Rascal Flatts, one of the most iconic country music groups, has just announced through an interview with PEOPLE that the band has broken up. After 20 remarkable years of creating hits together like “Bless the Broken Road,” “What Hurts the Most,” and “Life is a Highway,” the band members, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney, and Jay DeMarcus, are going their separate ways. This news shattered the hearts of millions of fans worldwide who have followed Rascal Flatts over the decades. In this blog, we will delve into the details of the band’s disbanding and what led to this shocking announcement.
The Announcement
During the interview with PEOPLE, Gary LeVox, the lead vocalist of the band, revealed the reasons for the split. According to him, Rascal Flatts would no longer perform together due to Jon Don Rooney’s departure. Rooney, who played guitar for the group, decided to quit after the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to cancel their 2020 farewell tour. LeVox stated that he was surprised and disappointed by Rooney’s decision, but the band was left with no other choice but to disband.
The Journey of Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts was formed in Columbus, Ohio, in 1999 by Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Michael Deason. However, Deason soon left the group, and Joe Don Rooney replaced him, completeing the band. The band released their debut self-titled album in 2000 that immediately caught the attention of the country music scene, selling over two million copies. Rascal Flatts went on to release 11 more albums over their twenty-year career, each one outdoing the last and making them one of the most famous country music bands of all time.
Rascal Flatts was known for their heartfelt ballads and up-tempo tracks that often made it to the top of the Billboard charts. Their music was the soundtrack of people’s lives, with singles like “My Wish” and “Life is a Highway” inspiring countless people worldwide. They have won countless awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, CMAs, and ACMs, leaving a permanent mark on country music.
The Fallout
Rascal Flatts’s announcement came as a surprise to both fans and industry insiders alike. Still, as we dug deeper, it became apparent that there were a few signs of trouble in the band’s camp. In an interview with SiriusXM’s The Highway in August of 2020, LeVox confirmed that the pandemic had thrown a wrench into the group’s plans of embarking on a farewell tour. In the same interview, he also revealed that he had been recording new music with various producers, leading some to believe that Rascal Flatts could have something new on the horizon.
However, apparently, not everyone was interested in continuing with the band. The sudden news of Jon Don Rooney’s departure left fans wondering about what might have caused it. Although we may never know the real reason, the band has been around for 20 years, and it is normal for any group to run its course and come to an end. Nevertheless, this saddening news is a substantial blow for the country music scene as Rascal Flatts’s sound and style were both unique and influential.
The Future of Rascal Flatts
Unfortunately, Rascal Flatts has no future plans as of now. The band members have yet to release any formal statements about their decision or confirm whether they will continue to perform or record music as individuals. However, speculation has been rife that they may release a goodbye album that will feature some of their biggest hits and might include new music. Until then, fans of Rascal Flatts can only look back on their remarkable career and take comfort in knowing that their legacy will live on forever.
Conclusion
The end of Rascal Flatts marks a crucial moment in country music history. Although it is sad to see the band disband, their impact and influence in the scene will never fade. Their music and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of their millions of fans worldwide. As they move onto new chapters in their lives, we wish Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney, and Jay DeMarcus all the best and thank them for the incredible music and memories they have given us over the years.
FAQ
Why was Eric Church kicked out of Rascal Flatts?
In 2006, Eric Church was invited to be the opening act for Rascal Flatts’ “Me and My Gang” tour. However, during the tour, Church would often play past his allotted time and perform too loudly. This caused frustration among Rascal Flatts and their crew as it would delay their own set-up time.
According to a radio interview in 2018, Church said that he was ultimately kicked off the tour for his behavior and being too loud: “We went and blew the crowd out every night…we played really loud, and there were people that didn’t like that. But we did…I may or may not have not been asked back to tour with Rascal Flatts after that year.”
Despite the incident causing some tension between Church and Rascal Flatts, Church continued to make a name for himself in the country music industry, eventually becoming a headlining act himself. Additionally, Church has also expressed admiration for Rascal Flatts and their success in the industry.
Who did Taylor Swift replace on the Rascal Flatts tour?
In 2006, Rascal Flatts was on tour, and Eric Church was the opening act for their shows. However, during one concert, Church played longer than his allotted time, frustrating the headliners. As a result, Rascal Flatts decided to fire Eric Church from the tour. This left the band in a tricky situation as they needed to find a replacement for their entire tour.
Soon after Church’s removal, Taylor Swift received a phone call on October 17, 2006, in which she was offered the opening act position for the remainder of the tour. At the time, Taylor was just 16 years old, and although she had some experience performing locally in her home state of Pennsylvania, she had never embarked on a national tour.
Nonetheless, Taylor accepted the offer and joined Rascal Flatts on their tour. Even though she was nervous and felt like an underdog compared to the other more experienced acts, Taylor was determined to make the most of this opportunity. She poured herself into her performances, and soon her music captivated the audience.
Taylor’S stint on the Rascal Flatts tour proved to be a turning point in her career. This opening act experience gave her the chance to display her talents to a wider audience, which helped her build a solid fan base. From there, Taylor continued to work hard, write more songs, and land additional tour opportunities. Today, she is a globally renowned artist who has sold millions of records and won countless awards. Nonetheless, she never forgets how her journey started, and still holds deep gratitude towards her early mentors and supporters, including Rascal Flatts.
Why did Joanna Cotten leave Eric Church?
Joanna Cotten, a talented backup singer for Eric Church, left the country superstar’s band in early 2020. While the reason for her departure was not officially confirmed by either party, Joanna shared a cryptic post on her social media in which she mentions that “it was God’s plan.” She thanked fans for their energy and shared her gratitude for the memories she made while traveling and performing with Eric Church. Although she didn’t provide clear reasons for leaving the band, there are a few speculations for why she may have decided to move on.
One possibility could be that Joanna wanted to focus on her solo career. She has been working on her own music and released an album in 2017. Perhaps leaving Eric Church’s band was a strategic move for her to gain more traction and attention in the industry as a solo artist. It’s not uncommon for supporting musicians to want to branch out and pursue their own careers.
Another possibility could be that Joanna wanted to spend more time with her family or pursue other personal endeavors. Touring and performing extensively can take a toll on a person’s well-being and personal life. It’s possible that she was ready to take a break from the touring lifestyle and focus more on her personal priorities.
Whatever the reason for Joanna Cotten’s departure, one thing is for sure: she made a significant impact on Eric Church’s music and career. Her powerful, soulful voice added a unique element to Church’s live performances and recordings. Fans will surely miss her presence on stage, but it’s exciting to see what the future holds for her.
Who were the actors in the Rascal Flatts video What Hurts the Most?
The music video for Rascal Flatt’s hit song “What Hurts the Most” features a cast of actors who portray the emotions and themes present in the song. The video was directed by Shaun Silva and produced by Keaton Brown and Christen Pinkston. The video was shot in various locations including several landscapes and a mansion in Los Angeles.
The actors featured in the video include James C. Burns, who plays a grieving father mourning the loss of his daughter. Burns is known for his roles in films and TV shows such as “Transformers” and “CSI: Miami.” Jay DeMarcus, the bassist for Rascal Flatts, also appears in the video as a man who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship. DeMarcus brings a sense of authenticity to the video, as he has experienced similar emotions in his personal life.
In addition, the video features two other actors who play the lead roles of the song’s narrative: Gary LeVox and Jeffrey Steele. LeVox is the lead singer of Rascal Flatts and delivers a poignant performance as he sings the lyrics of the song. Steele, a veteran songwriter, also appears in the video and adds depth to the emotions conveyed by the music.
The actors in the Rascal Flatts video for “What Hurts the Most” deliver authentic and emotional performances that enhance the impact of the song. Their performances add a cinematic quality to the video, making it a powerful and moving addition to the song’s meaning.
Why didn’t Eric Church sing the national anthem?
Eric Church, the popular country singer, recently revealed in an interview that he has always avoided singing the national anthem, despite being asked several times to do it. When asked why he never agreed to sing the anthem, Church explained that the song is incredibly difficult to sing.
According to Church, the national anthem is not a song that can be taken lightly. It requires a great deal of vocal skill and technique to perform it correctly. “It’s an incredibly hard song to sing. And I’m not a vocalist — I’m a stylist,” he said in the interview. Church went on to explain that the anthem is a song that demands a lot of respect and reverence, and therefore, he has always been hesitant to take it on.
Church’s fear of singing the national anthem also stems from the fact that the song has a very specific melody that cannot be altered or modified too much. Church believes that as an artist, he takes some liberties with the lyrics and melody when he performs, but with the national anthem, he is not willing to do that. “Somebody like me, you take some liberties with it, then you’ve gotten too far away from the melody, and suddenly you’re a communist,” he joked.
Despite being offered the opportunity to sing the national anthem many times, Church has always declined. He believes that there are other artists who are better suited to do justice to the song. Church appreciates the complexity and power of the national anthem, and he feels that it should only be performed by those who can do it justice.
Eric Church has always avoided singing the national anthem because he believes it is a difficult and complex song that requires a great deal of respect and reverence. Although he has been asked to sing it several times, Church feels that he is not the best-suited artist for the job. He believes that the national anthem is a song that demands perfection and can only be sung by someone who can do it justice.