Billy Strings, the acclaimed bluegrass musician, made a heartfelt decision to leave his sold-out Renewal festival to be with his wife, Ally Apostol, as they prepare for the arrival of their first child.
The news broke just before Strings headlining set was about to commence on the first night of the festival. His manager announced that Billy was flying home to be with his family, leaving fans with a mix of excitement and confusion.
Festival Continues with Special Guests
Despite Billys absence, the festival continued with his band taking the stage. The band, comprising Billy Failing on banjo, Royal Masat on bass, Jarrod Walker on mandolin, and Alex Hargreaves on fiddle, was joined by cellist Nat Smith. They opened with the fitting song 'Im Coming Back But I Dont Know When,' with Failing and Walker supplying lead vocals.
The performance saw each member of the band take on vocal duties, and they were later joined by guitarist Larry Keel for several songs, including 'Sally Goodin,' 'Steam Powered Aereo Plane,' 'Mr. Charlie,' and 'Mountain Dew.' The second set included additional special guests, such as guitarist John Stickley, and featured debuts of songs by John Hartford and Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys.
To close the night, the band was also joined by mandolinist Drury Anderson and guitarist Luke Black of the Mountain Grass Unit for a raucous performance of 'Turmoil & Tinfoil.'
Baby Update
As of the latest update, Billy Strings has not yet welcomed his baby boy. He expressed his gratitude and promised to make it up to his fans, emphasizing the importance of being with his family during this significant moment.
The Renewal festival concluded on Saturday, September 28th, with fans and fellow musicians alike extending their congratulations to Billy and Ally on the impending arrival of their child.
