Rob Williford Leaves Luke Combs’ Band; Reveals What’s Next And Bids Farewell To Combs
“I am equally as a terrified of the future as I am excited for it,” Williford wrote.
Rob Williford, Luke Combs; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
Rob Williford, a longtime member of Luke Combs’ band and a co-writer of several of Combs’ biggest hits, announced his departure from Combs’ band in a heartfelt social media post.
Williford served as Combs’ guitarist on the road for several years and co-wrote songs such as “Doin’ This,” “Forever After All, and “Beautiful Crazy,” revealed the news on Tuesday. In his post, he reflected on his time on tour with the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and shared his gratitude for the time they spent together.
“From a Dodge Neon to a 15 passenger van to a bus… from dive bars to stadiums. For the past decade, I have had the pleasure of playing music with my friend. I still can’t quite wrap my head around it all when I try to step back and reflect on the experience that started with a couple guys from Carolina writing songs together and playing ’em for whoever would show up. I don’t think either of us could have ever dreamed where it would take us, but as for me, I know for damn sure, even if I could, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he began.
Williford admitted that he spent several sleepless nights reeling over the decision, but ultimately decided to leave to focus on writing and producing. (This news comes after Williford signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Edgehill Music Publishing in the summer of 2022.
“I always knew that I would just know – and I know – it’s time. That doesn’t make it one bit easier. I am equally as a terrified of the future as I am excited for it. But just to set the record straight, no I’m not going out on my own. No I’m not pursuing a career as an artist. And no, I’m not doing liberty mutual commercials. I’m simply starting a new chapter in life,” he continued.
Williford sent on to thank the fans, other members of Luke Combs’ band as well as the touring camp for their time spent together.
“I consider each of your family and the memories we share together are irreplaceable,” he added.
Finally, he shared heartfelt words in honor of Luke Combs: his friend, musical collaborator, and bandmate.
“Through the good, the bad, and ugly, of this surreal situation I sometimes feel like I’m living in; one person has always had my back. A brother in the truest since of the word. Luke, I owe you so much man,” he wrote. “There are no words. I could never thank you enough for your loyalty and your friendship and for allowing me to be a part of your journey over the years. And just so we’re clear, this journey isn’t over. We have another song of the year to write soon. I love you. Thank you for believing in me. Go kick ass on that world tour.”
Combs was quick to respond to Williford’s message. “God dang, that one got me. Love you too buddy. We got plenty of songs and memories ahead of us too,” Combs commented, while his wife Nicole wrote, “Love ya rob!! Excited for what’s next for you 🙌🏼 and Clem of course.”
Williford and Combs met in 2014 and have been friends and bandmates ever since.
The award-winning songwriter also penned several previously released Luke Combs songs “One Number Away,” “Don’t Tempt Me,” Must’ve Never Met You,” “Nothing Like You,” and “The Other Guy.” He also has two cuts on Combs’ forthcoming Growin’ Up album: “The Beer, the Band, and the Barstool,” and “Take You With Me.”
The chart-topping songwriter also frequently works with Kameron Marlowe.
Luke Combs is preparing to embark on his massive world tour, sans Williford, which will mark the first trek without his longtime bandmate.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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