Great news.
Back in March, one of Texas’ finest traditional artists, Randall King, announced that he was taking a step back from touring as he sought professional help in his personal life. While he didn’t reveal much about what he’s going through, the “You In A Honky Tonk” singer made it clear that he was not in a place where he can take the stage right now:
“It’s easy to get lost in this world. Sometimes you have no idea how deep into it you are until you step back and look. Over the past couple weeks I’ve dug deep and taken a hard look at areas of my life that need serious attention and change because not only have my choices effected myself, they have affected the people I love the most.
My faith comes first and right now I don’t feel right stepping on stage without the confidence that I’m living as the man God has called me to be. For that reason, I’m pausing touring for the time being. I’m actively seeking professional help and focusing on my faith, my health/mental health, and my family.”
While he acknowledged that it’s difficult for him to step back, he realized that it’s bigger than music and that he needed the time to take care of himself:
“It’s so hard for me to cancel shows because touring has been my life for the last decade. But for the sake of my faith, my family, and my fans, I have to be authentic in this change in my life, and walk by Faith. Let me take this time, commit to getting well, and through this, return stronger, focused, and more grateful than ever.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me and prayed for me. I’ve always looked at music as a way to heal but this is bigger than music. I appreciate any prayers you have. Through God’s grace and mercy I will rise from this and see yall soon.”
Upon the announcement, King announced the cancelation of shows at the Six Shooter Music Festival in Kenedy, Texas, the Austin Rodeo and the Party in the Desert Festival in Wickenburg, Arizona, as well as the postponement of upcoming shows in El Paso, Texas, Tucson, Arizona, and a run of shows in California that included stops in Anaheim, San Luis Obispo and Sacramento — all stretching from March to April.
After a few months off the grid, King would return to social media in early July. Here, he’d make back-to-back posts on the 7th and the 8th, letting fans know that he’s doing better, thanking them for their prayers and slating 26 shows throughout August and into December.
After officially making his return at the Grand Ole Opry on August 8th, King has been back and better than ever over the past month and a half, performing solo shows and supporting Luke Bryan on multiple dates on his current Word on the Street Tour.
Over the weekend, the 36-year-old singer/songwriter performed a headlining set at Lee Street Jamboree in Greenville, Texas. During the show in his home state, King would take some time to open up about his struggles over the past year. Here, he’d reveal that he checked himself into rehab during the hiatus and is currently six and a half months sober.
In an incredibly emotional moment, he’d choke back tears and tell the crowd that he got his faith and his family back during this time of healing. Additionally, he’d encourage anyone who’s currently struggling to get help with their struggles.
“I went absent for about five months, cancelled my tour, put myself into rehab. I’m six and a half months sober. But the most important thing to me is that I got my faith back. I got my family back. I think it’s alright to say you’re not okay. Don’t ever be afraid to tell somebody that you’re not okay or get help, ’cause it happens to all of us.”
King would then go on to note how hard the music industry is. Here, he’d explain that he put his career and himself first before everything else in his life.
“I’ll tell you, this industry can be ridiculous. It can be really hard on people. There’s a lot of things that distract you from what you’re supposed to be focused on. I put my career before anything else, and I put myself before anything else. That ‘ol ego had to be put in check.”
Finally, he’d finish by telling the crowd how grateful he is to be with them in Greenville, thanking God for turning his life around. Poignantly, he’d also proclaim that music is the “most powerful tool in the world” besides prayer.
“I can tell you, man, I’m just grateful to be here. I’m grateful that God turned it all around, and that music’s still a part of my life, because I think music is the most powerful tool in the world besides prayer. If my music’s meant anything to you over the years and it’s touched your life in a way that’s changed some things for you, that means everything — because that’s what it’s here for.”
Country music needs Randall King, and we’re incredibly grateful that he’s in a much better place now than earlier in the year.
Watch here:
@lilyjjoseph I contemplated posting this, but then I realized there is no shame in being real. And I think Randall’s message could touch so many more people than just those who were in the audience tonight. “I think music is the most powerful tool in the world besides prayer.” There’s truly nothing stronger than having God on your side through whatever you’re facing. #RandallKing #countrymusic #faith #powerinprayer #Christian ♬ original sound – Lily Joseph
