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Chris Stapleton with the SteelDrivers (Michael Loccisano / Getty Images)
Chris Stapleton Parted Ways With The SteelDrivers In 2010… But What Happened?
Before Chris Stapleton was the country music powerhouse we know him as today, he fronted a bluegrass group called the SteelDrivers. Formed in 2007, the band released two hit albums, each reaching number 2 on the bluegrass chart.
Stapleton left the SteelDrivers in 2010, and the popular assumption was that he had left to start his next venture, a Southern rock band called the Jompson Brothers. For years, the musicians stayed tight-lipped about the real reason… until now.
During a recent visit to the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, Chris Stapleton revealed that he was “technically” kicked out of the band. The issue arose when one of the band members developed a fear of flying. He recalled:
“I had an opinion about what we needed to do, and everybody else in the band had a different opinion… So they got somebody else.”
When Shepard asked if he was hurt by the decision, Stapleton responded, “Sure.” However, at that point, he says he did not have confidence that the group was “setting the right course,” so he looked forward to his next path.
Hear Chris Stapleton talk about his exit from the SteelDrivers in the video below.
Chris Stapleton Reveals His Retirement May Be On The Horizon
In the same conversation, the Kentucky native said that at this stage of his career, he is “not really in the mood” to write another song or release another record. As he finds himself at this crossroads, he admits:
“I don’t know how much longer I’ll even go play – I don’t know.”
Chris Stapleton married his wife, Morgane, in 2007. Since then, they have welcomed five children: Waylon (16), Ada (15), Macon and Samual (twins, 7), and a 6-year-old sons whose name has not been shared publicly.
The 47-year-old is ready to prioritize his family, as they have all made sacrifices for his career.
“I’ve done more than I’ve ever set out to do… Now I have to get a new dream.”
Stapleton’s rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” recently became the first-ever country song to be certified double diamond by the RIAA. Additionally, has sold more than 10 million albums in the United States alone and received countless awards from the Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, and more. He explains:
“I’m not saying I’m hanging up my spurs. I’m just saying I’m looking for the fire. I need the fire.”
Hear Chris Stapleton talk about “the next dream” on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard below!
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