Any takers?
April 26, 2020 @ 2:48 pm
Yup. It’s a nice studio that’s kind of a waste for someone who wants to make bangers with a mouse.
April 27, 2020 @ 12:51 pm
I would like to know the reason of those ugly comment about Zac Brown. Even though I think its terrible to say evil things to another human bean. I I like his music. Its beautiful.
April 27, 2020 @ 5:27 pm
Because of his actions he now has one hell of a hole to climb out of so enjoy what you have.
April 26, 2020 @ 12:57 pm
This is what happens whenever someone decides to go in not only a totally different direction musically, but also somehow manage to make horrific music in their new direction as well. I feel like their music career can’t be saved at this point.
April 26, 2020 @ 1:27 pm
Hope his ex-wife gets all the proceeds from the sale to support the 25 kids Zac had with her before he middle-lifed out on her.
April 26, 2020 @ 4:40 pm
I am thinking that future concert performances will be in casinos, etc. often in rural communities just to get some money at this stage in the game.
April 26, 2020 @ 4:56 pm
Tough time to be selling something like this. I wonder if ole Scott and Scooter will snatch it up like they did Ray Stevens lot.
April 26, 2020 @ 5:20 pm
Kind of a shame. Not the studio, thats just a building that can be replaced. It kinda looks like Zac’s lost his way. Dont think its a country vs pop thing either, ZBB has always played a little bit of everything. Maybe Zac can use this time to find himself again. Go back to your roots bro’, the music, not the fame and fortune. We’ll all be prayin for ya.
April 26, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
I’ll give him $50 if he takes all the kiddy Pro Tools shit out, and puts the good gear back in.
April 26, 2020 @ 7:19 pm
Zac,
Horrible how fast he has deteriorated.
April 26, 2020 @ 10:21 pm
With all due respect to the Presbyterians and Fred Foster (he was kind of a big deal), does anybody else wish we could just move this down to Texas? It looks amaaazing!
April 27, 2020 @ 2:19 am
Maybe if Zac hadn’t pissed away his career by alienating his fanbase, things would be different. I really hope he uses this ordeal to find back to his roots and re-invent himself for the better, otherwise MTV Unplugged will be knocking on his door in a not too distant future.
April 27, 2020 @ 4:02 am
In other news, Zac Brown has teamed up with Hick-Hop rapper Mikel Knight for the Gangstas -4-Eva Tour 2021. Coming soon to a Walmart parking lot near you!
April 27, 2020 @ 6:13 am
Boy, you people are viscious ! If you’re a true music lover, you get it. I love Southern rock, Gospel, Ragee, hell even classical because I listen to the instrumental mixes and harmonizations and lyrics. Yes, they’re beginning roots were great, always, but the appropriately named “jekyl and Hyde” I thought was fabulous too. One minute you want to cry, next dance, next head bob in your car, “like a box of chocolates”, always a surprise. I respect they’re experimenting, such incredibly talented people. What’s his wife got to do with his music, leave personal life out of it and concentrate on music, and something besides basic C,D,F chords. Keep you heads ZBB !
April 27, 2020 @ 9:13 am
There is no ZBB anymore, he laid them off. There’s just ZB and his laptop. Poor laptop.
April 27, 2020 @ 5:08 pm
Ok boomer
April 27, 2020 @ 6:24 am
I feel kind of bad for caring less about this because of Zac caring less about putting out quality music.
Oh wait, I don’t. Not for Zac anyway. For any of his former employees, current and former, yes. For him? Not at all.
All he had to do for all of these bad things to have not happened is stick to his creative roots. That’s it. His ego is 100% at fault for his downfall.
April 27, 2020 @ 7:18 pm
Cocaine is a hell of a drug.
April 27, 2020 @ 9:42 am
I blame Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell.
April 27, 2020 @ 1:26 pm
These are the types of comments that have people complaining about this website. I don’t care about Zac Brown at all, but to cheer for his demise just because you don’t like his music…. There’s a way to advocate for the things you want without celebrating someone else’s hardships.
April 27, 2020 @ 1:34 pm
Are you talking about the comments, or the website? They’re two separate things. The commenters only represent their own opinions.
The Southern Ground Studios is a cultural institution in an over 100-year-old building. There’s a lot of history there and its sale is of cultural importance.
April 27, 2020 @ 1:46 pm
I’m talking about the comments, which influence how people see this website. A major part of this place’s appeal is the community around it — people want to be able to engage and talk with you as well as other people who read your articles.
April 27, 2020 @ 2:29 pm
Who has said they hope Zac Brown dies?
April 27, 2020 @ 3:31 pm
I never claimed anyone did. I was talking about financial ruin.
April 27, 2020 @ 3:49 pm
You may want to word your comment better, then.
Also, in the same breath you say you don’t care about Zac Brown at all, and then you give us a slap on the wrist, because we also don’t care about him at all? That’s pretty hypocritical. Pick your battles, man.
April 27, 2020 @ 6:06 pm
My comment is worded fine unless you’re not really interested in what I’m saying, which brings us to your next point:
“Also, in the same breath you say you don’t care about Zac Brown at all, and then you give us a slap on the wrist, because we also don’t care about him at all?”
There’s a difference between apathy for his music (which where I am) and actively celebrating essentially someone’s business going bankrupt (which is where you seem to be — correct me if I’m wrong). Zac Brown has released a lot of music that’s made a lot of people happy, and that’s great; more power to him for finding a fanbase and giving them what they want. I don’t happen to be one of those people. That doesn’t mean I want him to stop making music or no longer be successful, and I don’t see why anyone else would, either.
April 27, 2020 @ 5:33 pm
I’ve addressed this same concern in numerous comments lately. I am completely self-aware that some people love to chastise Saving Country Music for what happens in the comments, but many of those people come here to seek out comments they will find offensive to validate their opinions as opposed to taking a more broad scope of the comment culture, or simply voice their viewpoint or challenge others. The vast majority of comments sections on this site are incredibly tame. But for some reason, nobody comments on that. They seek out articles they know will be controversial in the comments, and portray it as the norm, and then complain about the comments and commenters. What am I supposed to do here, just start deleting comments wholesale and blocking commenters? Believe it or not, I do delete comments when I feel it is warranted, and certain problem commenters are either blocked or sent to moderation. But one of the reasons these comment sections aren’t as balanced as some would like is because some people feel they’re too high and mighty to interact with the hoi pilloi, and instead feel people’s voices who differ from theirs should be stifled and censored as opposed to respected, and challenged if need be in an open forum of ideas.
April 27, 2020 @ 6:44 pm
I think that’s an uncharitable reading of why some people come to this site. Speaking only for myself, I didn’t come to this comment section expecting what I got; I thought your article was a fairly standard bit of reporting on the hardships musicians can face during a pandemic. That’s doesn’t scan as controversial. However, I do think there’s more (rightful) concern around the polarizing subjects; how a community handles genuine disagreement shows how well they can talk to one another. People want to be able to talk and disagree without it turning nasty.
I’m also not blaming you for how others behave: I’m just stating that, when people come to your comment section and see others delighted that Zac Brown is broke now, this is why they complain.
April 27, 2020 @ 6:49 pm
These 2 things don’t really go together, just saying.
“I didn’t come to this comment section expecting what I got”
“These are the types of comments that have people complaining about this website”.
April 27, 2020 @ 1:46 pm
It’s not just about Zac’s music. He’s a garbage person.
April 27, 2020 @ 3:22 pm
Exactly. The majority of negative comments here are about people being glad a garbage person won’t be living the lifestyle of the rich and famous for the foreseeable future. No one is saying they hope Zac Brown dies. Some of the comment police on this site need to learn to pick their battles.
April 28, 2020 @ 6:21 am
Why do you care how Zac Brown lives his life? If you are truly concerned about ‘garbage’ people living rich and famous, where do you stop caring? Do you spend your days caring about the Kardashians as well? I never liked ZB’s music, even before he changed his style but wouldn’t care if he spent the rest of his life in a castle on a beautiful hillside overlooking the ocean. Your attitude will turn you into a King Honky who seems to just be miserable and hate on everything. You should take your own advice and pick your battles. Caring about Zac Brown’s life seems petty and childish to me.
April 28, 2020 @ 7:52 am
I have an OPINION about Zac Brown, because I read Saving Country Music, and he’s a favored target of this site. I don’t have any OPINION about the Kardashians, because I don’t read Saving Cable Television.
“wouldn’t care if he spent the rest of his life in a castle on a beautiful hillside overlooking the ocean.”
Yes…I wouldn’t care either. Living on a beautiful hillside overlooking the ocean is a positive thing. Good for people who have the means to live that life, but boo for garbage people who get to live that life. What is your point?
“You should take your own advice and pick your battles.”
I’m not embattled at all. I’m simply giving my opinion about the nature of the downfall of a person who’s being reminded that you reap what you sow. And the Stans, like you, are getting upset.
“Caring about Zac Brown’s life seems petty and childish to me.”
I don’t even know how to respond to this absurd statement.
April 27, 2020 @ 5:35 pm
I do not cheer about the demise of his music only his decision of firing thr crew and cancelling the tour for the rest of the year when no one knows what will be taking place come summer and latter.
His excuse deserves his demise.
April 27, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
Honestly, what exactly are you looking for? You want people to all agree and behave in a way that makes YOU feel most comfortable? Trying to force your insecurities on the rest of us is some serious sense of entitlement.
April 27, 2020 @ 7:02 pm
You’ve already been called out for the consistently rude, personal nature of your comments, and I can see that nothing’s changed. I’m not going to be responding to you anymore since you don’t know how to disagree with people. Have a great life.
April 27, 2020 @ 7:33 pm
It’s funny that you think that bothers me. It’s the day when the perpetually fragile DON’T call me out that I’ll be concerned.
April 28, 2020 @ 8:15 am
man, this comment wouldn’t have made it through moderation if i made it. isn’t that right, trigger? i haven’t even commented in here yet and it’s already a train wreck… are jake’s comments moderated too? he seems to attack people quite a bit on here.
this thread, like saving… something? said, is pretty indicative of this site i’ve come to learn.
April 28, 2020 @ 9:42 am
TheGentile,
Quit whining about the damn comments. There’s nothing in Jake Cutter’s comment that could be deemed deletable. You’re literally wanting me to come through here and stifle people’s opinions that don’t fit yours. I don’t agree with everything Jake Cutter says, and I’d probably agree he’s posting too much, and being too sensitive in certain instances. But if I start deleting comments to sway the conversation in a direction I deem favorable, then I’m not operating an open forum, I’m operating an autocracy.
Looking through the comments here, there are many people coming to the defense of Zac Brown. There’s you, there’s Saving What?, there’s Marcia Price, Kevin D, Clr, Emma Meja, Laurie, and Travis. That’s eight separate commenters offering differing viewpoints from the majority. That shows me that there is a healthy degree of dissent, and this is not an echo chamber.
That said, when you’re an artist like Zac Brown, or Sturgill Simpson, or Jason Isbell, and you decide to cross swords with your established fan base, there’s going to be negative feedback. That’s just the way it goes. And I’m not going to stifle those people’s voices just because some people deem it ugly.
As I’ve said many times now. You see something you disagree with? Speak up. But bring a thick skin, and quit crying about what people are saying in the comments.
Good Lord.
April 28, 2020 @ 9:23 am
Are you commenting on something other than Stubell or am I still asleep and dreaming? In reality there’s no way you would go to a non-Stubell article just to argue with Trigger….right? You would make a comment somewhere about the actual article, right? Oh wait…
April 28, 2020 @ 10:04 am
Trigger!! You don’t agree with everthing I say!?!? ????
I comment too much? ????
Actually I agree, I need to chill a bit ????
It’s amazing how I might respond to a measured response that doesn’t call for censorship. ????
April 28, 2020 @ 10:24 am
Jake,
I appreciate your comments here. I appreciate everyone’s comments here. That is why I make the very rare choice as a writer to read them all and respond when I deem it worthy. Trying to get these comments sections right is a moving target. But it’s one we all need to try to hit, including myself, including The Gentile and everyone else.
April 28, 2020 @ 10:26 am
i’m just remarking on how i get called out for being disruptive, rude, problematic, off topic, etc. but someone who is equally so, does not. it’s just very interesting to me. for example, a comment i made asking if a guy had “ever hear(d) of harvey weinstein?” when he stated no one forces women to have sex to further their careers did not make it by it by trigger’s carefully vetted approval process yesterday. jake’s comment calling someone insecure and perpetually fragile has no vetting process and has nothing to do with the topic at hand. it’s just a personal attack.
moderating a comment section and censoring comments you don’t like tends to get in the way of that whole free speech proponent stance you like to claim you have. the rules only apply to some here.
finally jake, i have no comment on whether you are able to differentiate between a dream-like state and reality. i do have my suspicions tho.
April 27, 2020 @ 3:40 pm
What about the other studios in Nashville…are they closed or are they allowed to operate ?
I wouldn’t think recording studios are considered an “essential” business…even in Music City
(but I don’t know for sure.)
If ZB doesn’t own the studio free and clear, he’d have loan payments to make plus property taxes, utilities and possibly equipment payments….ect. And if he’s not making any money playing AND….no studio bizz…..how long could he (or anyone) maintain without income?
What does everyone think about the future of live music….is there any future…?
(I’m not sure…..)
April 27, 2020 @ 4:14 pm
As long as there are live people, there will be live music
April 27, 2020 @ 7:01 pm
Why do you think this has anything to do with the pandemic? I think a lot of people would say selling the studio coincides with the dwindling appeal for his laptop music, but who really knows.
April 28, 2020 @ 7:30 am
Jake Cutter….
According to the article, ZB’s studio was used by other bands/artist for recording. Even if his current music isn’t as popular, his recording studio is a separate business. That’s why I asked if the other Nashville studios are allowed to be opened ?
The pandemic has caused a lot of businesses to close…. We had 6 fairs for this coming summer and they’ve all been canceled. We had two “good money” corporate parties that were canceled last month….Every bar that we regularly play has been closed since March… How is the live music scene where you are ?
April 28, 2020 @ 8:23 am
My wife and I have both lost 100% of our incomes. I’m not sure why you think you need to convince anyone that the pandemic is having negative effects. The point of my comment is asking whether a long term business, such as a recording studio, being sold, is because of the pandemic. Maybe it is….but theres no evidence of that. Studios should be open again very quickly. They will recover much faster than other industries that rely on crowds to stay profitable. What many are suggesting is that PERHAPS its ZB’s lack of musical direction and adherence to his roots, that is causing his financial troubles. Does that make sense?
April 28, 2020 @ 9:26 am
There are two issues going on with Zac Brown selling the Southern Ground Studios. The first (and what most are focusing on) is the fact that Zac Brown has put out some really bad music lately, cancelled his tour before most, is not planning to tour at all in 2020 when it remains undetermined if that will be warranted depending on what happens with the Coronaviurs, and the accusation (fair or not) that his cancellations and layoffs are all part of a Coronavirus smoke screen since his ticket sales were falling and he was potentially looking at having to cancel certain dates of the tour anyway. I think we all can agree that the career of Zac Brown is in a free fall at the moment, Coronavirus or not.
The second issue is that the Southern Ground Studios is arguably a historic landmark and was before Zac Brown bought it, and it sits in an extremely sought-after location that will most certainly be enticing to developers. Zac Brown is just the steward, sort of like RCA Studio A when Ben Folds was renting it long term, and it came up for sale. Undoubtedly studios are suffering during COVID-19, though I can’t speak to their specific requirements. My understanding is some of them are still operating, but under severe restrictions, and at a much smaller demand. Whether Zac Brown is involved or not, the fate of Southern Ground Studios is something of cultural significance in music.
April 27, 2020 @ 5:21 pm
Exactly, Zac Brown apparently knows nothing about hard times.
Hell, he placed his tail between his legs and ran off.
Hard times? Really?
April 27, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
When I first heard Zac was laying off 90% of his staff/canceling the tour, I thought, there is more to the story than Zac can’t pay them while not touring. I don’t know his financial situation, that may be true, but there has to be more to the story. Is he burnt out? Is he having issues mentally, physically, or emotionally and needs some time away? Is he lost and running from something? Is he found and running to something? I don’t know, but I really think there are multiple things going on.
I know a couple touring country artists and the ones I know, their staff is their family. Figuratively and literally. Most have been on their staff for most of their career. They do have to separate themselves from their staff a little because it is a business but they love them dearly. They do their best to take care of them where they can. At times, both artists have made sure that the staff and bills were paid before they were paid.
I reached out to both on this situation. What are they going to do during this time? Lay off the staff? Cancel the tour? What is going on with Zac Brown? Tell me everything?
The responses I got were…
I don’t know yet, too soon to tell. Take it one day at a time and enjoy some needed time at home with the family. For right now, the staff are getting their full basic pay for the shows that are canceled minus their per diems and any other road money they may get. Most shows will be rescheduled, so it will work out in the end somehow. If it goes on longer than expected, they will get a reduced pay as long as we can do it. We will write, record, plan, create. There is still work to be done even if we are not on the road. We are just having to rearrange some things. We have a rainy day fund for this exact situation and we have always told our staff to do the same. They are OK right now! We are making sure of that!
Ok, great, what’s the truth with Zac? What’s going on?
Man, that’s not my business, that’s Zac’s, I don’t know.
Yes you do, tell me!!!
Nah man, whatever is going on is Zac and his crews business, not mine, not yours, I don’t know, I hope they are all going to be OK right now. His crew is a top notch crew and will be able to get on with someone if they want once we get back on the road.
April 29, 2020 @ 8:55 pm
Judging by the comments, this is truly a great example of the collaterall damage the virus has caused. Its not about health anymore. It’s all about politics and blame and us against them. Future scholars are going to have a field day with this.
April 29, 2020 @ 9:07 pm
I agree.
April 30, 2020 @ 12:28 pm
I think what’s happening to the Zac Brown Band is what has already happened to The Band Perry. They are attempting a genre change at break-neck speed, with no sense of where they want to go musically.
May 15, 2020 @ 7:50 pm
It just business. Like many other businesses, such as the airlines and restaurants, there is no savings account. The revenue that comes in goes right back into the business. The day that income stream stops is the day the business folds. Unlike the airlines, performers get no government funding, loans, grants etc, to keep going. He did the smart thing. He did the realistic thing. He is cashing out. Interesting that his previous career was operating a restaurant. Those places are failing at an alarming rate. Hope he finds a soft place to land.
September 6, 2024 @ 4:09 am
Wow. Reading these comments four years later, knowing what we know about the scamdemic, is a real eye opener.
does anyone know if the studio was sold and if it’s still operating? I know a lot of high rise apartments have gone up recently in that area. I’d hate to think that building was knocked down for one.