Country Star Dwight Yoakam Details Scary Flight Incident That Caused Concert Delay
Country music icon Dwight Yoakam has publicly disclosed a frightening flight emergency that led to a significant delay at one of his recent performances. The 69-year-old singer, renowned for hits like I Sang Dixie, took to his main Instagram page on Monday to provide a full explanation for his late arrival at a concert in Lubbock, Texas, last Thursday.
Emergency Takeoff Abort Due to Mechanical Failure
In a detailed statement, Yoakam began by apologising to his fans before recounting the alarming incident. He explained that he had just learned the circumstances of his delayed arrival were shared with the audience through a vague public address announcement. The Grammy-winning artist wrote, "What actually happened Thursday afternoon was that we had an emergency takeoff abort as the aircraft was about to lift off from the runway due to a mechanical failure warning in the cockpit."
Yoakam emphasised that the outcome was positive thanks to the exceptional professional skill of the pilots, who managed to avert any more dangerous or catastrophic events. However, because the plane could not be repaired immediately, Yoakam and his team had to switch to a different aircraft to continue their journey.
Concert Proceeds Despite Over an Hour Delay
Despite the setback, Yoakam eventually made it to Lubbock for the performance, though he arrived over an hour late from the originally scheduled 9:00 PM start time. He expressed sincere apologies to all fans in attendance, stating, "Again I want to express my sincere apologies to all of the fans in attendance that evening that the announcement about the reason for the show's delay was not made from 'onstage' more clearly and respectfully." He concluded by adding, "I am very sorry for any frustration and disappointment the delay caused."
Social Media Response and Fan Support
Social media users quickly flooded the comment section of his post, applauding Yoakam's apology and labelling him a class act. One fan noted, "The communication was not the best, but nonetheless we were made aware of the situation. We were assured the show would go on, it was just going to be delayed." Another commented, "Class act that he didn't cancel and that Dwight posted this explanation," while a third added, "Such a class act."
Many fans prioritised safety, with one sharing, "The important thing is you and the band are safe," and an Instagram user remarking, "I'm glad y'all are safe. That's the number one priority." Others expressed gratitude for his dedication, such as one who said, "Thank you for this post. Shows how much you care about your fans. Love you right back."
Current Tour Details and Future Plans
Yoakam is currently on his Live in Concert tour, which began in Lubbock on February 12. His next performance is scheduled for February 19 in Mobile, Alabama, with subsequent stops in states like Georgia and South Carolina. The tour will conclude on March 6 in Durant, Oklahoma.
Additionally, Yoakam has a busy year ahead, with a second tour set to start in March. He will join ZZ Top for the Dos Amigos Tour, kicking off on March 26 in Brookings, South Dakota, and wrapping up with a performance on May 23 in Huntington, West Virginia.
Career Highlights and Recent Work
Dwight Yoakam rose to fame with his 1986 debut album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc., which topped the U.S. Top Country Albums chart. His subsequent albums, including Hillbilly Deluxe (1987) and Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room (1988), also achieved number one positions. Hit tracks like I Sang Dixie, Streets Of Bakersfield, and Honky Tonk Man have solidified his status in country music.
His most recent album, Brighter Days, was released in 2024 and features a collaboration with Post Malone on the song I Don't Know How to Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom). Yoakam recalled to Billboard that they delayed the album's release by about six months to include Malone's contribution, noting, "I didn't realize Post came in [to record his vocal] between days of shooting the video he did with Taylor Swift [Fortnight]."
With two Grammy wins and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, Yoakam's legacy extends beyond music into acting, with roles in films such as Wedding Crashers, Panic Room, and Sling Blade.
