Turnpike Troubadours Abruptly Cancel Shows, Future Uncertain
Mere hours ahead of a scheduled appearance at the White Oak Music Hall in Houston, Texas Friday night (5-24), the Turnpike Troubadours have canceled the performance, their other performances this weekend, and perhaps all future performances, as the future of the band is left uncertain in a troubling statement by the band.
“This weekends shows are unfortunately not going to happen for Turnpike Troubadours,” a statement posted at 5:40 p.m. Central read. “On behalf of the band we apologize for all the cancellations previously and this weekend. We are saddened by the situation and want you all to know we tried our best to stay positive during this stressful time. However, we have been standing at the crossroads, optimistically in hopes of healing, but it was not to be. We ask for your prayers and support as it is our hope that our brother receives the encouragement and help he needs.”
“Thank you all for the sold out shows, the memories and support,” the statement continued. “Refunds for the show tonight will be made at point of purchase. Please keep us in your prayers.”
Along with their show in Houston, the Turnpike Troubadours were also scheduled to perform in Concan, TX on Saturday, and at the Lone Star Jam festival Sunday in Austin as the festival’s headliner. The band also has multiple shows booked throughout the summer from June to August. No word at the moment on the status of shows after this weekend. Saving Country Music is reaching out to Turnpike management for clarification.
UPDATE (5-25-19) 9:30 CDT: Turnpike’s publicist has told Saving Country Music that the statement made by the band is all that there is at the moment, and there won’t be any future clarification on tour dates “at this time.”
The Turnpike Troubadours and their frontman Evan Felker haven’t made it easy to be a fan over the last few months, tracing back most recently to October of 2018 when they canceled a performance in Bossier City last minute after the show was scheduled to start and fans had already loaded into the building. Turnpike ended up canceling a string of additional dates shortly afterwards. Then after playing a few more successful shows and everything seeming to be back on track heading into 2019, another show was canceled last minute in Chicago in January, followed with yet another round of multiple cancellations. This was all after canceling the last leg on the Miranda Lambert tour in August of 2018, along with additional shows blamed on Evan Felker kidney stones.
On Tuesday, May 7th, the Turnpike Troubadours played a benefit concert for Byron Berline and his Double Stop Fiddle Shop in Guthrie, Oklahoma that had been destroyed in a fire. Frontman Evan Felker was clearly inebriated, and stumbled through the 4-song set, causing many fans to show concern for him. This was after a prolonged period where it appear the band and Evan Felker was on the mend. They played in front of a huge crowd at Rodeo Houston earlier this year, and had added in the Dawes song “May All Your Favorite Bands (Stay Together)” for a few shows amid breakup rumors. Now with wording such as, “…standing at the crossroads, optimistically in hopes of healing, but it was not to be,” fans are fair to worry what the future of the band will be.
More information when it becomes available. This story will be updated, or subsequent stories posted once information is confirmed.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:19 pm
They truly reached greatness on their last record. How sad would it be if their last show was that benefit concert. The band deserves better than this.
May 27, 2019 @ 10:27 am
Sickens me to no end! Evan is a tremendous talent and TT have been a breath of fresh air in the world of true country music. It would be tragic for him not to give sobriety a try. Hope he has a support system…maybe give ole Jason Isbell a call and see if he can lead Evan to a reputable treatment center? Get better man….your voice and talents are too clutch for them to disappear.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:20 pm
I still blame Miranda
May 24, 2019 @ 4:23 pm
Not to get too deep into tabloid-type gossip…. but his ex-wife hinted at caring for him after awful benders. Assuming this meant before he ghosted her for Miranda…. so it sounds like he had some pretty deep issues going on for a while.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:26 pm
Yes, let’s not get too deep into tabloid gossip here please folks. Thanks!
May 24, 2019 @ 4:33 pm
Comment was half in jest half serious, but Trig I think it can be seen that Staci was at least a pillar to keep him somewhat grounded and help keep the demons in check. I’m sure he had slip ups before while together but after the whole Miranda thing it just seemed like a downward spiral. So I wouldnt consider this to all be celebrity gossip
May 24, 2019 @ 4:58 pm
Evan cheated on Staci many times during their short courtship and marriage, per her own words. Evan has struggled with addiction issues for years. She is not a healthy influence on him. She just enjoyed the notoriety and perks of being with the band.
May 24, 2019 @ 5:50 pm
Wow ‘a’, what a disgusting comment about people you don’t know. Our thoughts should be for the band, not the Miranda fans here for a vendetta
May 25, 2019 @ 8:24 am
His ex-wife and short term friend Elizabeth (SaddleTramp Brands) tortured him by putting his business out in the media to punish him for wanting a divorce. And SaddleTramp Brands used his foibles to be in the know gossip go to to sell her products. Which she has admitted drove her sales up. We all saw it. It was all over their social media pages. Shame on them when EF’s wife knew about his addiction issues. Praying for his healing today.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:44 am
I’d like to thank the moron that is @MusicFan19 for the shout out- probably just sold more stuff just now since none of these people knew who Saddle Tramp Brand was before you. Also- my name is not Elizabeth, so we’ll throw that on top of all the other factual errors you’re spouting out about.
May 25, 2019 @ 10:29 am
Miranda and Evan were two heavy drinkers who went on a bender together not some tragic love story gone wrong. They both clearly have mental issues and like to dabble in self destructive behavior but neither one is too blame for the others troubles.
I really hope Evan can get the help he needs to overcome his demons but only he can help himself.
May 25, 2019 @ 11:01 am
Saddle Tramp Brand shouldn’t even be allowed to post a comment or response to anything said about her in relation to EF or TT —
May 25, 2019 @ 11:08 am
That is disgusting comparing Evan’s issues with Miranda’s. It sure doesn’t help Evan. Miranda is a successful business woman, songwriter & singer. She couldn’t have done that If she didn’t have her shit together. Evan could have the same success if he can beat his addiction. He’s got so much talent. I am praying hard for him, his family and his band.
May 25, 2019 @ 11:15 am
Last comment in this thread. ANY other comments of a gossip nature will be deleted. Final warning.
May 25, 2019 @ 6:13 pm
We can skip the gossip, got it first hand from their manager that they called Evan last night asking where he was and I quote “I’m in Idaho, I just can’t do it anymore”. The manager bought all of our drinks at WOMH and at the Cody Canada show so it worked out.
May 25, 2019 @ 6:57 pm
What is the ir manager’s name? Any clue as to why he was in Idaho?
May 25, 2019 @ 7:21 pm
Well in my inebriated state it’s either Marci or Cory. Turns out we spoke to Jon, their booking agent, most of the time
May 24, 2019 @ 6:53 pm
Plain and Simple, He broke her rules,, No Drugs.
May 24, 2019 @ 9:18 pm
Please stop giving Miranda that much power over Evan Felker and the Turnpike Troubadours….
May 24, 2019 @ 10:25 pm
You what? Blame Miranda? Seriously you want to throw her into this when it’s Felker doing this to himself? Lol. He’s suppose to be a man so the fault lies within himself.
May 25, 2019 @ 5:38 am
Absolute right..
May 25, 2019 @ 5:36 am
What a pathetic and uncalled for comment this is. Miranda had and has nothing to do with his problems . Atleast comment with some sense…
May 25, 2019 @ 6:17 am
Always need a woman to blame for a man’s problems.
May 26, 2019 @ 8:28 am
“Always need a woman to blame for a man’s problems.” A woman once told me it’s called the “blame the bitch” strategy
May 25, 2019 @ 8:05 am
Are you F’ng kidding me, alcoholism is a disease…. This man has issues. There isn’t need to blame, instead he needs to hit “his” absolute bottom before he will embrace the need to seek help and start on a path to sobriety… or he will die it is that simple! Say a prayer and continue to send healing thoughts to this troubled soul!
May 25, 2019 @ 9:14 am
You are absolutely correct!
May 31, 2019 @ 1:58 pm
Alcoholism is a choice not a disease. The alchohol doesn’t put itself inside ones body
June 4, 2019 @ 1:19 pm
Sorry Danny, check with your Doc. Alcoholism IS a disease and is recognized by insurance companies these days. While he chooses to drink, the addiction makes him do it. He needs help. He can’t do it alone at this point.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:24 pm
Evan needs to get well, and the band needs an extended hiatus to facilitate that. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say he is one of the most talented songwriters to come along in decades. But life on the road is not going to help with the particular demons he is wrestling with.
On a personal note, this is gut wrenching. Their music has meant more to me over the past decade that it is possible to describe here.
Blasting “The Funeral” in your honor, boys. See you when we see you.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:29 pm
My thoughts exactly.
A Long Way from Your Heart came out at a time when I needed something to hold onto.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:40 pm
Livin on the road my friend, was gonna keep you free and clean. Now you wear your skin like iron and your breath’s as hard as kerosene…
May 24, 2019 @ 4:27 pm
What a sad situation…hoping that Evan gets whatever help he needs.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:29 pm
They’ll be back. Mark my words.
It might take a while…….but they’ll be back.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:25 am
I hope they come back, but I hope it takes awhile.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:32 pm
My heart dropped when I saw this. I’ve really been praying for Evan! Talented guy who has brought a lot of joy into the world. Saw them most recently at John Ts in March and they were great. Please guys take 6 months off and come back strong. You’ve got this.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:38 pm
At least a year of rehab for Felker. Let Englemann, RC, Nix, etc go on with their careers. Once the guys believe Felker is sober, after a full rehab stint and dependent sobriety, see if they want to regroup. If some don’t, no hard feelings, do the best they can to replace them. Pull an Isbell.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:38 pm
These are very sad news for one of the best bands of country music and for all their fans. The way they wrote this statement, along with all what happened lately is very worrying. Prayers for Evan Felker and for all of them.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:49 pm
Respectfully Trig, I disagree that this is ‘bad’ news for fans. I think keeping Evan alive is the most important thing for his fans. I think it’s important to not diminish mental health/addiction issues (not that you or anyone here is doing that). My only sibling, my brother Kurt commited suicide 8 weeks ago. He wasn’t displaying any obvious signs of being depressed, but he was very triggered and upset by the awful mosque massacres that had happened in my country, the previous week. The devastation he has left behind is ….. horrendous. I really hope Evan is getting the help and support he needs.
May 24, 2019 @ 5:51 pm
So sorry for you and your family Carla.
May 24, 2019 @ 9:07 pm
Condolences and prayers for you and your family, Carla (and for TP and Evan).
May 24, 2019 @ 4:52 pm
Evan has more to deal with than drinking, here. He also has to look himself in the mirror, evaluate his own character quality, and decide to improve in multiple ways. One day at a time.
And I think the rest of the band should consider quitting drinking, too. Don’t call it a brotherhood if you won’t walk any road with him.
May 24, 2019 @ 4:54 pm
I hope he hits rock bottom, doesn’t die, and realizes there’s good things in his future when he’s sober and can control himself. He’s a talented guy. I hope he digs deep and finds the strength to pull out of it. Staci could have a role to play here, based on what I’ve seen happen with other folks going through something similar. But everybody’s role pales in significance to the one Evan has to play right now.
Best wishes for the band. They’re fine musicians and deserve a good front man.
May 24, 2019 @ 5:52 pm
Yea let’s blame his ex wife because that makes tons of sense vis a vis addiction.
May 24, 2019 @ 6:12 pm
You realize I’m saying she could have a role to play in pulling him out of it, right?
May 25, 2019 @ 7:08 am
The regulars that have seen your posts frequently knew what you meant.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:01 am
As an ex-spouse of an alcoholic, this is one of the worst things you could have said. His wife probably tried and tried to help him, maybe at the expense of her own mental health and well-being. Sometimes you have to practice tough love and let go. And once one lets go, one can’t go back to help because only Evan can help Evan.
May 25, 2019 @ 9:19 am
Some people are just not good for an alcoholic, they can make them worse. I am also an ex of an alcoholic and once I realized i couldn’t help him, i was gone. I know people who are married to alcoholics and they encourage the behavior to satisfy whatever needs THEY have no matter what is best for the alcoholic.
May 25, 2019 @ 11:06 am
Granted, and I have no personal experience in this area myself. All I was thinking was that if Staci was good to him, the memory of that might lead him to remorse and therefore a way back up out of the hole he’s in. Only he in his own mind can decide if that’ll help. I hope for his and his friends’ sakes it will, but I’ve seen people in my extended family get addicted to booze and pills and, even with good spouses and support, despair and die. One of my first cousins was beautiful and successful with a good husband and two good kids, but her father’s suicide when she was just a girl haunted her. She thought she was bigger than the drink, but once it got far enough into her, it wouldn’t let her go. It took twenty years. She died fully-dressed in her bed of an overdose of sleeping pills and alcohol.
These situations don’t ever seem to admit a quick fix.
May 25, 2019 @ 2:04 pm
You can’t make someone get sober. And you damn sure can’t blame someone else for his drinking. He has to want it bad enough to be willing to go to any lengths and clearly he does not at this time. Sad situation but the reality is the decision is up to him just like it was up to Townes and Hank Williams and many other great musicians who decided they would rather drink and die than live sober.
May 24, 2019 @ 5:11 pm
Turnpike was the first concert I ever saw. After that I went crazy and have been to countless concerts with some of the best country artists of our generation and I still say that the two times I saw turnpike was the best shows I have ever seen.
May 24, 2019 @ 5:12 pm
I think its great news, just another step in the journey.
May 24, 2019 @ 5:15 pm
This is heartbreaking. I sincerely hope he gets the help he needs. That he’ll begin a journey of wellness
May 24, 2019 @ 5:16 pm
I count 16 shows between now and the end of August including Red Rocks in June. Somebody needs to shut it down until he is well.
May 24, 2019 @ 8:13 pm
I think they just did…
May 24, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
I keep thinking how we just passed the 30th anniversary of Keith Whitley’s death and how Evan could easily be the 2019 version. This current path he is on has a very limited number of chances…..
May 24, 2019 @ 5:50 pm
They all want to be Hank Williams but don’t want to have to die.
May 24, 2019 @ 8:23 pm
Let’s be compassionate toward Evan and his now-public struggles, while not dangerously fetishizing the “addiction-riddled genius” mythological archetype. (see Isbell on this point, or BJ Barham’s “one day at a time”).
May 25, 2019 @ 8:14 am
It wasn’t really meant towards Evan, but more so from my perspective as a fan looking at the band. It definitely wasn’t mean to celebrate addiction. I think anyone who is on this thread wants nothing more than to see him well and back with the band. I had just listened to the song earlier in the day before hearing the news and it was kind of haunting to me I guess you could say. It seems like others feel the same way with a lot of his lyrics. Turnpike Forever.
May 24, 2019 @ 8:26 pm
(Not a direct challenge to your comment, CW, just a more general thought. Let’s hope this long road leads home.)
May 24, 2019 @ 6:10 pm
Best wishes to Evan! So many prayers are going up for him. He seems like such a nice country guy….prime example that bad things happen to good people. Also thinking of The Band during these difficult times. Had it not been for The Miranda/LBT Tour I’d probably never heard of them, so many of us country fans fell in love with them. That Fiddle Player and his wife good people. As for as the person blaming Miranda for Evan’s problems….Thats fine and dandy, Just know Evan doesn’t blame Miranda! They just happen to be the two names that help some people get to see their pictures and names in the tabloids…build up instagram followers. Get that needed help Evan. We want to see your handsome face back on stage healthy. You have the talent that many out there admire but will never have….PRAYERS
May 24, 2019 @ 9:15 pm
You seem so kind, but know this: addicts are not ‘nice’. They are destructive (to themselves and to others) and deceitful; they care about no one but themselves. Evan needs prayers, not pity or praise. The guy is going to die if he doesn’t straighten up, and there’s nothing ‘nice’ about that.
May 24, 2019 @ 9:36 pm
Oh Christ Jimmy….. don’t you know there is a difference between the person and the addiction. It takes on a life and mind of its own and makes you behave in ways you could never have imagined. It’s a sickness of the mind. I guarantee every negative thing you have to say he has already thought about himself. So I beg to differ. He does need EMPATHY and ADMIRATION for all the good he’s put into the world to remind him it is worth it in the end. I’m curious your “prayers” for Evan.
May 24, 2019 @ 6:26 pm
Wish the best to Evan. Hope he comes around to accepting the help he needs.
Believe that Dawes song was penned by ol’ Jonny Corndawg Fritz, by the way. Good one. Love that guy.
May 24, 2019 @ 6:56 pm
Awful to hear. Is alcoholism the reason? Perhaps… sounds like it may be. I don’t doubt that booze and darkness can create great art— this band and others like the immortal Replacements are prime examples… but there comes a time when you pull yourself out of the well or be drowned in it. Here’s to hoping Evan finds away. I still haven’t…
May 24, 2019 @ 7:15 pm
At this point Evan knows he’s never going to truly “make it big” and is basically in “screw it” mode. He knows he’s given his all and he knows his songs are amazing, but he also knows he’s reached the top of the mountain, which to him looks more like a hill. He’s gone for good. He’s 35 now and knows he’s at the end. Evan we love you.
May 24, 2019 @ 7:46 pm
This might be the dumbest take I’ve read in why if these threads, and that is saying something.
May 24, 2019 @ 10:01 pm
Wow. Agreed with CraigDanger it take a lot to win the stupidity award in these comments…… you do realize that turnpike never had plans of “making it big”. Evan liked writing songs and playing music with friends. What is your idea of “making it big” anyways? Playing for the masses to half listen to the words, cause they don’t really care what’s being said, as long as it’s catchy with a snap track and puts em in the mood to chug their cheap light beer.
May 25, 2019 @ 7:39 am
Thanks for understanding what I meant despite the autocorrect mess 🙂
May 24, 2019 @ 7:15 pm
Wow! I actually just got home. Wanted to put music on tv. Put on their ACL performance, which wasn’t great. Scrolling through SM and saw this. I sure hope he gets the help he needs. I love this band!
May 24, 2019 @ 7:36 pm
Wash, rinse, repeat.
May 24, 2019 @ 7:46 pm
Never heard of them and I’m a country boy. What’s this about Miranda and Evan? He one of the guys she supposedly cheated on Blake with. Somebody help out a clueless country boy. Thanks. Hope he does get the help he needs if he needs it.
May 24, 2019 @ 11:47 pm
Wat?
May 25, 2019 @ 6:49 am
They’re dope, and you should listen to them – check out Every Girl, 7&7, and Long Hot Summer Day.
Not a big gossip guy, but this happened well after Lambert got divorced – Felker was the only one cheating, which doesn’t change how great those songs are.
May 25, 2019 @ 7:25 am
Thanks for the info. I’ll check them out.
May 24, 2019 @ 7:58 pm
I’m not the most religious among us, but yeah I’ll pray for this guy. 🙏
May 24, 2019 @ 8:00 pm
This is sad news. In the past 18 months, we have had a pretty typical TT fan experience- two shows that were as good as live music gets, and two cancelled shows. I agree with the others and hope he pulls an Isbell … “forever this time.”
May 24, 2019 @ 9:17 pm
Make up your mind
If you cant handle your booze dont drink
May 25, 2019 @ 8:59 am
It really isn’t that simple dude. It’s called addiction
May 24, 2019 @ 9:19 pm
Oh, that’s not good. Anytime someone thanks you “for the memories”, they’ve pretty much thrown in the towel. Maybe Jason Bolland can give him some guidance, on how to get clean and make even better music.
May 24, 2019 @ 9:21 pm
Well, this is too bad. They are a great band with a lot of promise. I hope they get things together and come back.
May 24, 2019 @ 9:33 pm
If he has Kidney stones he is not performing anywhere…they are extremely painful. Until they pass, he will be on strong pain meds.
May 25, 2019 @ 3:48 am
My god, yes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t zonked out on painkillers all the time. Those things hurt like crazy. I was lucky, I was only suffering for a couple of days. I have a friend who had to have hers dug out by surgery.
May 24, 2019 @ 10:03 pm
This was sadly inevitable. Help is needed and hopefully will be looked for.
There are plenty of artists to look at for inspiration and advice on this.
Best wished to everyone effected by this.
May 24, 2019 @ 10:06 pm
Great band. Hope Evan recovers.
May 24, 2019 @ 10:26 pm
“…Took a few too many liberties
It’s a hard ass lesson to learn
Roll the dice just one more turn
Too heavy on the pedal and you crash and burn”
(from Pipe Bomb Dream)
May 24, 2019 @ 10:36 pm
“…Well I’m the same old me you know
Fucking up the status quo
Trouble all the way up to my neck
And I can keep it cool and new
Until you catch me half past two
Just about that time when I’m a wreck”
{from Old Time Feeling (Like Before)}
May 24, 2019 @ 10:42 pm
“…I’m gonna figure out the hard way
How fast I can wear my welcome out.”
(from The Hard Way)
May 24, 2019 @ 11:01 pm
Anyone who knows anything about addiction saw this coming. The statement by their inept management that finally acknowledges the problem like actual adults is a big step in the right direction. As I’ve stated before, I lost all respect for the band and management many months ago for their refusal to stop putting Evan in the very dangerous situation of keeping him on the road. Not to mention their many false excuses and the place that the multiple last minute canceled shows left fans in. Screwing the fans is down way down on the list of the wrongs here though……the real shame that the band and management will have to live with is being enablers in this mess by choosing $ and trying to force shows / tours over insisting on a long break and actual help for Evan.
May 24, 2019 @ 11:48 pm
I hope good things and good music come out of this break up 😀
May 25, 2019 @ 1:28 am
this is honestly starting to sound like an opioid, meth, coke, and/or severe alcohol problem here.. i really do not want to think it is but from my experience, it sounds dire. for Evan. i hope this announcement just means they are taking a longass time off. that guy is clearly in awful shape. i love Turnpike enough to want Felker to get better more than i care about seeing another show or album 😔
May 25, 2019 @ 2:49 am
Auditions?
May 25, 2019 @ 2:53 am
This means better songs to come just wait and be humble!
May 25, 2019 @ 3:35 am
Best wishes to Evan and I hope he can truly get the help he needs and is willing to accept help. I hope the rest of the band can continue on in some capacity with their side projects while he is unable to perform. They truly have something special when they are all together, everyone I have introduced to Turnpike Troubadours loves them. They have a bright future if they can get Evan on the straightened path but they will have to give it time and have a lot of patience. I wouldn’t blame the other band members if they moved on to other gigs.
May 25, 2019 @ 3:50 am
I don’t really follow modern Country much; I am on another continent, a bit out of the loop and haven’t heard a whole lot that I liked in many years. But I have discovered this outfit from hanging around on Saving Country Music, and they are a much better fit with me than most.
A shame they are going through this. Hope this guy can get himself sorted out, but sadly it doesn’t feel like things are going in that direction.
May 25, 2019 @ 5:09 am
People always want to put the” Blame” on someone, when the truth of the matter is, Everyone in his inner circle,Management, Close Friends, Band Members, have gone Above and Beyond trying to Help and be there for him and this situation, you have know idea. There is a saying, “You can Lead a Horse to Water, But , You can’t make it Drink”’,there is only so much you can do, and then it becomes a question of taking Responsibilty, admitting there is a problem, and making the commitment to HELP, yourself . God Bless, Everyone, That has been there , Time and Time, again for him, doing what, he has ordered them to do, even when it wasn’t what they may have felt was Best, only to be Let Down and blamed, once again, for his actions, and God Bless him, that this time, he see’s, it’s Now up to him, to get the Help he needs to Conquer this terrible thing, that is destroying him, and all those that love, supported and Believed in him, no matter what!
God be with you, and make you well, we all stand behind you, but, it has to come from you.
May 25, 2019 @ 6:43 am
I have seen several posts that have asked ‘why hasn’t management and the band taken Evan off the road previously?” What if Evan is the one dictating to management and the band that he wants to continue and they have had to follow his directions? We really don’t know how everyrhing is set up contractually, so while the perception is that they are a band of ‘brothers’, what if that isn’t how it is? What if Evan is the primary artist with the contract and the band/management are hired hands? If you think that’s not possible, look at the band Paramore. The perception was it was a band for years, but it was really Hayley Williams who had the record deal and management contract and the rest of the band worked for her in a seperate company. If there were a similar set up–after all, Evan is the principal singer and songwriter– then management and the band can’t make him do anything he doesn’t want to do. The only thing the band can do is resign their employment and they can be replaced. So management keeps booking shows and the band shows up to play unless Evan calls it off, but they still get paid, even for no shows. Addictions and labor costs require a steady flow of cash thus the continual scheduling of future gigs. When you cancel gigs for illness, insurance may cover the promoters’ losses.You’ll notice that despite these cancellations, there have been no lawsuits by the he promoters or venues affected. Fans may be disappointed by no shows, but are mostly forgiving if the gig is rescheduled.
Maybe this isn’t the case, but just saying things are often not as they appear in the music business.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:39 am
Very good point! Another example is the band Alabama, where the drummer Mark Herndon appeared on all album art, on all promotional materials, at all awards shows, and at all performances along with getting his own statue in Fort Payne alongside Randy, Teddy, and Jeff. However, when controversy broke out following 2003’s “American Farewell Tour” with Mark not getting his cut of tour merchandise sales, it was only then revealed that Mark was a contract drummer for the band and supposedly not a “full member”. They sure had no issue treating him like a full member prior to the tour merchandise drama…
May 25, 2019 @ 6:51 am
So we flew from WA to see them today and tomorrow in Texas, and we got cancelled on which I’m alright with as long as Evan gets well, cause a mans life is more important than me seeing a show. The only thing that bothers me is that they have been promoting shows and posting non stop about tour dates and then pull this, why would you be doing that if they had any thought at all that these shows wouldn’t happen
May 25, 2019 @ 7:27 am
It’s not a good look. At all. You may not be able to control the behavior of Evan Felker, but you can control how you handle it.
If I’d flown from Washington to see them, I would be livid.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:10 am
It is what it is, we knew the risk involved after seeing the benefit concert. Just had a good sense of hope since they were constantly posting up coming shows, look at their twitter they posted a concert like five hours before the big post
May 25, 2019 @ 8:17 am
In my opinion, this is where you can’t let management off for the irresponsible behavior of Evan Felker. If you’re unsure if he’s going to be able to make shows—especially after the months and months of cancellations—you do not continue to book the band out. Maybe you book the shows if you have to in order to secure venues, but don’t announce them or put tickets for sale or something until you’re sure everything’s going to be okay, but you cannot put people on the hook like that. Think about if you’re the Lone Star Jam this weekend, and the other half dozen festivals that have Turnpike as their headliners. Now they’re in a scramble drill. Obviously the well being of Evan Felker is top priority. But these live dates could have been handled way better. Even now they’re not letting the public know where the cancellations are being cut off. I just heard back from their publicist saying he has no further information.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:48 am
I’m fairly confident this is the end for the band. They were all in Houston ready to play, including Evan, and something happened. Kyle Nix posted Willie Nelson’s the party is over on Twitter, and Evan’s sister posted about it having been a great ride.
May 25, 2019 @ 9:14 am
Couldn’t agree more Trigger. You just gotta wonder where the communication is
May 25, 2019 @ 12:33 pm
Katie that twitter account you’re associating with Kyle Nix was made in May and has one posting which is the one you speak of. Don’t believe it is him.
May 25, 2019 @ 3:08 pm
Clay – the return to twitter was promoted on Kyle’s instagram and originally had some content about new music, potentially a bluegrass side project, that has since been removed.
June 1, 2019 @ 6:23 pm
Here’s some perspective – Evan is little nuts. Every truly great artist is crazy to some degree. They all have neurosis, schema’s and are prone to the comforts and dampening that substances provide. Very few who are reading this thread have written songs that have meant so much to thousands of people. Very few know how touring night after night and month after month, singing the same songs to thousands of people staring at you – expecting you to write another great album, having the constant media spotlight, being responsible for the well being of the band, crew, mgmt and all their families – that will drive any person crazy. I know if I had his burdens, I’d be just as susceptible to the bottle.
Evan’s not the first for Miranda to mess with, but it takes two to tango – and these problems were definitely there before her, but even worse after.
Yes he’s responsible, but we should also cut him a little grace if not at the very least empathy. Without denying his mistakes or responsibility, ask yourself if you know you’d have tripped up considering the above. You can’t actually, because you’ve not been in his shoes. I’m disappointed as we all are, but I realize my world will never be as difficult to deal with as his.
Evan, that band and crew are a family. His intention was never to let anyone down, but alas it got the better of him.
Trigger, I agree with you about mgmt/booking holding some responsibility. If you think for a second that mgmt possesses the ethical restraint to not milk every chance to squeeze that last few pennies over caring for the fans travel plans or Evan’s well being, you’ve forgotten that a suit’s still a suit. TP shows sell out and the die hard fans have known for the past year that any show could be their last. Everyone’s taking a risk. The band members had to continually try and make it work taking the most risk with their families and mortgages on the line.
I think we should all show a little grace through understanding what it might be like to be Evan.
May 25, 2019 @ 7:48 am
No sarcasm here at all, but why would people still gamble on buying tickets to gigs especially ones you have to book travel and rooms for? I am guessing management thinks it’s worth the gamble to keep booking shows as long as people are still buying the tickets.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:12 am
LB, well we bought them months ago and they had seemed to be doing good. And they are our favorite band in the world and never come to Washington so it’s worth the trip, we’ve done it like four other times and always worked out great. Best concert I’ve ever been to in my life at red rocks
May 28, 2019 @ 4:04 pm
“a mans life is more important than me seeing a show” says a lot about your character / maturity (in a good way) and just wanted to say I appreciate hearing this especially from someone who had tickets / travelled to see it etc…
***sidenote trucker speed is one of my favorite songs, was listening to that album earlier today….the song dangerous (off that album) also comes to mind regarding this article/post
May 25, 2019 @ 7:31 am
I really, really hope Evan can pull a Jason (Boland or Isbell) and he and Turnpike find their way back. It would suck so bad if it all ended like this.
May 25, 2019 @ 7:50 am
Hopefully,Evan Felker can regain sobriety and if successful ,resume his career.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:06 am
Addiction is a terrible disease. He should not be shamed. Let’s pray for this man, his family, the band and their families.
May 25, 2019 @ 8:38 am
Anyone who had tried to help an addict will attest to the fact that they cannot be helped unless they decide to help themselves. You try and try with good intent but always end up disappointed. Seen it first hand with my business partner.
Have tickets to their Red Rocks show next month….bought plane tickets and booked a hotel….they burned the place down last year on my birthday. When they are on their best I can’t say I have seen anyone better. I’m not bitter as they have always kept their ticket prices reasonable and this is bigger than just a show. Looks like I will be hiking or golfing rather than going to the show.
Evan….Get yourself well!!! You have many people in your corner but this is on you!
Huge talent in that band….shit I hope they can come back!
May 25, 2019 @ 12:31 pm
Their Wikipedia article (for what that’s worth) is already referring to them in the past tense.
May 25, 2019 @ 12:39 pm
Addiction is a road that someone chose to drive.
Hopefully, Evan can find it in himself to seek out the help he needs.
May 25, 2019 @ 1:16 pm
May all your favorite bands stay together…
May 25, 2019 @ 1:32 pm
Hope you found everything you wanted in the place you loved the best Evan
May 25, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
Good lord Evan, we love ya, could it go more wrong? <3
May 26, 2019 @ 8:39 am
I’ve always been moved by what was,I think, Kenny Chesney’s first hit, That’s Why I’m Here. Seems appropriate in this case. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqo0aVgKHRo
May 26, 2019 @ 8:43 am
While Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s “These Blues” offers hope, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbx8QGbDv3c
May 26, 2019 @ 8:56 am
Without being forced into detox, its going to be difficult for him to make a rational choice.
May 26, 2019 @ 11:22 am
This is incredibly sad.
The thing is the comments here speculating about the role his wives, girlfriends, management, band members, WHOEVER close to him has had are all way off the mark. Addiction is a horrible disease, but no one is responsible for an addicts behavior execpt the addict himself.
I hope he can get clean and get back it on the road sharing his incredible music with us again soon….but if he can’t do both, then I hope he can at least get clean and healthy.
May 26, 2019 @ 4:13 pm
Medicine Stone’s Facebook has announced that TT has cancelled the Medicine Stone show in September.
May 26, 2019 @ 4:25 pm
Godspeed on your Long Drive Home
May 27, 2019 @ 12:34 pm
Every Turnpike thread brings out the nutjobs.
May 27, 2019 @ 9:24 pm
God Bless Evan and the rest of the band and crew this is a life and death struggle I pray for healing and clarity that sobriety can bring should Evan choose that brave path!
May 28, 2019 @ 5:22 am
This hurts my heart more than I can say. TT has been not only my favorite country act for the past five years, but my favorite act across all genres, period. When they’re on their game, there’s no one who comes close to their sound and songwriting in country music today. I’ve told everyone about them since the moment I discovered them but the future doesn’t look bright. I’m afraid Felker is going to be this generation’s Williams, Whitley, or country music’s Kurt Cobain. There is no TT without him and his unparalleled songwriting skills.
May 28, 2019 @ 1:02 pm
Evan needs to get some professional help, it’s obvious that he has demons and issues. The band can decide to either carry on without him whilst he gets better or take a hiatus but Even needs help and that should be the main priority. His mental health needs to be what comes first here not what the fans want. I hope he gets the help he needs.
May 29, 2019 @ 4:06 am
The problem with carrying on without him is that there can be no TT without Felker. The other guys are phenomenal musicians and apt writers, but no one even comes close to Felker’s lyrics. He’s the heart and soul of their entire body of work. If the other guys want to keep on, its probably because they have families or just need the income. Otherwise, it just won’t work without Felker.
May 28, 2019 @ 5:16 pm
Evan needs help, and I hope he gets it, but for the love of God, I wish this band would stop scheduling shows while he’s dealing with his demons.
It’s not fair to the fans, it’s not fair to the band, and it’s not fair to Evan. And it’s sure has hell not helping his recovery.
When I lived in Texas, I probably saw Turnpike live 15-20 times. Hell, I remember watching them as they opened for Jason Boland at Antone’s in Austin. They’ll always be a favorite band of mine, but I moved out of state a couple years ago and a buddy of mine invited me to a reunion with some coworkers for their show in New Braunfels in July, and as excited as I was for the idea, I knew better than to take him up on the offer and buy the plane ticket. Unfortunately, it turns out it was the right decision.
Take the time. Stop scheduling shows and letting the fans down. Get help. Come back when you’re ready. We’ll be here.
May 28, 2019 @ 6:57 pm
This is all so Sad! The sympathy seems to all be for Evan, BUT, I want to tell all of you out there, And you know who you are, that have been there for Evan, through thick and thin, given him, chance after chance, at your own Expense, endured the Ridicule, taken the Orders, lived through the Embarassnent , only to be Humiliated time and time again, My, Sympathy, and Concern is for all of you. You didn’t do anything Wrong, you were Loyal, and Obiedient to your Friend, and he just couldn’t see it, but Trust me, he Will. My thoughts, are with All of you. Hold Your Heads High, you have nothing to feel bad about!!!!!!
May 30, 2019 @ 1:48 pm
Hank Williams, George Jones , Cash and the list goes on he’s falling to the very bottom , it will be up to him to get help