On the second night of a sold out run at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey this past weekend, Billy Strings kicked off his show with a timely tribute to the late Todd Snider.
If you are reading this article, then you are likely already aware at this point of the bizarre news turned tragic circumstance surrounding Todd Snider over the past week. I’ll spare you the details, but in short, Snider was allegedly involved in an altercation a couple of weeks ago before a show in Salt Lake City that led to his hospitalization and tour cancellation. Shortly thereafter, he was inexplicably arrested for refusing to the leave the hospital.
An encounter that left fans concerned for his health and well-being, Snider was back in the news just over a week later when it was announced that he was back in the hospital for a sever case of pneumonia. Tragically, it was announced on November 14 that he had succumbed to the illness and passed away. He was 59 years old.
One of those “your favorite songwriter’s favorite songwriter” type artists, Snider was a prolific writer who leaves behind a deep catalog of clever tunes and captivating stories, many of which have had a major influence on some of the most popular Texas/red dirt, Americana, and folk artists out there right now. Although he never garnered much mainstream attention, Snider built an impressive career on the strength of his songwriting thanks to a dedicated cult following that championed his talents as a lyricist.
There is certainly a hole in the scene now that Snider is no longer with us, and that is evident in the outpouring of condolences and tributes that artists have shared over social media in the wake of his passing. One of those artists that has paid tribute to Snider is bluegrass phenom Billy Strings.
The day after news broke of Snider’s passing, Billy Strings was gearing up for the second night of his two-night run at Newark’s Prudential Center, and he chose to open things up with a cover of Todd Snider’s popular “Play a Train Song,” a clever track that puts Snider’s uniquely contagious sense of humor on full display.
Check out Strings’ tribute to the late songwriter here:
This was Billy’s first time ever playing this one, and I don’t know about you guys, but I think that Billy should keep this one in the cover rotation from time to time.
“Play a Train Song” was originally released by Todd Snider on his iconic record East Nashville Skyline in 2004. A heartfelt and humorous ode to his late friend, manager, and East Nashville “Uncle” Skip Litz, the tune takes on a particularly eerie feeling in the wake of Snider’s passing.
For reference, check out this clip of Snider performing “Play a Train Song” himself at the great American Music Hall in San Francisco back in 2009.
“He laughed a little bit louder, then he’d yell up at the band
‘Play a train song, pour me one more round
Make ’em leave my boots on, on the day they lay me down
I’m a runaway locomotive out of my one track mind
And I’m a-lookin’ for any kinda trouble that I can find'”
Rest in Peace Todd Snider.
