Turnpike Troubadours’ RC Edwards: “Reports of Our Death Have Been Highly Exaggerated”

photo: Brad Coolidge

The Turnpike Troubadours are not done yet. This was the news coming out of Mile 0 Fest last weekend in Key West, Florida, where the Oklahoma-based Red Dirt country band was scheduled to play, but cancelled the appearance last minute along with multiple other shows. However a side project comprised of Turnpike Troubadours bass player and songwriter RC Edwards and long-time friend of the band Amber Watson called RC and the Ambers did play Saturday night (2-2) at Key West’s Cowboy Bill’s Honky Tonk Saloon, and RC addressed the situation that has some fans concerned.

“I also play in a band called the Turnpike Troubadours,” RC Edwards told the assembled crowd. “And the reports of our death have been highly exaggerated.”

RC Edwards didn’t give any further details, but the assembled crowd was pleased to hear the proclamation. RC and the Ambers also played at Mile 0 Fest in 2018, and that incarnation of the band included all of the members of the Turnpike Troubadours except for front man Evan Felker. This year, numerous members of Mike and the Moonpies and other outfits sat in as the backing band, including both the Moonpies’ steel guitar player Zach Molton, and bass player Omar Oyoque playing bass and steel guitar. Turnpike Troubadours steel guitar and accordion player “Hammerin'” Hank Early was also at the show.

On Thursday of the festival when the Turnpike Troubadours were scheduled to headline on the main stage, multiple attendees wore Turnpike Troubadours gear to show solidarity with the band. Cody Canada had requested fans do so, and Canada wore his own Turnpike Troubadours shirt on stage, saying in part, “It’s a common misconception that as musicians, we’re bulletproof, and we’re not,” Cody Canada said. “Life catches up to us from time to time. And you as fans should let us chill the fuck out for a minute, and let us catch our breath.” Cody Canada was one of numerous performers who addressed the Turnpike Troubadours issues over the week.

The Turnpike Troubadours might release a statement soon about what fans can expect in the future. In the meantime, their next show on February 14th at the Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska is still on at the moment, as are other shows in Miami, OK, Waco, TX, Lawrence, KS, Durant, OK, Dallas, TX, and their show on March 2nd at Rodeo Houston. Stay tuned for updates.

A full recap from Mile 0 Fest from Saving Country Music is forthcoming, and you can also check out Saving Country Music’s Instagram Page for numerous dispatches from the festival.

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