No More Hank III Openers…For Now
In about a week, Hank Williams III will be hitting the road on an East Coast tour, and for the first time in a long time he won’t be carrying an opening band.
With one of the biggest and most loyal fan bases in non-mainstream country, Hank III’s opening slot has been coveted for years, but recently it has been controversial. Months before a West Coast/Texas tour this past Spring, Lucky Tubb was saying he was promised the opening spot that eventually was given to former football player Kyle Turley. Then earlier in the summer on a stint of show back home after a Canadian tour, opener Izzy Cox was kicked off mid trip for unprofessional behavior.
Now apparently Hank III would rather not deal with that can of worms, and will ride solo. But with a show that usually lasts about 2 ½ hours and includes 3 quite different sets of music, it’s hard to say an opening band will be missed. However for artists like Lucky Tubb and Those Poor Bastards who have used that opening slot to create loyal fan bases of their own, and for up and coming bands that might have been eyeing that opening slot, this news is tough.
Hopefully in the future we will see more Hank III opening bands. What do you think? Do you think Hank III needs an opener? Who would you like to see opening for Hank III?
Sandman
August 20, 2010 @ 11:30 am
While I have discovered new groups through that opening act slot, I won’t miss it in front of his marathon shows. I just wonder though, will he extend his sets to cover the same time? He’s got the songs to do it in the country set at least.
jeff
August 20, 2010 @ 11:31 am
I live in Nashville, and I’m damn proud of it, so I’ve had the chance to see Shelton play around town a lot and I’ve only been able to catch one show where he had an opener. I really don’t think he needs one. However, it was nice to see TPB with him. Personally, when I go to a Hank III show, I’m there to see that and I don’t care who is opening up. I imagine a lot of fans feel the same way.
Farmageddon Records
August 20, 2010 @ 11:32 am
The Goddamn Gallows would kill it. It would be a great band to have open for a Hank III Tour. The energy they bring to their shows and level of professionalism would make it a perfect fit- I can understand why Shelton is doing this. It’s a spot that should be taken seriously, unless he says you got it and asks you to hit the road.. Don’t go spreading rumors that you have it locked up.
cathy's reinstate hank bandwagon
August 20, 2010 @ 11:32 am
NOPE….Hank III doesn’t need an opening act.
That saves me time holding my spot up front waiting for Hank III to begin….
But, the openers I’ve heard have been really good and I appreciated being introduced to some different stuff, ie…Those Poor Bastards, Lucky, Kyle.
Tweets that mention Saving Country Music » Blog Archive » No More Hank III Openers…For Now -- Topsy.com
August 20, 2010 @ 11:33 am
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DeclaredUngovernable, The Triggerman. The Triggerman said: No More Hank III Openers. . . For now: https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/no-more-hank-iii-openers-for-now […]
Mandy
August 20, 2010 @ 11:51 am
I think Eddie Robinson & Jake Cox should open! Both great musicians!!
Rev.Nix
August 20, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Well Bob fuckn Wayne of course. Flashback!
The Triggerman
August 20, 2010 @ 12:01 pm
Farmageddon,
My sense is that Izzy not taking it seriously is what drove the nail in the coffin. Goddamn Gallows would be a killer opener, and one that I can see fitting well with what Hank III does.
The Triggerman
August 20, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
Sandman,
He already plays for about 2 1/2 hours, and with the voice problems he’s had, it’s hard to see him extend it too much. I’m always for more music than less, and hate the band that plays the 40min power set, but really 2 1/2 hours is plenty.
artain
August 20, 2010 @ 12:59 pm
Wayne the Train would be great!
catfish carrie
August 20, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
That’s a bummer! I’ve been turned on to so many new bands who have opened for him, JB Beverley and the Wayward Drifters, Bob Wayne, Lucky Tubb, etc. I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Split Lip Rayfield open for him someday. Did I mention that I’d LOVE it? 🙂 I think that’d be a great combination!!
Brooke
August 20, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
Mandy…you sounds a little biased…lol! Haven’t heard your man play but I can say that Jake Cox can tear it up! He plays gigs with Zach and Davey Mac alot when they are off the road. I would like to see JB Beverly and the Wayward Drifters. I really enjoyed Lucky Tubb but I think that he got alot of loyal fans from touring with Shelton and he is touring overseas right now.
Six Gun Britt
August 20, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
I would love to see an opening band kick it off with HankIII. I think that he really helps out the underground bands with allowing them to open for him. It does wonders, and it means that you must be the shit if he likes you. lol.
As though he does have a major set list and I would listen to him play all of his songs for days on end,I’d just honestly like to hear other people play too. Thinking of it as two for the price of one.
Where else would you get to hear Hank III and TPB playing under one roof?!!?
SO I think that the fans are going to be missing the experience. Guess They’ll have to catch two shows, no problems with that. I’d just like to have an awesome night with my two favorites, one show, and some damn fine stories to tell.
SGB
Gillian
August 20, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
The Goddamn Gallows would be killer. I too appreciate all the bands Hank III has opened me up to. I never did catch a TPB show and would love that. Or howabout a lesser known from the Outlaw Radio Comp?
What about an Unplugged with Rachel Brooke? (side project? yes?)
Bill
August 20, 2010 @ 3:45 pm
I generally like III’s choices of openers. Been turned on to some great bands by III. His sets alone are enough for the money.
Ga. Outlaw
August 20, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
I’d love to see Hank III in Chattanooga, Tn. with or without an opening act. We don’t get too many good acts down here.
David Lee is on the wine
August 20, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
It’s just another display of III’s attitude. Though a tremendous artist (one of my favorites), he has always been known for his hatred of being shown up, and desire to show authority in a sense. Of his opening acts that I’ve personally seen, Those Poor Bastards, Nashville Pussy, Bob Wayne, Tonya Watts(one show), Kyle Turley, etc. I liked them all but the last afforementioned two. I think no opener sucks for the fans. It takes away from the show and is in a sense selfish. I know he should be able to do what he wants, but in a way the fans won’t be the better for not getting to see acts that they love that they otherwise wouldn’t get to see. As far as the Lucky Tubb deal, he was the perfect opener, but I think III may have felt threatened by him, as he catered to the country fans more and put on good show.. As for Izzy, don’t know nothin about her or what happened , but it seems insecure to kick her off mid-tour, for behavior that was possibly disagreed upon by somewhat authoritarian, self-benevolent measures and outlooks. He may have also been pressured by the partial negetive reaction to Turley on the decision for a no-opener. But who knows .. Maybe the decision isn’t out of greed, but for the imbetterment of motives unseen. I personally will miss a good opener to get riled up on til the Damn Band steps out. I think with the release of the independent stuff, he will want more time to play material for the new albums due out in various styles.
David Lee is on the wine
August 20, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
Someone let me know when the next AA show in NOLA will be!!
misfit1III8
August 20, 2010 @ 8:00 pm
Does he need an opener? No. Is it great to see someone like JB Beverley and Lucky Tubby get great exposure for being his opener? Hell yes. While I haven’t been a fan of all of his openers I have certainly found some great ones. I was at one of the first shows that Psyopus wasn’t at and guess who was thrown on stage. Bob Wayne. It was just Bob and his guitar on stage in Flint Michigan and what a show he put on. And it all just took off from there for Bob. Its a great oppurtunity for some exellent artists to be found and I think it will be missed for the time being.
AJ
August 20, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
Other than the CMHofFame I have yet to see a Hank III show…but from what I’ve heard he already puts on a show and a half. “He Don’t need no oooopner!”
Aran
August 20, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
I like the idea of an opening band for Hank III because there’s SO much talent in the underground country scene that deserves the exposure. Does he NEED one, no of course not. I haven’t been too impressed with the acts I saw open for III, but I didn’t see Lucky Tubb of J.B. Beverley. You know who I think would be a great fit? The Devil Makes Three. The first time I saw them they played Bob Wayne and .357 String Band for pre-show music, and then “Straight to Hell” right before the band took the stage. The crowd got into the Hank III album like it was an opener! Great stuff.
andy
August 20, 2010 @ 10:50 pm
If it wasn’t for Those Poor Bastards opening for Hank III when I saw him, I never would have gotten into them. I think its agreeable that III doesn’t need an opener but to say that it is a good idea is another thing. Either way he is going sell the same amount of tickets to his show and wow fans. But to get some exposure to some down right good bands will never be a bad thing. I don’t know what the reasoning behind not having an opener is but I do hope that this is not permanent. There is some really good talent out there and to think that they could get a chance to be heard by people outside of the underground country music movement is a shame. If it is a money issue(more people on tour means more money divided up) then I would be willing to pay to see someone like Lucky Tubb or Bob Wayne, people that I wouldn’t necessarily be able to see otherwise. Either way, see you at the next Hank III concert.
Carla
August 21, 2010 @ 1:00 am
I’ve seen III play four times over two tours so have only been privilege to two opening acts – both of whom I hated: Psyopus and Kyle Turney. As I live in New Zealand and it’s been not only a very big deal but a massive expense for me to travel to the US to see him play, it’s been disappointing. I love Those Poor Bastards, Lucky Tubb, Scott H Biram and a bunch of other people who have opened for III that I was never fortunate enough to see support him. Thems the breaks huh? However because of SCM.com posting extensive profiles on these artists it’s allowed me to hear a bit about them, hear their music and watch their best performances – thus making me a fan. So although my initial reaction was YES, I do care that Hank III is no longer introducing new audiences to up and coming talent, I ultimately have purchased more CD’s as a direct result of Triggerman reviewing or commentating on III’s opening acts than actually seeing any. Additionally, I do feel the need to mention the majority of the CD’s I have in my collection that were purchased on account of Triggerman’s high praise are not any Hank III opening acts, just random awesomeness he’s (apparently) plucked from total obscurity. And that’s just the way I like it.
AJ
August 21, 2010 @ 1:05 am
If there is an opener needed it would be, HONKY TONK HUSTLAS with a little bit of ALABAMA HELLBILLY MUSIC…just to set the mood. But HEY, watta I know! HANK III don’t “need” no opener but a little bit o’ kindlin don’t hurt neither!
Denise
August 21, 2010 @ 3:10 am
I’m on the fence with this one. I agree Hank III doesn’t need an opener, rather, an opener needs Hank III. I hope no one takes that the wrong way, but hey, that’s the way I see it. I also think it’s a great way to be exposed to new/underground acts that you might not otherwise get exposure to, and yet, Hank III can pull off a great show without an opener. It’s really his decision and really understandable why he might not want to take on potential problems that might arise. It’s about music, and music should be taken seriously, and for a fan that might travel and puts out hard earned $$ to see who they want to see, the show should be as professional and onpoint as possible. They say life ain’t no dress rehearsal, ya know? I have yet to see a bad Hank III/Assjack show and don’t expect that any are being planned.
Owen
August 21, 2010 @ 4:03 am
Honestly, what a shitty situation. And as far as the whole, “he don’t need an opener” line everyone keeps throwing out there goes, you’re absolutely right, Hank III does not need an opener, but as the guy with the largest fan base, and the most pull, in a “scene” that is just jam fucking packed full of talented people, I would like to see him using that power to help get more folks some exposure.
It’s really unfortunate that all of this recent mess with the opening acts has happened. I can understand him not wanting to take on anyone that’s green at all of it, anymore. But I can’t understand why he wouldn’t recruit one of the dozens of great acts that are used to life on the road. A few that come to mind, that I’d LOVE to see get the much needed/deserved exposure, who I think would make the absolute most out of the spot, as so many others have done in the past, would be…
The Goddamn Gallows
Highlonesome
The Calamity Cubes
The Church Of Abject Sorrow
The Perreze Farm
Dog Bite Harris
Slackeye Slim
All of those folks, and many more, put on top notch shows, would fit in well with what Shelton does, have experience of being on the road already, and none of them get anywhere near the love or exposure that they deserve. For people like that, this loss of an opening slot for Hank III is tragic. For Hank III fans who could have been turned onto amazing music by any one of those acts, it’s also a great loss.
So yeah, Hank III doesn’t need an opener, but for him to not have one is a great loss, in so many ways.
The Triggerman
August 21, 2010 @ 6:42 am
David,
I knew there was a reason we kept you around.
I will say I totally agree with Hank III kicking Izzy off the tour. All accounts seem to be that she deserved it, and after it happened anti-character witnesses started popping up everywhere. If III deserves any criticism for that it was choosing Izzy in the first place.
The Triggerman
August 21, 2010 @ 6:47 am
Carla,
I appreciate what you’re saying, but there’s tons of III fans who’ve never heard of this site, who just listen to music and never put the effort to discover more music than is put right in front of their face. In fact this might be the majority of fans. Also having seen Lucky a couple of times recently, there is NOTHING compared to seeing him live. Right now he is my 2nd favorite live act to see. The first is Ruby Jane, who is another who could massively benefit from being live in front of more people, who isn’t necessarily given proper representation by recorded material or videos.
The Triggerman
August 21, 2010 @ 6:49 am
I hear ya Owen. Though my guess is in the future there will be openers again.
I also think that bands like Lucky Tubb and Hellbound Glory are rising fast enough that in the future there might be other opening opportunities for up and coming bands.
Owen
August 21, 2010 @ 7:24 am
Yeah, I’m guessing he’ll eventually go back to having opening acts. But after the last two, I can see how he’s probably disappointed, and possibly even second guessing his judgment on who he’s picked?
And as upset as I am that there’s no longer an opening slot to showcase up and coming lesser known folks. At least it means there won’t be another tour with Kyle Turley. I hope.
brooke
August 21, 2010 @ 9:37 am
hay AJ, aren`t you from OH? You gonna go to Cincy and see III play? It has almost been a year since I met you at the HOF show!
MR.BANDANA
August 21, 2010 @ 9:58 am
DOES HANK III NEED A OPENING ACT?HELL NO!!!MOST TOURS THAT HAVE 2 & 3 ARTISTS ONLY DO 3 HR.SHOWS..ACCORDING TO HOW MUCH EQUIPMENT THE OPENERS HAVE,THERE IS TEAR DOWN TIME BEFORE THE NEXT BAND CAN PLAY..AN OPENING ACT FOR III DOES HELP THOSE ARTISTS..MOST OPENERS HAVE WORKED OUT FINE..LUCKY
WAS A GOOD ONE BUT THINGS HAPPENED WITH THAT AND THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SOME COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS..TPB WAS A SMOOTHE AS SILK TOURS..
THERE HAVE BEEN SOME GOOD POINTS MADE IN THE COMMENTS..MONEY
WAS MENTIONED BUT THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT..HANK DON’T HAVE A GREEDY BONE IN HIS BODY..HE COULD HAVE BEEN A PUPPET FOR CURB AND BEEN A MILLIONAIRE SEVERAL TIMES OVER..
IZZY DESERVED TO GET KICKED OFF THE TOUR THE WAY SHE DONE..
SHE THOUGHT HANK WAS SUPPOSE TO SUPPLY HER WITH EVERYTHING..
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HE WAS THINKING USING HER ANYWAY BUT I’M SURE HE HAD HIS REASONS JUST LIKE HE DID WITH KYLE..
THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY GOOD ARTISTS TO MENTION THAT WOULD WORK FOR OPENERS BUT THIS WILL BE EASIER ON HIM IN A LOT OF WAYS..HE WON’T HAVE TO LOOK AFTER NOTHING BUT HIS PEOPLE..IT WILL SAVE HIM A LOT OF TIME AND TAKE PRESSURE OFF OF HIM..I HONESTLY DON’T BELIEVE A OPENING ACT WILL BE MISSED AND HE MIGHT NOT USE ANYBODY FOR AWHILE WHEN HE SEE’S HOW SMOOTHE THIS IS..
REBEL PRIDE!!!HANK III FOREVER!!!
Scott
August 21, 2010 @ 11:32 am
I always enjoyed Hank’s taste in openers, and I have become fans of several of those opening acts, but he definitely doesn’t need one. In fact if he continues to tour solo I will be much more likely to make it through his show before blacking out or passing out. Hank 3 is the best live performer there is… God bless the man.
The Triggerman
August 21, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
I agree Bandana, this isn’t about money. Honestly if I was in an up and coming band, I’d play the opening spot for free. It’s worth the exposure. That’s what makes Izzy spitting the bit that much more confusing. If III asked me on tour, I would be going out of my way to do whatever I could to help, not asking for handouts.
David Lee is on the wine
August 21, 2010 @ 4:19 pm
nobody keeps me around.
AJ
August 22, 2010 @ 1:46 am
Hey brooke, wish I could make Bogarts. I bet it’s gonna be a great show…opener or not.
Doyle
August 22, 2010 @ 11:12 am
HANK III . I go to see hank III at his shows , not an opening act . TPB have been great in the past
Cubes
August 23, 2010 @ 10:50 am
I was at the III show in Boise where Izzy Opened up… Right as III was going into his metal set we were at the schwag table and started chattin’ with Izzy. She was pretty hammered and even spilled a drink all over herself. Security ended up getting her out of the place. Too Bad… What an opportunity.
ArkansasOutlaw
August 23, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
An awesome opener for III would be Whitey Morgan. I couldn’t imagine the excitement and electricity that would flow through the crowd when III and Whitey play together.
Cubes
August 23, 2010 @ 8:54 pm
Good Call ArkansasOutlaw… I’ve never seen Whitey Live cause he hasn’t been to Pacific Northwest but I would travel a ways to see III and Whitey preform in the same show…
rikrod
August 24, 2010 @ 12:25 pm
I agree The Goddamn Gallows would be a great band to open for Hank 3 they would fit right in..
Aran
August 24, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
Whitey with III would be phenomenal! Whitey Morgan and the 78’s are opening for Hellbound Glory next month, and I have to admit that is even more exciting to me! Those two bands sharing the same stage could shift the axis of the planet Earth!
mikill
August 26, 2010 @ 7:49 am
Jason & the Punknecks would be kick ass!!!Saw them open up for Wayne “the Train” & the destroyed it!!!
john hauge
August 30, 2010 @ 5:30 pm
opening acts used to be about exposure. lll probably doesn’t need one. me? i’ll settle for a couple of hits of nicely iced absolut as my opener.
Matt
September 2, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
I wish everyone would quit giving Izzy so much crap.
Now Hank III is one of my favorite artists of all time and in no way am i speaking badly of him,but he’s been very open about his life in the past: Getting drunk nearly every show,getting super-stoned before shows,downing all kinds of pills.
I unfortunately haven’t got to see Miss Cox perform live (except on youtube) but she is a great song writer.
My point with brining up the drugs/alcohol is even if she was drinking a lot,you’d think Hank would understand.But i see the other side too,i know from experience that trying to work professionaly/musically with someone who is drunk or drugged out is one of the most frustrating things in the world.
I have only seen Hank live once and that was withLucky Tubb & the Modern Day Troubadors.they were a great opening band but their set went on a little too long for my tastes when it comes to opening bands,but that’s just me.
Kyle Turley is a pretty decent songwriter but i’ve heard his live show is an absolute trainwreck.
As far as opening bands go,i’d love to see him tour with Scott H. Biram,Weedeater,Psyopus,Wayne the Train,the Goddamn Gallows (On a side note,FREE BABY G!!!),ANTiSEEN,Wretched (the one from NC),the king of country western troubadors Mr. Unknown Hinson,Rachel Brooke,Those Poor Bastards,the Motherfuck’n Saints…i could go on for hours.but i’ll stop rambling for now haha
The Triggerman
September 2, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
Matt,
First off, I think I and a lot of others have gone out of their way to separate Izzy’s alleged behavior from her music. I am an Izzy fan, and was excited when she was picked for the spot.
As for Hank III’s behavior, yeah he sings about that stuff, but when it comes to the show, it is ALL business, and he and anyone you’d talk to on the road crew would tell you that. He’s said in numerous interviews that he leaves his partying for the stage. So no, he doesn’t go on stage sloshed and stoned, far from it. And numerous people have been tossed from his road crew because they thought it was going to be one big party, when in truth III is a slave driver.
Matt
September 2, 2010 @ 10:42 pm
Ah i didn’t mean to say that people on here nessecarily have haha,i should have specified it being a lot of people from different places.sorry about that.
You do have a good point there,i actually just watched an interview with Hank where he said (i’m paraphrasing) that he has no problem firing someone who’s drugged up or being bitchy because of a hangover or whatever.that was really an eye opener in realizing he doesn’t play around when it comes to his music,and more people should follow his lead.
I appreciate the feedback man,i’ve gained a lot of understanding from it
And by the way,i forgot to mentioned Bob Wayne & the Outlaw Carnies in my last post.i’d love to see them play with III
Hank III Jayke Orvis & Rachel Brooke Tour Midwest « Saving Country Music
September 17, 2010 @ 11:13 am
[…] The upper Midwest will be getting it hard and heavy in the next month or so. In a surprisingly quick turnaround, Hank III, whose still has a few more dates on his East Coast tour, will be heading out again October 10th for 16 dates and possibly more to come. You can see the dates below or on Hank III’s tour page. No opener as of yet, and there may not be one once again. […]
Lionstanding
October 9, 2010 @ 9:02 am
JOE BUCK YOURSELF, MOTHERFUCKER….yesh…The Evil Motherfucker from Tennessee would be the shit…….
Skinman
October 25, 2010 @ 8:03 pm
I think the .357 String Band would be a great opener for III. I would love to see that happen.
Izzy Cox “Comes Clean” About Hank III Tour « Saving Country Music
March 19, 2011 @ 9:58 am
[…] that not only cost Izzy the opening gig, but also likely influenced Hank III deciding to have no more openers on tour. Though one might assume that Izzy would be bitter for being kicked off the tour, and possibly […]