Kip Moore Insists His Afterparty Skip was a Big Misunderstanding
Wednesday night (4-15) was interesting to say the least for Saving Country Music after MCA Nashville artist Kip Moore and a number of his fans reached out through Twitter, calling into question Saving Country Music’s coverage of his scheduled appearance at an afterparty gone bad in his hometown of Valdosta, GA. Valdosta State University had contracted with Kip Moore’s management for the star to make an appearance at the Ashley Street Station after a concert, but he never showed. Angering the people who paid $10 to attend even more, Kip was spotted in another local bar partying down with other patrons.
Fanning the flames was a local blog called Valdosta Happenings that called Kip Moore an “asshole,” and spurned readers to reach out to Moore though his social media properties to complain. Some of the criticism aimed Saving Country Music’s way by Kip Moore and his fans appeared to confuse the two outlets. When Kip woke up the day after the show, he found a barrage of angry posts to him that he initially didn’t know what for. Saving Country Music posted both letters from Kip Moore to fans—the first where he didn’t know he was obligated to make the appearance, and the second where he found out from his management and apologized. SCM offered to post more from Kip if he chose to clarify his statements further.
Kip insisted to Saving Country Music that he did not know about the appearance, and that it was a lapse in communication with his management that caused the misunderstanding. “Yes they called my team and asked if I’d come by and I would have been glad to,” Moore says. “They helped promote the show and I would have been glad to. That part is my team’s fault which they own for not explaining I was supposed to go there.”
The owner of the Ashley Street Station said he spoke with Kip Moore and his management about the appearance himself, and that Kip was aware of the afterparty, but Kip says, “On show days my mind is everywhere and if this guy was anywhere near me taking about going to a bar I probably wasn’t paying attention. I already had plans to go to Blue Water [a separate bar] because my friend helps run it. And if he talked of a bar I probably thought he was talking about Blue Water if I even heard him. At the end of the night I went to Blue Water with no clue a group of fans were waiting. I do more for my fans than you will ever know.”
What doesn’t sit right with Kip is that the misunderstanding happened in his hometown, and his own fans were being turned against him.
“It sucks because I would have gladly gone by that bar. I do it all the time for people. I go out of my way all the time and now my own people are ripping me. It’s my people being turned on me and ripping me for something out of my control that bothers me. My team agreed I would go by there without me knowing but they never knew of a charge [for admission]. Most bars just ask if we’ll stop by and I think my team thought it was one of those situations. A casual pop in.”
As for Kip’s ripping of the people who attacked him on Facebook and Twitter for missing the engagement before he knew he was obligated to be there, he says, “Of course I’m gonna lash out when I wake up to the hate that I did. You would too. Especially when I had no clue why.”
Though the situation appears to be mostly diffused at this point, Moore wanted to make sure people knew his side of the story. “Normally I would let this bullshit go, but it’s my hometown and my own damn people.”
Kip will be in California next weekend to perform at the Stagecoach Festival.
Liza
April 16, 2015 @ 7:29 pm
He owns his team and he should own it, period. What an ass.
Kim
April 16, 2015 @ 8:13 pm
Obviously you have never made a mistake or miscommunicated with anyone.Not everyone is as perfect as you must be especially going as far calling him an ass when he clearly explained what happened! Kip does more for his fans then any other artist that I’ve seen out there!
Liza
April 16, 2015 @ 8:24 pm
He blamed his team. Any good manager is on top of things AND makes sure his team gets the job done. He blew it. The buck stops with him. And to say he wasn’t paying attention…low class, self-absorbed response.
Kristin
April 16, 2015 @ 11:51 pm
Liza – it is very clear you don’t know the music industry. Not sure how kips response is even close to ‘low class’ – seems you have excelled in that definition all on your very own. It’s clear by Kip’s response he’s passionate- in not only his career but in his fans andi his hometown. The same guy you’re accusing of ‘blaming his management’ is the same guy who takes his manager to every award show when he had ever opportunity of bringing the next Barbie doll date if he wanted. But he doesn’t. Kip doesn’t sell anyone out; he’s blunt and truthful. Shit – if he took all the blame, y’all still wouldn’t b satisfied- u just want a reason to bitch or to hate on someone u don’t even know.
I challenge u to go under a microscope w ur life and let the public judge you behind a screen… I bet you wouldn’t last a solid minute. Shit I bet you wouldn’t last 30 seconds.
I’m glad Kip responded – shows the dude gives a shit. But hey – go back to throwing those stones in that already broken glass house of yours 😘
Liza
April 17, 2015 @ 12:58 am
He looks bad, no way around it.
Charlie
April 17, 2015 @ 6:25 am
You totally miss the point, Kristin. . .
He is the name. He is the brand. He is responsible.
Him blaming somebody else for what is ultimately his responsibility, especially in the manner in which he did, makes him the definition of an ass. An arrogant ass at that–his subsequent behavior warrants that modifier.
If excusing his behavior because he wasn’t listening to the people involved makes you feel better about it, then good for you. Just don’t expect a reasonable person to agree with you.
Kristin
April 17, 2015 @ 8:03 am
You’re right Charlie – what an ass for telling us the actual truth instead of making up some BS. Great argument.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 8:32 am
Kristen: I think that Kip Moore is a big enough name to be able to surround himself with a competent team who doesn’t mess up, therefore, the fact that his team does mess up is indicative of poor management. Also, when he was in the wrong, his first response was to insult the people who called him on it, and then when he found out he was actually in the wrong, he never quite apologized, he just spewed some semantics. I’m sure he does care about his fans, as evidenced by the fact he was willing to do something like this in the first place, there are artists who wouldn’t, but that doesn’t excuse the mishandling of the situation.
Jerry P
April 17, 2015 @ 9:14 am
Don’t know much about Kip. Kristin, I hear you on some things you said, and I would actually agree with your comments on here with the exception of what I just saw this morning. In an interview Kip is saying “in todays world, so many people are so quick to blame others, and I’m the guy who will always own up and say “you know what? I did it” so it completely contradicts what he did with the social media comments. So which guy is he?
Fuzzy and Kristin seem to be the only people who know what they are talking about, but this interview that just played on the CMT channel really makes Kip look foolish.
Tom
April 17, 2015 @ 1:16 pm
Well played.
Speedlimit9
April 19, 2015 @ 2:54 pm
The buck stops with the business owner, if your name is on the building everything is your fault. Kip Moore is a business and his name is on the building, he can’t blame his employees and expect everyone to accept that.
Reggie
April 18, 2015 @ 8:38 am
If they were charging $10 !! To see him ! They should of got a contract with him
Trigger
April 18, 2015 @ 8:47 am
They did get a contract with him.
Liza
April 18, 2015 @ 9:21 am
This is the part that gets me “Kip & his manager were fully aware of the agreement which I know personally since I spoke to both yesterday myself”
christine blatchley
April 16, 2015 @ 9:17 pm
misunderstandings happen unfortunately . that’s life . anyone who knows Kip Moore …KNOWS . HE;D DO ANYTHING FOR HIS FANS !!! let’s show some love and understanding and move forward !!!
Summer Jam
April 16, 2015 @ 9:42 pm
Never liked this guy. His newest single is okay. But he seems like an asshole so i wont be buying any of his shit..
Kristin
April 16, 2015 @ 11:27 pm
sure he’s really torn up abt that ‘summer jam’ – yeah dude seems like a real asshole explaining himself when most artists wouldn’t give a shit to even care
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 5:14 am
Actually, if I may butt in: a “real artist” like George Jones, would just not show up and not give two shakes of an epileptic bear, you’re right about that. But I believe Jones, or Hank Williams would have the decency not to insult the people who were upset about it.
Kristin
April 17, 2015 @ 8:08 am
Haha you were butting in on the last article too Mr Fuzzy. I mean you’ve made some valid points before.. Bottom line : kip isn’t the douche ppl are assuming.. He cares prob more than he’ll ever admit abt negative comments being said that hold no truth – and he’ll do what he needs to to make it right. I’ve seen some artist just have an ‘I don’t give a shit attitude’ and have things handed to them and those r the artists i just can’t tolerate. Kip has been working his ass off for years, and in all the time I’ve known him and been a fan I’ve never heard anything negative abt him – so its unfortunate to see something as small of a deal as this (when u really think abt it) cause ppl to have a bad opinion of him.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 8:28 am
I’ve never met Kip Moore, I’m sure he’s a fairly nice guy, I’m loathe to pass judgement on someone I’ve never met. But let’s look at this: he’s a pretty big name now, if his team made a mistake, why does he have that team? isn’t he successful enough to surround himself with people better suited to do their job? As for his handling of the issue, his first response is to insult people, then when he finds out he was in the wrong offer some kind of twisted anti-apology. It sounds like he doesn’t want to take full responsibility, regardless of who actually messed up.
Kristin
April 17, 2015 @ 8:41 am
His team has been w him since the start. This is the only time I’ve heard of a miscommunication.. I have met his manager and he’s super professional and isn’t one to usually drop the ball.
I get ppl wanted Kip to just own up to it instead of blaming management but let’s say he did…there would still b ppl bitching abt that. He spoke the truth and it has rubbed ppl the wrong way. I do, however, think that the owner of the bar was in the wrong as well and that part of the story keeps getting left out. Kips management was under impression Kip would just stop by the bar that was promoting him and say hi – they had no idea the bar owner was charging admission – which is where the fans were mad at spending the money… Bar owner got embarrassed and reacted.
I am not condoning the social media outburst. All I can say is I know I have lashed out (regrettably) on social media – Kip woke up to a bunch of comments and lies and he reacted. That’s the real bummer abt social media – just bc u hit delete doesn’t make it go away and the screenshots r there for everyone to pick apart and scrutinize. Kip is the one who wrote it so that’s something he has to own. I just hope he learned his lesson and no more angry social media posts!
Having said all that I do know kip and his manager have tried reaching out to owner of the bar with no response. They’re trying to make this right
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 10:00 am
Stop comparing Kip Moore to George Jones. You have way to much time on your hands. Shut the fuck up
Kristin
April 17, 2015 @ 10:12 am
Uhhhh I didn’t compare Kip to George
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 10:22 am
Just ignore him Kristen
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 10:04 am
Why don’t you mind your own business fuzzy. You ain’t very smart. A lot of hate you must have.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 10:17 am
I would tell you that insulting people when you can’t provide facts against them is not how you win an argument, but I’m sure they’ll teach you proper debate skills when you get to high school. Have a nice day.
Kristin
April 17, 2015 @ 11:04 am
So much wrong w this sentence. You’re making Kip fans looks bad – stop commenting, jake. . Nothing you’re saying has a point.
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 11:27 am
Fuzzy is really making me mad. He needs to get his facts straight.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 12:50 pm
Don’t get mad, get Glad! (this commenter was not paid to advertise for glad tupperware products)
LaShane
April 17, 2015 @ 2:46 am
Being one of Kip”™s fans that took issue with your original post, I”™d like to acknowledge and thank you for writing a more concise, less scathing follow-up. Usually, I steer clear of online squabbles. However, when I saw a good person being raked over the coals, I felt compelled to chime in.
While the miscommunication and resulting missed appearance were unfortunate, it was an isolated incident. I repeat: an isolated incident. Kip continually goes above and beyond to connect with, and to show genuine appreciation for, his fans. Slews of artists regard their fans as pesky by-products of fame, but Kip is the polar opposite of that. Frankly, I find his gusto and authenticity to be pretty damn refreshing. I hope more entertainers follow suit.
Mike W.
April 17, 2015 @ 4:54 am
The downside to artist’s being on social media, is essentially a story like this. While communication between fans and artists can be great and build up lasting fandom, it can also allow fans to see sides of artists that are not flattering and the reality is Kip’s lashing out was not a good moment for him.
His team screwed up and Kip screwed up by lashing out instead of waiting a few moments before hitting “send” on Facebook or Twitter. His team should work with the bar to give the fans their money back, chalk this up as a learning moment and attempt to move on.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 5:17 am
You know what I don’t understand? If these jokers who went to the bar to see Kip Moore were upset because they could see him across the street at another bar, why didn’t they just cross the street and go have fun with the guy? was the bar closed?
Kristin
April 17, 2015 @ 8:02 am
Or walk the two blocks to actually watch him perform at the show..
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 11:22 am
I bet fuzzy couldn’t walk he’s to busy picking on famous people he doesn’t know
Countrymusicfan
April 17, 2015 @ 9:02 am
As a fan who was AT Kip’s show, at Ashley Street Station and at Blue Water this night, I am trying to wrap my head around where any TRUE Kip fan is coming from with harsh statements and belittling the guy. 1) Kip put on an incredible show although his hometown did not entirely show up to support his show. Where were all these “fans” at during his almost 2 hour performance at the college? If you don’t support the artist, don’t come with unwarranted expectations. 2) Ashley Street Station charged a $5 COVER for patrons that brought their ticket to Kip’s show. I’m sorry for those who refused to pay for Kip’s actual show and were forced by the bar to pay $10. That’s not on Kip. 3) I paid a $5 COVER to go down the street and hang out at Blue Water. Why did I leave ASS? Because the band that was playing was not all that great and there wasn’t that big of a crowd. I wanted to be where there was some action. You know what attracted me to Blue Water? Not Kip. Actually another artist played that bar earlier in the night so there was a crowd, a group of people having a good time.
Miscommunication happens. I have yet to see one person stand up and admit to being a FAN of Kip’s and express their disappointment in that night. Anyone who has ever taken the time to invest in Kip’s musical career knows he is as REAL as they come, his music comes first, and his appreciation for his fans is top notch. So what if the guy missed an appearance at a bar as a result of poor communication. His management takes responsibility, and I am positive will make every effort going forward to ensure this does not happen again. Responsibility has been taken. People, get over it!
86TELE
April 17, 2015 @ 9:11 am
How did this become a “Let’s Kiss Kip’s Ass” thread?
Jerry P
April 17, 2015 @ 9:16 am
I don’t know much about Kip, but don’t see much ass kissing. Just fans trying to explain what happened and who is he instead of trying to form an opinion based off a social media posting.
Do you see something I don’t?
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 9:55 am
I do see something you don’t: I see a guy who made a mistake, but then insulted the people who called him on it. When he found out he was wrong, he dodged his apology with rhetoric, and then went on a CMT interview saying “I’m the guy who’ll say “I did it. Seems very two-faced, no? Also, somebody has to refund the victimized fans.
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 10:08 am
Kip can’t win with people like you. People like you make me sick. You ain’t a good person. At least Kip cares.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 10:18 am
You’re really lying to yourself about this whole Kip Moore thing, aren’t you?
Joshua R.
April 17, 2015 @ 3:06 pm
Jake, all Fuzzy “Fuzzington” TwoShirts and people like me are saying is that Kip’s first reaction was distasteful and his subsequent follow up actions, while slightly more mature, didn’t really rectify the situation.
Simply, the most appropriate, honorable, and respectable thing to do would have been to not post an impulsive and inflammatory rant on Facebook (from this point the situation still could’ve easily been resolved), gather all the facts, accept that him and his crew were the party that made the mistake, and bear the burden of responsibility even if he wasn’t directly to blame, and then take any necessary actions to prevent this from happening again internally and out of the public eye.
Coming out and saying, “Yea it was my guys fault, not mine.” aren’t typically the things a great leader would do. And ultimately he is the leader of his guys and brand.
I’m not a fan of his music, but I’m sure Kip is a good guy. But he dropped the ball here; just a little. Any unbiased critical thinker who analyzes the entire situation and was raised to, among many other things, take responsibility for the actions of the outfits you’re in charge of would come to this conclusion.
Countrymusicfan
April 17, 2015 @ 10:16 am
What victimized fans? People that paid a $5 Cover to get in a bar? Where might I add drinks were very affordable… There’s a plus to Ashley street station.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 10:20 am
Hey CountryMusicFan: Maybe victimized was too strong a word, but these fans paid money to get in to this place to see Kip Moore, maybe it wasn’t a whole lot of money but for those who paid ten bucks they could probably buy some stuff on Amazon, they’re right to feel like they got cheated, and they deserve their money back.
Countrymusicfan
April 17, 2015 @ 10:29 am
And how do you propose the money be refunded? First, there was a $5 cover charged by the bar so if a refund is given, patrons are only entitled to $5. Secondly, there was maybe all of 100 people there total. The crowd was minuscule. So you are talking maybe $500. And of those, many (probably half from what I could tell) were local, regular attendees or came out for Kate and Cory or whoever that opening band was… Those people would have been at that bar regardless; therefore, they aren’t entitled to a refund. Now we are talking all of $250. Wow, this seems like an astronomical event that is blown way out of proportion.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 10:38 am
This has always been an event blown way out of proportion. Kip Moore went to the wrong bar. I never said this was a big deal, exactly the opposite. I’m just saying there are some people who may want a refund, and really who can blame them?
Countrymusicfan
April 17, 2015 @ 9:34 am
Let me also clarify – there is no ass kissing coming from me. There are choices Kip and his management has made in his career that as a fan, I do not stand behind (releasing young love as a single). BUT I refuse to attack someone’s character (or in this case the team) over a mistake. We have all made mistakes, we all should learn from them. If someone is going to make a negative comment, then there better be equal amounts of postives to contribute or at least have been involved in the situation. So many people are posting and were not even directly involved therefore have no understanding or relevance to this situation. The bar was upset (understandable), the bar posted abruptly and in an unprofessional manner (not understandable), Kip posted in anger from being attacked while not informed/misinformed (understandable, definitely not a good idea), Kip became informed and made an apology on behalf of his team (understandable), people refusing to acknowledge the apology and continue to attack (not understandable)
Trigger
April 17, 2015 @ 11:37 am
This comment section has gotten out of hand. I request everyone please leave their comments relevant to the topic, and avoid attacking the character of other commenters, or comments from this point on will be deleted. Discuss, disgree, but keep it respectful. Thank you.
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 12:00 pm
Trigger can you defend me against fuzzy he’s really hurting my feelings. How dare him disrespect mr Moore like this.
Trigger
April 17, 2015 @ 12:16 pm
Jake,
Nobody wants to see incessant back and forths. This is not Facebook, or a YouTube comment section. If you have relevant feelings on the topic at hand, which is Kip Moore’s missed appearance, I would love to hear about it. If you want to clarify a point with another commenter, that is great too. But running through a comment section to chide everyone who disagrees you will not be tolerated from anyone.
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 2:27 pm
Trigger I don’t mean to upset you but I would like support. I feel like everybody trashing Kip and they shouldn’t. Kips almost perfect by the way
Trigger
April 17, 2015 @ 3:30 pm
I think there’s plenty of support for Kip in this thread. If you want to support him that’s fine, but don’t doing by name calling others, do it by expressing you passion for him as an artist.
Tom
April 17, 2015 @ 1:25 pm
All this fuss over a guy who has had the same number of top ten singles as Jeff Carson.
Jake
April 17, 2015 @ 2:36 pm
You can’t compare Kip to John. Kips better end of story. Shame on you
Birdie
April 17, 2015 @ 2:50 pm
You all need to listen to real country music
Mr. Fuzzy "Fuzzington" TwoShirts
April 17, 2015 @ 4:28 pm
I got in trouble for bringing up George Jones on this thread. sad face. sarcasm.
DownSouth
April 17, 2015 @ 6:01 pm
Is Kip Moore the one who sings “She’s only 17”?
Heyday
April 18, 2015 @ 7:36 am
I love this paragraph:
As for Kip”™s ripping of the people who attacked him on Facebook and Twitter for missing the engagement before he knew he was obligated to be there, he says, “Of course I”™m gonna lash out when I wake up to the hate that I did. You would too. Especially when I had no clue why.”
Well, no, I wouldn’t just “lash out.” In other words, Moore is saying, “I shoot first and ask questions later.” Except in this case, he didn’t bother to ask questions. When you have a “team” (translated: underpaid lackeys or unpaid interns) to blame screw-ups on, why ask questions?
A true pro owns up to the error and says he’s sorry. The fans don’t care about Moore’s “team.”
Mr. Fuzzy "Fuzzington" TwoShirts
April 18, 2015 @ 4:28 pm
Jake cares about Kips’ team, see the first article. dozens of comments from Jake defending Kip’s team, and insulting people. But when anybody responds in kind, he whines to Trigger about it.
Dan H
April 18, 2015 @ 8:58 am
I’d pay 10$ so Kip Moore DIDNT show up to the bar I was at.
Monte
April 20, 2015 @ 9:09 pm
I’d give him $10 to take that trucker hat off. It’s not 2003 Kip. He’d probably just replace it with a flat brim anyway…
Hawkeye
April 18, 2015 @ 2:59 pm
Wow
Next thing you know Metallica will sue napster
Wait what… They did?… You sure…
Ok never mind
Hawkeye
April 18, 2015 @ 3:13 pm
Almost forgot
Why are people still making a big deal about this
I mean everyone screws up
I ain’t defending him or anyone
But yall don’t need to cause bull crap drama over thos
Hawkeye
April 18, 2015 @ 3:15 pm
This
Trigger
April 18, 2015 @ 4:17 pm
Kip Moore reached out to me and said he felt my coverage of the incident was unfair. So I told him if he wanted to speak to me further about it, it I would print it. So that’s what happened. I really have no idea how many people are still bent out of shape about it.
Hawkeye
April 19, 2015 @ 11:48 am
If it looked like I was criticizing you Trigg sorry, cause I wasn’t
I was criticizing some of the idiots out there in America
Yes I’m American before anyone brings that up
BwareDWare94
April 19, 2015 @ 9:27 am
You know, Mary was the Marrying Kind was a great lead off single, but country radio killed it. He had to release a garbage truck song to even become relevant. It’s hard to like this guy, even if he has some great singles. I actually like “I’m to Blame” quite a bit.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
April 19, 2015 @ 10:40 am
I didn’t know he recorded any songs about garbage trucks. haha