WATCH: Jameson Rodgers Shares Message with Fans After ‘Terrifying’ Gun Fire Disrupts Hometown Concert
Jameson Rodgers addressed fans with a somber video message after a shooting sent one person to the hospital during his…
Jameson Rodgers; Photos via Facebook
Jameson Rodgers addressed fans with a somber video message after a shooting sent one person to the hospital during his headlining set at his hometown festival on Saturday evening.
According to Fox 13 Memphis, gunshots were reportedly fired at the SpringFest Festival in Batesville, Mississippi, causing Rodgers’ headlining concert to end several minutes early.
Gunfire could be heard during the last song of the country hitmaker’s set. According to a concertgoer, Rodgers was asked to abruptly leave the stage, and fans were told to get on the ground amid the tragic incident.
Local police quickly responded to the shooting and later updated residents on the situation.
“The Batesville Police Dept is investigating a shooting that occurred tonight at the end of Springfest,” authorities shared via Facebook. ”The suspect and victim know each other and are not from Panola County. The victim is being treated for a gun shot wound in Oxford. This is an active investigation and there is no danger to the public at this time.”
Rodgers took to social media with a video message to fans on Sunday (May 22) in response to the incident. In the clip, Rodgers thanked law enforcement for their quick response in keeping his fans safe and gave fans an update on the show’s abrupt ending.
“I just got home to Nashville and honestly still processing last night,” Rodgers began. ”First off, I just want to say prayers for everybody that was involved in whatever happened last night. I don’t really know exactly though, all the details, I just know there were some shots fired. Whether it was… I don’t think it was directly involved with SpringFest, but it was definitely around the corner and it was very scary for a lot of people, and myself included, and the band and guys. I’m sorry that happened, but I hope everybody is alright. I’m sorry, that was pretty terrifying.”
The “Missing One” singer went on to share that despite the unfortunate ending to his concert, the show marked his favorite concert of all time due to his hometown’s endless support.
“Secondly, I just want to say man, thank you for coming out to the show, that was my favorite show of all time,” Rodgers continued. ”I hated that it ended that way, kind of buzz kill there. Man, the support that y’all have shown me over the years, it’s just overwhelming.”
Rodgers, who admitted he was “emotional on stage all night,” said the concert was an unforgettable experience.
”It was a heck of a night and I’m sorry it ended that way, but thank y’all,” Rodgers added. ”I hope y’all know how much I love you and it was truly my favorite show of all time, it’s going to be hard to top that one for me. I wish it would’ve lasted about 90 seconds longer, but it is what it is. Anyway, hope everybody is alright. Prayers to everybody involved in whatever happened last night and hope to see y’all soon. Thank y’all, I love you. Peace.”
After Rodgers shared a message with fans on social media, the Batesville Police Department reposted his message and shared further updates regarding the shooting.
“The Batesville Police dept, family, friends, and all of your supporters are so proud of you and the great performance that you did last night,” The Batesville Police Department said addressing Rodgers. ”We truly hate that your performance had the ending it did. The incident that happened had nothing to do with all of the family, friends, and fans that came to support your homecoming and see your show. Thank you so much for the great performance you gave to your hometown.”
Ahead of the show, Rodgers had the opportunity to spend time with friends and family in his hometown.
He shared a few personal photos on Twitter with the caption, “Good to be home” before his SpringFest performance.
Jameson Rodgers’ hometown show comes just days after the release of Live From Oxford, MS, an eight-song project recorded at The Lyric Theatre in Oxford, where he performed to a standing-room only crowd of 1,250 fans.
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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