Country music singer Bryan Martin is speaking out after he was “forcibly” removed from the stage during a concert in upstate New York.
On Aug. 29, Martin was performing for fans at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, located about 30 minutes from Albany, when local authorities had to escort him out of the venue mid-performance. The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement the singer “displayed signs of intoxication and erratic behavior, which ultimately required him to be removed from the stage.”
“Deputies and event staff attempted to assist Mr. Martin offstage, but due to his impaired state, he became resistant and had to be forcibly escorted out,” read the statement, which was shared to Facebook Aug. 30.
After the concert, Martin apologized to his fans in a message shared to social media.
“Sorry I let yall down tonight… truth is I’m not ok…” Martin began. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Martin said he recognizes that being a musician won’t get any easier. He also added that he misses his children and family when he is on the road.
Speaking about his behavior during his latest concert, he shared, “Lately I’ve learned I let my fragile mind override my heart at times and tonight it got the best of me… I apologize for the bad days… but I’m grateful for the countless good nights we’ve shared this year.”
He said he will lean on his faith as he looks to prioritize his health. While he still plans to work on his music, Martin said he will take a step back to focus on writing songs and getting the help he needs.
“’I’m not ever proud when I reach for another drink…hope yall can find it in you to forgive me and hope I can be a better version of myself with some prayer and love,” he told his fans. “And I appreciate yall believing in a broken old soul like me.”
The sheriff’s office attached Martin’s post to its statement and reflected on learning of his battle with alcoholism.
“This admission shifts the perspective from one of conflict to one of compassion,” the sheriff’s office said.
Sheriff Kyle Bourgault added in a statement that his “deputies handled the situation professionally and without injury to anyone involved.”
“But the larger issue is not the resistance we encountered — it is the battle Mr. Martin himself is facing,” he said. “Addiction is a disease, and it requires both accountability and empathy.”
Bourgault added, “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.”
Martin is currently in the middle of his “Years In The Making Tour.” He had a show scheduled on Aug. 30 in Norway, Maine, and according to his website, he has upcoming concerts in Montgomery, Indiana, on Sept. 5 and Saginaw, Michigan, on Sept. 6.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
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