Guitarist Billy Strings has embraced fatherhood. On September 30, 2024, he took to his Instagram to announce the birth of his son. Although the post did not mention the baby’s name, the guitarist said his wife and son were fine. He had to opt out of the Renewal festival in Buena Vista after his wife went into labor on September 27, 2024.
The singer married Ally Apostol in 2023 and the couple shared the news of the pregnancy in June 2024. As per reports, Ally is a yoga instructor who formerly worked as Strings' tour manager. They have reportedly been in a relationship since 2014.
The show continued in his absence, as his band and the other artists scheduled for the event collaborated to ensure that the fans still had a memorable weekend filled with music. Billy Strings announced that the refunds for the Renewal Fest tickets would be done in due time. Taking to his Instagram on October 1, 2024, he wrote:
“We recognize that this year was not what you expected, and we truly appreciate you sticking with us. On Friday, October 4th, we will begin processing refunds for all GA and VIP tickets. Please allow 5-10 business days for the funds to appear in your account.”
Bonfire Entertainment, the fest’s promoter had also announced that all ticket holders for the event would receive refunds because of the musician's absence. Billy Strings acknowledged the overwhelming support, kindness, and positivity from attendees despite his absence.
Billy Strings once said he was ‘running away from poverty’
In an interview with The Guardian from 2022, the musician opened up about his struggles in building a career in music. After graduating, Billy Strings left his hometown and discovered jamgrass bands like Yonder Mountain String Band and Greensky Bluegrass.
Paul Hoffman, the mandolin player from Greensky Bluegrass, became a friend and mentor to him. From that point on, Strings recognized his purpose. He said:
“I was playing 200 and some gigs a year. I was driving the van, loading the trailer, selling merch; I was the tour manager, I was writing the songs, fronting the band, overfunctioning a lot. I thought I could do it all, but really I think I was terrified to go back, just running away from poverty.”
Billy Strings grew up in a challenging environment, with both his mother and stepfather being heavy drug users. Music served as a coping mechanism for him and his brother while living in a local meth den, where they often lacked food, electricity, and hot water.
He left home at 14 and endured a precarious life until a friend's mother took him in and helped him complete high school. The musician reflected on the necessity of facing hardships to truly express feelings of remorse through his music, a sentiment that often appears in his lyrics.
In 2019, Billy Strings signed with the renowned independent label Rounder and released Home, an album that explored his origins. The track Enough to Leave was dedicated to two friends who had tragically died of overdoses.
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