Last night, just before his scheduled performance at the Gas Monkey Bar and Grill in Dallas, so-called "outlaw" David Allan Coe packed his rebel flag-adorned equipment and hit the road, leaving venue staff angry and fans perplexed.
According to a message from Gas Monkey's GM Alex Mendosa posted to the venue's official Facebook page at 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, it was Coe who pulled the show's plug, leaving the venue and a hearty crowd in a bind.
"We are sorry to all the disappointed Gas Monkey fans that came out to see Mr. David Allan Coe," Mendoza wrote. "We did everything in our power to try and make the show happen! Unfortunately not everyone in our industry operates honestly."
Richard Rawlings, the star of Fast 'N Loud, the telvision show which the massive bar is inspired by, also posted an apology to anyone who made it to the show last night. In his typically up-front fashion, he pulled fewer punches than Mendosa did in the message he posted on his official Facebook page and Twitter account.
"I just heard that David Allan Coe bailed on his fans tonight and canceled his show at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill. First of all, I want to apologize to all the fans who were let down tonight. Long story short, he tried to extort us for extra money up front to 'perform outside' despite the fact that that wasn't in our contract. A member of his camp HIGHLY disrespected Alex, the GM at the Bar N' Grill, and we don't stand for that. I hope David Allan Coe realizes that his fans are the reason he's as popular as he is."
According to some attending the show, it was rather apparent that something was going on. Upon the reported, heated exchange between a member of Coe's team and the venue's management, Coe had his gear loaded, ready to leave within minutes after their decision to not play was made.
As always, there are two sides to every blown-up gig. But there aren't any apologies or messages regarding last night's cancellation posted to Coe's Facebook page, website or Twitter account, nor have a phone call and emails to Coe's management been returned at this time.
For fans of local, loud country with outlaw swagger, however, there's a great bit of news to be gleened from the events of last night. Dallas' Mo Robson Band, the scheduled opening act who was to begin playing at 9:00 p.m., reportedly turned in a hell of an unexpectedly extended set. Robson, one of the area's most gifted country songwriters has primarily played in solo acoustic settings of late, but a return to full-band form will certainly be most welcome.
Refunds for people who purchased advanced tickets through Ticketfly are available through the online outlet. As of now, it is unclear as to whether Coe's show will be rescheduled or not. (Seems doubtful, but who knows?)
We'll post any updates we receive from the venue or from Coe if they are made available to us.