Billy Joe Shaver Falls, Smashes Face, Hospitalized – Still Makes Show in Long Beach
There may be nobody tougher to ever write a song or perform on stage in this history of country music, or have as many stories to tell than Billy Joe Shaver. And now he’s got another good one, and even more scars to show.
The country music Outlaw legend was scheduled to headline the Long Beach Folk Revival Festival on Saturday, September 17th when he ended up in the hospital after falling as he walked into a nearby restaurant, smashing his face on the ground. Apparently Shaver stepped into a hole, which caused the the 78-year-old’s knee to buckle sideways. The incident happened about 3:30 in the afternoon.
Shaver’s forehead was split open and his nose broken according to guitarist and road manager Jeremy Woodall, so they took Shaver to the hospital, with the festival being the last thing on their mind. Shaver has been hospitalized multiple times in the last couple of years, including as recently as April for a heart condition.
Yet the show must go on, even for a beaten and bloodied up Shaver. After getting stitches and medical care, Billy Joe Shaver and his band were en route to Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach. Shaver was swollen, bruised, and sore, with what appeared to be blood still on his denim shirt (see below), but soldiered through nonetheless. According to one festival worker, Shaver was still on an IV when he first showed up on site. The band stayed in California until Monday for Shaver to rest up.
βDudeβs about as tough as Iβve seen,β Jeremy Woodall told KWTX. βHeβs OK … Heβs tough and weβre back on the road.”
At one point it had been mis-reported that Shaver had fallen off the stage at the Long Beach fest, but this was later debunked. Shaver is expected to make his next live show at the Main Street Crossing in Tomball, TX on Thursday, September 21st.
From getting his fingers lopped off by a saw, to skirting by manslaughter charges for shooting an assailant in the face, to once almost shooting himself and barely missing, Shaver has skirted by death and suffered great personal trauma, but still keeps kicking.
Taylor
September 19, 2017 @ 6:45 pm
Prayers for a quick recover for you Billy Joe! Meeting him and seeing him perform at Riley’s Tavern last year was one of the highlights of my life. Billy truly is a hero of mine! God Bless him all and all my Honky Tonk Heroes!
Mike Hammett
September 30, 2022 @ 9:25 pm
Heβs was a wonderful man who introduced me to Willie & Ray Price. Most All At Willies Picnic. Leon Russell, Kinky Friedman, David Allan Coe, Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson just to name a few.
TX Music Jim
September 19, 2017 @ 6:46 pm
God Bless Billy Joe Shaver tough as nails and a great human being to boot!
Ulysses McCaskill
September 19, 2017 @ 7:06 pm
Long live Honky Tonk heroes like Billy Joe.
norrie
September 20, 2017 @ 5:58 am
The term badass is used far too often for people that do or say something slightly off centre but Billy Joe Shaver sets the standard that very few can get near.
Elma Cook
September 20, 2017 @ 7:12 am
Have loved you and your music for many years. Get well soon. Let me know when you will be playing in Texas.
Blessings for a quick recovery.
Frank Huggins
September 20, 2017 @ 8:51 am
My favorite outlaw of all time! Here’s hoping and praying for your speedy recovery, my friend. Karen and I will always cherish the time we spent with you on the sidewalk in Duluth, Georgia!
JD
September 20, 2017 @ 8:58 am
Where do you want it!!!
Jerry
September 20, 2017 @ 10:18 am
Come back to Georgia Billy Joe …Get Well
Bertox
September 20, 2017 @ 10:32 am
I heard he went there on a fast train one timeπ
Wesley Gray
September 20, 2017 @ 1:48 pm
There’s a guy that REALLY cares about our music. π Badass. Hope Billy Joe gets to feeling better soon!
Farmer Brian
September 20, 2017 @ 2:57 pm
Billy Joe is a tough old SOB. He’s a lot like some of the old time farmers I’ve met. You can’t keep them away from their work for nothing. Heal up quick Billy.
Cosmic Cowboy
September 20, 2017 @ 3:49 pm
O’l Billy doesn’t know how to quit or fail. Why a living legend lives on !
Don Coulter
September 20, 2017 @ 4:05 pm
I can feel a song coming on …lol…. “Pick ya’self up off the ground Billy Joe” You’ve done it so damn often Fuck it “what’s another blow” ?
Melissa
September 20, 2017 @ 4:15 pm
Get well brother man praying for you down in Dallas !!
Corncaster
September 20, 2017 @ 4:46 pm
Looks like that old lump of coal has more diamond in him with each passing day.
Chey Enne
September 20, 2017 @ 5:00 pm
Love you man!
Tina
September 20, 2017 @ 7:01 pm
A true troubadour!!! xoxo
Sam Cody
September 20, 2017 @ 8:01 pm
In other news…Luke Bryan just cancelled his next four tours due to a stubbed toe.