For over a decade, Florida Georgia Line has been a force to be reckoned with in the country music industry. With hits like “Cruise,” “H.O.L.Y.,” and “Meant to Be,” the duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley captured the hearts of country music fans around the world. But in early 2021, the news broke that Florida Georgia Line would be taking a hiatus, and the rumors soon followed that they might be splitting up for good. So, why did Florida Georgia Line split up? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what led to this decision.
The Origins of Florida Georgia Line
Before we dive into the split, let’s take a look at how Florida Georgia Line first came to be. Hubbard and Kelley met in 2008 while studying at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The two began writing songs together and performing in local bars, and soon landed a publishing deal with Big Loud Mountain Records.
In 2010, Florida Georgia Line signed with Republic Nashville, and released their first EP, “Anything Like Me.” The EP didn’t make much of a splash, but their debut single, “Cruise,” released in 2012, quickly climbed the charts and became a massive hit. The song spent a record-breaking 24 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and propelled Florida Georgia Line to super-stardom.
The Years of Success
Following the success of “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line continued to dominate the country music charts. Their follow-up albums, “Here’s to the Good Times,” “Anything Goes,” and “Dig Your Roots,” all reached the top of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. They collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Luke Bryan, Bebe Rexha, Tim McGraw, and Jason Derulo.
But as Hubbard and Kelley’s fame grew, so did the rumors of tension between them. In interviews, both men brushed off the rumors, insisting that they were just like brothers, and that disagreements were par for the course in any creative partnership.
The Hiatus
In January 2021, Hubbard announced that he was taking a break from Florida Georgia Line to focus on his family and his mental health. Kelley, meanwhile, announced that he was working on a solo project.
In an interview with SiriusXM’s The Highway, Hubbard insisted that the decision was not a split, but rather a hiatus. “We’re just taking a little breather to work on ourselves,” he said. “Just kind of see what we’ve got to do individually.”
Kelley echoed Hubbard’s sentiments in an interview with People, saying, “Tyler and I are not breaking up. We’re just venturing out and doing some things that we’ve always wanted to do on our own.”
What Led to the Hiatus?
So, what led to the decision to take a hiatus? There are a few factors at play. First and foremost is the toll that years of touring and recording had taken on Hubbard and Kelley. The two had been on the road almost constantly for over a decade, and the pressures of fame and success had started to wear on them.
In addition, both Hubbard and Kelley wanted to explore their own musical interests. In recent years, Hubbard had become more involved in the Christian music scene, and Kelley had expressed a desire to explore his rock influences.
Finally, there were reportedly disagreements between Hubbard and Kelley over the direction of Florida Georgia Line’s music. In interviews, the two had hinted at a potential shift away from their signature “bro-country” sound, which had been criticized by some for its sexist themes and lack of diversity. It’s possible that the two were unable to come to a consensus on the future of the band.
The Future of Florida Georgia Line
Despite the rumors of tension and disagreement, both Hubbard and Kelley have maintained that Florida Georgia Line is not breaking up for good. “We’re excited for what the future holds for both of us,” Hubbard said in his SiriusXM interview. “We’re excited for the future of Florida Georgia Line.”
For now, fans will have to be content with solo projects from Hubbard and Kelley. But with their track record of success, it seems likely that Florida Georgia Line will be back together before too long.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision to take a hiatus from Florida Georgia Line was likely a combination of several factors. Years of touring, creative differences, and a desire to explore their own musical interests all played a role. But despite the rumors of tension and disagreement, both Hubbard and Kelley have been clear that this is not a permanent split. Fans of Florida Georgia Line will just have to be patient and see what the future holds for this beloved country duo.
FAQ
Are Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley still friends?
Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are the two members of the popular country music band, Florida Georgia Line. They have been making music together for over a decade and have had numerous hits together. However, over the years, there have been rumors about their friendship and whether it is still intact.
In May 2022, Brian Kelley gave an interview where he addressed the rumors about the future of Florida Georgia Line. He revealed that the band is taking a break after their upcoming tour and that he is not sure what the plan is after that. However, he assured fans that they will always have each other’s back and support, as they are like brothers.
This statement from Brian Kelley indicates that he and Tyler Hubbard are still on good terms. While their future as a band is uncertain, they still have a close bond and consider each other family. It’s not uncommon for band members to have disagreements or creative differences, but what’s important is that they maintain mutual respect and support for each other.
Additionally, on Instagram, both Tyler and Brian frequently post about each other and their friendship. They share pictures and memories from their time together as a band and seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company. This further suggests that they are still friends and that their friendship is important to them.
While the future of Florida Georgia Line as a band may be uncertain, there is no indication that Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley’s friendship is in jeopardy. They continue to support and be there for each other as they have for the past decade, and fans can still enjoy their music together for the time being.
Who owns FGL House in Nashville?
FGL House is a popular four-level restaurant and entertainment venue located in downtown Nashville. It is owned by the multi-platinum duo, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, who are also known as Florida Georgia Line. In 2017, they opened their very own restaurant and venue to give visitors a glimpse into their personal lives. It is designed with a southern twist and offers an amazing night out with friends and family.
The FGL House is one of the most sought after venues in Nashville, as it offers a unique vibe and experience for its guests. The country-themed venture was opened with a mission and vision of offering locals and tourists an experience that reflects the vibrant and creative city of Nashville. The multi-level establishment is perfect for hosting events ranging from intimate gatherings to large parties, and offers indoor and outdoor seating options.
Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard have made no secret of their love for Nashville. They attended Belmont University together and started their music careers in this city, which is why they chose to open FGL House here. The establishment reflects their personalities and southern roots, and it features a rooftop bar, a restaurant, a dance floor, a pizza oven, multiple bars, and much more.
Fgl House is owned by the talented duo, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, who are two of the most successful artists in the country music industry. They have created a unique experience for their visitors, which showcases their love for Nashville, southern hospitality, and good food. It is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Nashville, and it provides a great time for locals as well.
Where is Brian Kelley now?
Brian Kelley, one half of the popular country music duo Florida Georgia Line, is currently pursuing a solo career alongside his work with the band. In January 2021, Kelley announced his intention to release solo music, with the full support of his bandmate Tyler Hubbard. The duo has reassured fans that Florida Georgia Line is not breaking up, and are encouraging each other to pursue individual creative projects.
Kelley’s solo music is being released through his own label, Nashville South Records. He stated that the label will be dedicated to “supporting all walks of life with the universal language of music”, and will work with a diverse range of artists.
While Kelley has not provided a specific timeline for when fans can expect his debut solo album, he has released a number of singles. “Beach Cowboy” and “Made by the Water” both showcase his passion for staying close to his roots in Florida and spending time on the water.
Kelley has also been active on social media, sharing updates on his solo projects, his love for his family and his passion for surfing. He has teased collaborations with a range of musicians, including rapper Nelly and country artist Chase Rice.
Brian Kelley is currently pursuing a solo career alongside collaborating with his band Florida Georgia Line. He has launched his own record label, Nashville South Records, and has released multiple singles showcasing his love for his home state and his passion for diverse collaborations.
