Jelly Roll Responds To Criticism Over Indiana Concert

“I ain’t about to let ya’ll keep making a mountain out of a mole hill,” Jelly Roll said.

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

February 18, 2024

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5:09 pm

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Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy CMA

Jelly Roll is clearing the air after receiving backlash surrounding his recent concert in Indianapolis, Indiana, which took place as part of Crossover during the NBA All-Star Weekend. 

Why Were Fans Upset About Jelly Roll’s Indiana Concert?

The reigning CMA New Artist of the Year took to social media on Sunday (Feb. 18) to address fans after many were upset regarding the time he took the stage and the length of his performance, which took place at the Indiana Convention Center on  Saturday evening (Feb. 17).  

According to social media users, the doors to the show opened at 9 pm local time and Jelly Roll did not go on stage until 11:30 pm. 

Some concertgoers appeared to be upset as they were reportedly under the impression that the “Save Me” singer would be taking the stage at 9:30 and ended up waiting two and a half hours once they entered the venue. 

Jelly Roll Clarifies Misunderstandings And Engages With Fans

In his posts, the Tennesee native addressed the matter openly and replied to several fans who expressed frustrations surrounding the performance.  

“I just wanna clear up any misunderstanding about the Indiana show last night. I wasn’t allowed to go on until 11:30,” he revealed. “That’s the way it was set up in the contract and told to only do an hour. I would never leave fans just waiting that late, it was completely out of my control.”

Fans were quick to respond to his post and the superstar took time to answer many of them. 

One user questioned, “Don’t sign contracts you’re not happy with?” Jelly Roll replied admitting he “was happy” with the contract and further addressed the timing concerns. 

“It was my understanding doors were at 9 and we went on at 11:30,” he stated. 

Jelly Roll; Photo by Ashley Osborn
Jelly Roll; Photo by Ashley Osborn

How Long Did Jelly Roll Perform?

Another user called Jelly Roll out for not playing a full hour and he owned up to it in his response. 

“I played for 57 mins – for sure – and was mad at myself for coming off those 3 mins early, sometimes when the crowds really good the show goes by quicker than normal – last night was a fun crowd. So we kept the energy flowing,” he wrote. 

Jelly Roll on X
Jelly Roll on X

Many Fans Rallied Behind Him

Despite facing criticism, numerous fans rallied in support of Jelly Roll and expressed appreciation for his performance in Indianapolis.

“Doors did open right at 9. We were just under the impression you would be on at 930 or even 10. No worries on my end we still had a good time and glad you came to Indy,” one concertgoer wrote. 

Another shared, “Drove 4hrs away to see ya… and id DO IT AGAIN…. Things happen that we can’t control. Your good bubs … I’m gonna see ya 3 more times this year…”  

Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Instagram

After going back and forth in conversation with several social media users, Jelly Roll shared a few final thoughts: “The biggest lesson I learned is, I won’t be quick to do corporate events anymore …. Only regular Jelly Roll shows from now on.” 

He later added, “I ain’t about to let yall keep making a mountain out of a mole hill.”

Crossover at NBA All-Star Weekend

Crossover took place in Indianapolis as part of NBA All-Star Weekend. Jelly Roll was one of several artists to perform, including Keith Urban, Walker Hayes, T-Pain, and more. 

Prior to his performance in Indianapolis on Saturday, the “Halfway To Hell” singer performed at the second annual “Reportin’ For Duty” show in honor of the late Leslie Jordan. The event took place at the Humble Baron bar at Neartest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee also featured performances by Post Malone, The War and Treaty, Eddie Vedder, and more. 

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.