This is incredibly tough to watch, and immensely sad to see.
For a while now, there have been plenty of rumors following lead singer of the Turnpike Troubadours, Evan Felker. An occasional video or comment here and there would surface, claiming Evan was too intoxicated to perform.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media)
Then fans started tweeting. And tweeting. Everyone was attempting to figure out what the hell was going on. As the band had to cancel shows, some fans didn’t understand why. Others saw some of the performances and began to connect the dots. Things came to a head last week during a benefit concert in Guthrie, OK for Byron Berline and the Double Stop Fiddle Shop.
The benefit featured the Turnpike Troubadours, Vince Gill, Larry Gatlin, and the Byron Berline Band.
Turnpike went on, and Evan was visibly intoxicated to the point fans immediately turned to social media to offer prayers, and well wishes. Seeing someone as great as Evan forgetting lyrics, stumbling around on stage, and slurring words truly tears you up inside. My family has experienced alcoholism more than once, and it’s an absolute mother fucker, soul crusher, and gut-wrenching thing to go through.
The band hasn’t commented on the performance to this point.
Here’s a clip of the band during the benefit, posted by a fan.
It’s very hard watching one of my favorite artists and all-around brilliant minds spiral down like this.
I hope the right people can get Evan Felker some much needed help.
Long live the Turnpike Troubadours. pic.twitter.com/O55prJXMb2
— Tyler Knowles (@S_TKnowles) May 11, 2019
Many more fans sharing their concern.
I sincerely pray Evan Felker can overcome his demons. He, his friends, and his family deserve it. I want one of the strongest writers of this generation to be healthy and stick around.
— Farce the Music (@Farcethemusic) May 11, 2019
Tossed and turned all night thinking bout Evan Felker. You got it all, man. Pull it together.
— Jason Lovell ✌️&🌽🍞 (@Jason_Lovell88) May 10, 2019
For the love of God #evanfelker please come clean and get clean. There’s no shame in getting help. Don’t end up being #anotherdeadgeniuscountrystar https://t.co/pXAQKjQCLx
— Kaylyn (@PMSpregameAF) May 12, 2019
I can't imagine the pain Evan Felker is going through, but I hope more than anything that he gets through these hard times. Still my biggest inspiration for writing music, no matter what and always will be. I'll always stand behind the @TpTroubadours
— Isaac Rudd (@thatisaacrudd) May 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/ranchbronc/status/1128015986588880896
Guthrie News shared the entire benefit concert, including the Turnpike performance. Like I said, it isn’t easy to watch. However, with the right help hopefully Evan can get on track to be his best self.
I know that’s what we’re all hoping for.
