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Billy Strings has offered fans refunds after missing a festival performance for the birth of his son, and has said he’ll “take it on the chin”.
The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass musician was set to headline Renewal Festival in Buena Vista, Colorado on September 27 and 28, but had to travel back to Michigan at the last minute to be with his wife, Ally Dale, as she gave birth to their first child.
Although the event was not cancelled and Strings’ band performed in his absence, alongside other scheduled shows from Mountain Grass Unit, Nat Smith, Jerry Douglas, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and more, Strings announced on Tuesday (October 1) that he’ll be offering refunds to fans.
On Instagram, the ‘Dust in a Baggie’ singer wrote that he was “ready to rock out at renewal with my band and all my friends” when he arrived in Buena Vista on Thursday night. “But knowing in the back of my mind that there’s a chance I might have to get back to Michigan at a moments notice if my wife went into labor…,” he continued.
“We were really hoping that baby boy would wait till Sunday morning at least but he had plans of his own.” After learning that his wife’s waters had broken, Strings “hopped on a jet” reportedly owned by Ringo Starr to join her in the hospital.
“I was mortified to leave the fans hanging and to leave the responsibility of the gig to my band and friends who stepped up and kicked ass in my absence (I owe you all a cold beer!),” he wrote. “But I was so excited to get back to my wife because she needed me.”
An official statement from Strings’ event promoter, Bonfire Entertainment, clarified that GA and VIP ticket purchasers would be getting refunds. “We recognize that this year was not what you expected, and we truly appreciate you sticking with us,” they said.
“Please allow 5-10 business days for the funds to appear in your account. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to info@bonfirentertainment.com. We truly appreciate your understanding and patience. See you again real soon.”
Strings followed-up the announcement with an Instagram story, where he explained he was “happy to get refunds out” to fans. “I know that shit’s expensive as hell and this might be the only concert all year for some folks. Could have been some folks’ first time trying to come see me and I wasn’t there.
“There’s no way I was gonna just keep the bread… I’ll take this one on the chin because business is business… and y’all didn’t get what you paid for. Plenty more concerts to come. Much love.”
Having released his latest album, ‘Highway Prayers’ on September 27, Strings is expected to take some time out to be with his family before resuming his 2024 tour with a string of show across Michigan, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Memphis, Austin and more.
Strings is also playing new dates in 2025, with general sale starting on on Friday, October 11. You can find tickets here.