🎸 'Keith Urban’s Surprising Band Shake Up: Why Jerry Flowers Was Let Go After 25 Years' 🎸

In this video, I dive into the recent Taste of Country article about Keith Urban’s unexpected decision to let go of two members of his touring band, including longtime bandleader and 25-year veteran Jerry Flowers. With my 30+ years in the music industry, I break down Jerry’s own statement about the news, share my thoughts on why such changes happen, and reflect on their impact on fans and the music.

Drawing from my personal experiences—like the time I worked with Jerry Flowers while Keith Urban watched from the audience—I offer insights into the complexities of the music business, the realities of being let go from a major tour, and what comes next for seasoned musicians like Jerry.

Whether you’re a Keith Urban fan or curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of touring bands, this is a must-watch for anyone passionate about music and the industry’s inner workings.

🔗 Click play to learn more about this shake-up and the realities of life on the road with one of country music’s biggest stars.

#keithurban #jerryflowers #TasteOfCountry #musicindustry bandshakeup, touringlife, behindthescenesmusic, countrymusicnews, musicbusiness, bandchanges, #KeithUrbanband lifeontheroad, musicianstories, musiccareerinsights, bandmemberstories

[tonray]

Billy Joel has also done this and when someone in his organization stated: Billy you really can't do that" his reply was "I'm Billy Joel I can do anything I want" Indeed star power is everything in this business and hired hands are just that, expendable

[tommybotts]

Hey Brad! This is sad to hear. I got a chance to meet Jerry Flower a decade ago. He was walking thru the concourse about 2 hrs before a gig. Nobody even recognized him. I spotted this guy and thought, 'damn, that looks like Jerry Flowers'. My wife said, who's that - so I explained him to her. As he got closer, I got up and said hello, welcomed him to the Bay Area, etc. He couldn't have been nicer. We chatted for a couple of minutes, and I thanked him for coming back again, etc. He was a very nice gentleman. Glad I got a chance to meet him.

[bradhardisty]

I think you are right about the money. You can add a newer young fresh player for probably a tenth of where Flowers is at now.

[tradeyourselftowealth]

Paul McC paid his guys a $1 million retainer each year against their touring stipend. And this figure is from a decade or so ago so they probably get even more now.. Sweet gig. Not suprirsingly he's had the same guys for 25 years.

[sunberst]

It's kinda sad to hear an artist like Keith Urban has let a couple of longtime players go. I guess he had his reasons.
It reminds me of a story i heard about Merle Haggard. One of his band members said, the Strangers, Merle's band all had a handshake promise that as long as he had a career and is working, they all had a job. Merle kept his word. A couple through the years retired or quit but he never to my knowledge fired a reliable band member. As a guitarist i was a fan of Roy Nichols who eventually retired due to health issues, Clint Strong who left for personal reasons. You don't often hear about that kind of handshake agreement which was honored. RIP Merle👍✌🎸

[kathya]

There’s A LOT of us fans that are quite pissed off. Clearly, Keith booted them and we aren’t happy. All 3 band members went to social media to announce it and say goodbye. It was clear all three were let go. And then Keith goes and puts up a post about what a beautiful day it is and how he’s gonna enjoy the snow. Sorry, but that’s very very messed up. No way you can tell me that Keith didn’t have enough money to continue paying them. I’m calling bull💩 Terrance was the newest but he fit right in. Nathan and Jerry are so well loved, we go to see them too! They are part of the family. Lost some respect for Keith for doing this. 😒

[yeahwella]

Keith’s latest recently released album, High, has not performed well on the charts. His decision to terminate his long time band members is likely an effort to reduce costs.

[bryanwilliams]

Tim McGraw did the same thing. I was so shocked when he fired his longtime keyboard player, Jeff McMahon and other band members.

[RICO_SUAVE]

I really enjoyed seeing Jerry in the band! He’ll be missed 😢

[kevinoconnor]

I agree with you as to how Mr. Flowers handled his dismissal. However, because the circles are so small in the entertainment industry, this B.S. (BUTT KISSING) MUST be done, or the artist won't work again. I am a FIRM believer this MUST end. It ONLY promotes BUTT KISSING, & not MERIT.

[oldliberalhippie]

Dropping band members defines Keith Urban’s career. The way he discarded The Ranch was despicable.

[zummo]

Your response is basically your 'I'm available' message. Always be positive!

[pal]

I'm still upset Mickey Curry is not with Bryan Adams anymore. Not sure what happened. Mickey is special...what a groove!

The band is not the same without Mick.

[damirzanne]

Nobody cares about musicians, people pay to see the artist, 99.9% of those people have no clue who plays drums or bass or whatever, even if they do, if that musician gets fired, they’ll just say oh well, and don’t lose any sleep over it… musicians are replaceable … I heard a story about Dixie Chicks, where they would let the band go, when it’s time to give them a raise, and hire a new guys, paying them peanuts … I’ve been in Nashville for over 25 years, and it’s very profit oriented environment, with constant back stabbing, I stopped playing in town after my daughter was born 17 years ago, and never looked back, nor do I miss it …

[jimmyfrombrooklyn]

Glad you lent your perspective to this subject. It’s a tough business, with emphasis on the word business and there’s the proof. Thanks Brad

[DannyBrooks]

Imagine being a founding member that wrote a lot of the hits like Dickey Betts. It’s tragic but does happen.

[creativenativeproductions]

Thanks Badbrad for the video on the Urban Renewal (upheaval)

I also saw Steely Dan in '93, at Starwood. When Fagan sang "they call Alabama the crimson tide" the crowd cheered.

[crowchannel]

Flowers is from my home town. He and his brother Randy are both well respected, highly regarded musicians from our area. I remember them coming up in the bars and then making it big in Nashville.

[Frankserpico]

I heard Flowers was warned time and time again to not pop the 'Far and Away' dvd on the bus, and the guy just couldn't help himself.

[bryanwilliams]

As a bass player and songwriter myself, Jerry Flowers is my hero!