Jamey Johnson Show Cancelled After He Refused to Go Through Metal Detector

jamey-johnson

This story has been updated.

Jamey Johnson’s show on Sunday, July 23rd at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was abruptly cancelled after Johnson reportedly refused to either disarm, or to go through metal detectors to enter the venue. Though accounts of the incident vary, what is undisputed is that the show didn’t happen, resulting in many frustrated concert goers.

“As always, the safety and security of our guests is our number one priority,” the House of Blues said in a statement Sunday evening. “Tonight’s artist refused to adhere to our safety and security guidelines and would not enter the building. Unfortunately, tonight’s show is cancelled. We regret any inconvenience to our guests. Refunds will be available at point of purchase tomorrow. Our box office will be open at 12PM for any purchases made at the venue.”

Several members of Jamey Johnson’s crew responded to the House of Blues statement, attempting to clarify the situation, including Tony TC Coleman, the 62-year-old legendary drummer who toured with B.B. King for many years and who recently joined Jamey Johnson’s band. Coleman said in a statement,

“As a member of Jamey’s band, House of Blues management ‘Live Nation’ was wrong for how they treated the situation. Jamey was ready to give an amazing performance as he has done every night since the year and 3 months I’ve been in his band. I stand with him on this. House of Blues didn’t need to treat us like we were terrorist. They put a medal(sic) detector between Jamey’s busses and the stage entrance and the only people coming in and out of his buses was us. His band and crew and we all have laminated stage identification. We did not come to House of Blues to be treated like we are going to kill the fans. If someone came backstage to harm anybody you better pray there is a Jamey Johnson type individual around.”

Jamey Johnson served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps as a mortarman, and achieved the rank of Corporal before becoming a country music songwriter and performer.

Melonie Cannon, who is a singer and also part of Jamey Johnson’s entourage, also clarified on social media, “No one in our band or crew carried a gun in that building….FYI.”

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Regardless of who was at fault, many fans were unhappy at the last-minute cancellation, including fans who drove many miles and had reserved hotel accommodations for the show. Johnson’s next scheduled shows are the Peacemaker Music and Arts Festival in Fort Smith, Arkansas on July 28, and the headlining slot at the Tumbleweed Festival near Kansas City on July 29th.

Jamey Johnson, nor his representatives have addressed the incident publicly.

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