Billy Strings Reschedules April Tour Dates After Breaking Leg In Backstage Skateboarding Accident

Billy Strings has been forced to postpone and reschedule his remaining spring tour dates in the wake of a skateboarding mishap. The bluegrass phenom broke his leg on Saturday night in Charlottesville, Virginia while trying to pull off a trick on his skateboard during the encore break of his concert at John Paul Jones Arena.

“Well, can’t say y’all didn’t warn me about screwing around on my skateboard!! Saturday night I walked off stage right before the encore I was all zazzed up from a really fun show. I grabbed my board and tried to do a trick I’ve done a million times (back 180) and landed awkwardly and broke my leg,” Strings wrote in a statement posted on his social media feeds.

“I heard it snap over the screaming crowd!! Sounded like a damn 2×4. It’s been an interesting couple days to say the least complete with the most extreme pain and crazy ketamine trips and operations stuff but the staff here at UVA rules. They screwed me all back together. They are absolute angels on Earth,” the Michigan native added.

Billy Strings was previously slated to performin Charleston, West Virginia this Wednesday, April 24 before ending his spring tour with three-night stand in Fishers, Indiana from Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28. The guitarist — who was indeed unable to return to the stage for his encore in Charlottesville — heard from another artist who continued his tour after suffering a similar injury, but ultimately decided against it.

“I had every intention of carrying on with the tour and Dave Grohling it. He even texted me and offered me the throne! I really don’t want to let anybody down, but after some long talks with these doctors, my friends, band and colleagues, my wife etc.. I should probably let this thing heal,” Strings continued.

“I don’t believe that I could give you guys the show you deserve coming right out of this surgery and these first few days are really important as far as keeping this thing elevated and letting it heal. Plus I’m all messed up on pain killers and stuff. It’s a dumb ass mistake and it’s all my fault .. I feel like such an idiot. But what are ya gonna do , ya know? At least I didn’t hit my head or break my wrist or something.”

The four remaining spring tour dates will now take place in August. Strings will perform in Charleston on August 4 and Fishers August 6 – 8. Tickets will be valid for the new dates.

“Again, I’m really sorry and I promise I will make it up to you. See you this summer,” read the end of the note from Billy Strings.

Check out the full post with photos of Billy in the hospital and of his x-rays below:

Legendary pro skateboarder Tony Hawk learned of Strings’ unfortunate accident and reached out to the guitarist through a Cameo video. Hawk shared some sage advice with Strings, while also revealing he recently severely injured himself while skateboarding and would be going through a similar timeline for recovery.

Ending with “Don’t do a kick-flip,” here’s Hawk’s message to Strings: