An up-and-coming country singer had to be removed from the stage during a concert in New York over the weekend, later admitting to struggling with alcoholism.
Bryan Martin, whose song “We Ride” reached as high as No. 56 on the Billboard Top 100 in 2024, was performing at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds in Rensselaer County Friday night when he “displayed signs of intoxication and erratic behavior,” according to the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office.
At first, officers reportedly attempted to help Martin leave the stage, but the singer “became resistant and had to be forcibly escorted out.”
Martin, 37, is currently in the middle of his “Years In The Making Tour,” which is scheduled to run through November 8.
‘Sorry I let y’all down’
Hours after the incident took place, Martin shared a heartfelt and apologetic message on Instagram, taking responsibility for his actions and admitting his recent struggles with alcoholism and depression.
“Sorry I let yall down tonight… truth is I’m not ok,” Martin wrote. “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 but I’ve had a weight on my heart lately that’s Been heavy and accumulating with time and I let myself and my fans down by not addressing them and getting help and pretending it was all gonna just go away. Feelings and this life ain’t ever gonna be something that gets easier.”
The Logansport, Louisiana native, who released his fourth studio album “Years in the Making” earlier this year, also shared that he misses his children and family when on the road.
“Lately I’ve learned I let my fragile mind override my heart at times and tonight it got the best of me,” he added. “I apologize for the bad days… but I’m grateful for the countless good nights we’ve shared this year.. it’s been the most consistent streak I’ve seen in years.. day one of another one starts today.”
On Sunday, Martin also shared another post apologizing to fans and thanking the sheriff’s department.
Rensselaer County Sheriff’s ask for ‘compassion’
In their statement regarding the incident, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office expressed their concern for Martin and recognized a shift in their perspective “from one of conflict to one of compassion.”
“As Sheriff, I want to be clear: our deputies handled the situation professionally and without injury to anyone involved,” said Sheriff Kyle Bourgault. “But the larger issue is not the resistance we encountered—it is the battle Mr. Martin himself is facing. Addiction is a disease, and it requires both accountability and empathy. 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.”
