This year has been a tough year for country music fans.
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Many performers have sadly passed away, and several others have had to step away from performing or have made the decision to curtail their careers on stage.
Below is a quick look at some of the artists that fans may not be able to see, or at least have a hard time seeing, by the time 2024 ends.
Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys
Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall made a heartbreaking farewell earlier this year when he announced that a debilitating medical condition would force him to retire from touring.
The 75-year-old is reportedly battling a neuromuscular disorder, which led him to announce last week that he would be retiring from the tour.
“Currently, he is unable to walk, so he has basically retired from the road,'' he said. “It's just gotten too difficult. It's been an amazing 50 years. I'd like to thank the entire Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the continued love and support they've shown me through it all. I'll never forget.” I hope that you will continue to think about and pray for everyone who has always supported me and prayed for me.”
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While Bonsall steps down, the group will reportedly continue their farewell tour with 27-year-old Ben James taking his place.
“A young man named Ben James is singing for me. He needs your love and encouragement,” Bosnall said in a statement. “His sound is different than mine, but he brings a lot of talent to the table. The Oak Ridge Boys will be finishing up their farewell tour without me, but rest assured, I'm all It's okay! God got it!!!'' The tour is scheduled to stop at the American Music Theater in Lancaster on March 16th and March 17th.
john michael montgomery
John Michael Montgomery took the leap to 2024 by letting fans know on Facebook that he was embarking on a farewell tour.
“I have decided to end my touring career this year and in 2025,” the 58-year-old wrote. “It's been an amazing journey for me since my first song 'Life's a Dance' was released to radio over 30 years ago in 1992.”
The singer's first three albums, 1992's Life's a Dance, 1994's Kickin' It Up, and 1995's John Michael Montgomery, were all multi-platinum selling. It is said that it was an album. And he reportedly sold more than 16 million albums during his career.
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His number one Billboard hits include “I Love the Way You Love Me,” “I Swear,” and “I Can Love You Like That.”
The good news for fans of the artist is that although it sounds as if his time on the road is almost over, he reportedly hasn't ruled out the possibility of making occasional appearances and seems to be taking a break from production altogether. Music that is invisible to the eye.
“I'm sure there will be times when I have to play a show here and there because I'm so lonely,” he said in a statement. “But I feel it's time to say goodbye to road life.”
“I've been lucky and blessed to be able to do what I love for so many years,” the singer said in a post on her Facebook page.
“Please join us on our journey to say goodbye to life on the streets,” he wrote. “And I really appreciate the support over the past 30 years. It means a lot to me.”
His farewell tour has already begun.
Five other dates are scheduled and can be viewed here. For the Pennsylvanians, the closest he will get to the Keystone State on tour now will be May 31 when he plays in Xenia, Ohio.
ray stevens
Ray Stevens announced in January that he was ready to slow down and smell the roses.
He's 85 years old, so it's not that surprising, but I still hate to see him go.
The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee plans to make 2024 his last year performing live. He is reportedly scheduled to perform his farewell tour on March 16th.
It's not called a breakup or a complete withdrawal; instead, the Tennessean article calls it a slowdown.
“I've been in the music industry ever since I was 15 years old, traveling all over the world playing shows, writing and recording many successful records,” Stevens told The Tennessean. “So, I was tired.”
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Stevens performs at the West Nashville Cabaret Showroom, which opened in 2018. The venue will reportedly continue to operate after Stevens' departure, with other performers taking his place.
Stevens said he will prioritize recording once he steps away from full-fledged live performance.
The comedy songwriter and singer has been active since 1957.
“I'm looking forward to this last year. It's going to be a good year,” he told The Tennessean. “If possible, I would like everyone to come out and watch the show.”
The Gritty Dirt Band
The legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has announced a farewell tour, and the good news is you might still be able to see them live after the tour ends.
The band announced in a social media post that they are embarking on a farewell tour titled “All the Good Times,” with the first show scheduled for March 21st.
But for fans of the band, there is still hope of seeing them again.
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“This is not a goodbye forever,” the band finally said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “But this will likely be the last time fans will be running around multiple cities or taking long bus rides.”
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has been performing and touring for nearly 60 years.
Formed in 1966, the band is a three-time Grammy Award winner. Current members include Bob Carpenter, Jimmy Fadden, Jaime Hanna, Jeff Hanna, Ross Holmes, and Jim Fotoglo.
Jeff Hanna and Fadden have been members of the band since the beginning. Not surprisingly given its longevity, it also has a long list of past members.
The band's first big break was with “Mr. Bojangles” in 1970, and they have produced 25 albums over the years.
“'All the Good Times' is a perfect representation of our career,” the band said in a statement on its website. “Playing our music in front of Dirt Band fans around the world has been an amazing experience for us. The most important part of it is the connection with the audience, and the give and take in that beautiful community is second to none. It's one of a kind, and that's exactly the spirit we're celebrating as we head out on our farewell tour. We're really looking forward to seeing you all and having a great time!”
Tickets for the tour went on sale on January 19th.