Iconic country-southern rock group Confederate Railroad released a statement today (7/9) regarding the cancellation of their participation in a concert at the DuQuoin State Fair.
You may have heard that Confederate Railroad was slated to perform with Restless Heart and Shenandoah at the fair. However, due to the name of group, Confederate Railroad was removed from the night’s entertainment.
Below is the statement from Danny Shirley, the group’s founder and front man, from today’s press release…
Nashville, Tenn. (July 9, 2019):
“As many of you know, we were scheduled to perform at the Illinois State Fair in Du Quoin, Illinois on August 27, along with our friends Restless Heart and Shenandoah. We have since been removed from that show by the Illinois Department of Agriculture because of the name of our band. This was very disappointing as we have played this fair before and enjoyed it very much. The outpouring of support from Confederate Railroad fans, fans of other acts, and the public in general, has been both overwhelming and very much appreciated. I would also like to thank the actors, athletes and fellow country music artists who have spoken out in support. It has been brought to my attention that several people have asked both Restless Heart and Shenandoah to cancel their shows in protest of our cancellation. I have spoken to both acts and encouraged them to perform as scheduled. Live concerts are how we pay our bills and feed our families. I would never want to see another act lose a payday because of this. Please go out to hear these two great bands. As I have said many times onstage, I am by no means a saint but, I am a man of faith and I have faith that God will see us through this as well as whatever comes next! Thank you for your support.”
– Danny Shirley, Confederate Railroad
While the group’s statement says “Illinois State Fair,” I want to be clear this is not the state fair held in Springfield, IL. It is an Illinois state sponsored fair, but it is held in southern Illinois at the DuQuoin State Fair grounds.
By: Buck Stevens
