Police removed country singer Bryan Martin from the stage by force on Friday night (Aug. 29), after the “We Ride” singer behaved erratically during his performance at the Schaghticoke Fair in New York State.
Why Did Police Remove Bryan Martin From the Stage?
According to Townsquare Media station KMDL-FM 97.3 The Dawg in Lafayette, La., Martin — a native of Logansport, La. — struggled during his live set at the fair, with his behavior touching off fan speculation that he was performing while intoxicated.
“He was completely wasted, performed the same hit he has 4x,” one onlooker wrote online, according to the report.
“Proceeded to talk about his life. Hot drunk mess. Then assaulted the cops when they tried getting him off stage.”
A fan-shot video shows Martin struggling with several officers at the side of the stage before they ultimately subdue him, lift him up over their heads and physically carry him away:
Was Bryan Martin Charged With a Crime?
It’s not clear if Martin faces charges in the incident. According to WNYT NewsChannel 13, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office said the singer admitted that he has been battling an alcohol problem.
“Addiction is a disease, and it requires both accountability and empathy,” Sheriff Kyle Bourgault says in a statement.
“My hope is that Mr. Martin receives the resources and support he needs to overcome this struggle and continue to share his gift of music with fans in a healthier way.”
What Did Bryan Martin Say About Getting Escorted Offstage?
Martin turned to social media on Saturday (Aug. 30) to apologize to fans about the incident, writing, “Sorry I let yall down tonight… truth is I’m not ok… been hitting it hard for a while and haven’t took time to be honest with myself about my mental health and it’s nothing new to struggle with my anxiety and depression.”
The singer added that despite this setback, “it’s been the most consistent streak I’ve seen in years.. day one of another one starts today.. Gods Got more in store and he’s restoring my strength as we speak.”
Related: 18 Country Stars Committed to Sobriety
He plans to slow down and seek more help for his problems while focusing on writing songs.
Who Is Bryan Martin?
Martin is a country singer who scored a hit in 2023 with “We Ride,” which reached No. 3 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart.
According to his official bio, Martin worked on oil rigs and participated in bull riding as a teenager, but became addicted to opiates after breaking his collarbone while riding.
He followed that with a stint in the Army, hoping to get his addiction under control. After that was unsuccessful, he returned to Logansport, where he bottomed out and attempted to take his own life.
“I took 30 Percocet, and I wrote this big old long note that I was going to leave behind,” Martin told People in 2023.
“Then I got a gun, and I pulled the trigger, and I can still remember how it felt to have the barrel on the side of my head. It’s been like a metronome for my life ever since.”
The gun misfired, saving his life, but Martin has been honest about the fact that he has continued to struggle with addiction and mental health off and on ever since.
He went into rehab in February of 2024.
Is Bryan Martin Cancelling His Tour Dates?
No. His official calendar still lists his next show for Saturday night in Maine, and he still has quit a few live gigs scheduled through November.
Country Stars Who Battled Addiction
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
Country Stars Arrested for DUI
Country music has always had a little bit too close of a relationship with drinking, so it’s no surprise that some of the biggest stars in country music have been arrested for DUI.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker