After over a decade with a group of guys, it's not too surprising that Keith Urban wants to shake things up a little bit. It's hard to divorce yourself from a crew you've grown with for such a long time. That's a lifetime bond. To cut them from the lineup suggests a drastic change for the Aussie country star. Still, fans are clearly torn up by Urban's sudden cuts.
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Recently, bassist Jerry Flowers and musical everyman Nathan Barlowe flock to Instagram with an unfortunate announcement. They reveal in separate posts that Keith has decided to let them go ahead of his High and Alive World Tour. Barlowe keeps it relatively brief, grateful for the memories and camaraderie alike. "Sadly, my time with Keith Urban has come to an end. I can't tell you how thankful I am for the last 9 years. I have loved every second of it and given my all," he says before a series of thank you notes.
Two of Keith Urban's Bandmates Cut From Group Ahead of His Next Big Tour
Moreover, Jerry Flowers has the longest history with Keith Urban. Naturally, the news of his departure hits like a ton of bricks and he writes an emotional caption to pair with his exit. "It's with a heavy but very full heart that after 25 years on stage with Keith Urban, Keith has decided to make a lineup change and I will no longer be in the band," Flowers says. "I want to thank all the fans that have showed me so much love for so many years and I hope I was a small part of bringing you joy and happiness thru our shows."
This pair of cuts breaks up the fans just as much as the former bandmates themselves. One person argues that they're just as crucial to the Keith Urban live show experience as the man himself. "Jerry, this is breaking my heart. You are just as much a part of KU as anyone. I go to concerts to see you as much as to see KU. This is horrible news," they write.
Another person doesn't see the logic in breaking up such a tight knit group that know each other inside and out. "After reading Jerry's post, I was praying not you too, Nathan. I don't understand the decisions to change such a beautifully well-oiled machine," they comment. "This change is going to be felt, not just seen and heard. Not able to support this decision."
