Lady A Postpones Tour And Emphasizes Support During Charles Kelley’s Sobriety Journey

Grammy-winning country trio Lady A (“Need You Now,” “Just a Kiss,” and “American Honey”) announced the pause of their Request Line Tour until 2023 as member Charles Kelley focuses on “a journey to sobriety.” The reschedule of the 20-date tour, originally set to kick off this month, means new ticket information will be forthcoming for ticket holders. It also serves as an important reminder to fans and the public that sobriety is often best tackled with a strong support network. Band mates Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood will be part of Kelley’s support team as he moves forward.

The multi-Platinum band with 11 No. 1 hits and 18 million albums sold, known for their extensive touring schedule, will jump back on stage in 2023 when the time is right.

While Kelley has not issued an additional statement nor spoken about the specifics of his condition, he recently mentioned on Instagram that he had stopped drinking. In a 2019 interview with People, the artist noted that he had struggled with his drinking years before.

“We are a band, but more importantly…we’re family,” said the band in the August 4th statement posted on Twitter. Announcing the pride they felt for Kelley’s decision, the band also emphasized the fact that this quest for health and sobriety will be something they will “walk through” together.

The band’s revelation and show of treatment support, something that many professionals have long endorsed for program efficacy, sends a powerful public service message that helps destigmatize substance use disorders and remind the public of the bravery and importance of treatment-seeking for these types of medical conditions. Sobriety can also feel elusive for individuals as they navigate the waters within a society and an industry quick to pair fun and relaxation with alcoholic beverage consumption.

Celebrity and other high profile sobriety revelations often lead to increases in treatment-seeking and intervention-seeking for those with similar struggles. Many like veteran rocker and Rock Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Byrd have spoken out about their struggles and sobriety success in the hopes of helping others facing substance abuse challenges.

“So, right now in order to be the healthiest, strongest and most creative band we can be, Lady A will take the time with the support of our families and team of professionals to walk through this together.”

In the heart-felt statement, Lady A thanked fans for their patience while reflecting the patience that all must channel when it comes to being part of a successful outcome.

Sobriety, like developing any new habit or finding an effective medical intervention, can take time and repeated efforts. Support and respecting the privacy and hard work of others is critical. Read more via National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 139.7 million Americans age 12 or older used alcohol in the past month, 65.8 million people were binge drinkers in the past month, and 16 million were heavy drinkers in the past month.

To find help for a substance use disorder, contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.