Legendary bluegrass group Old Crow Medicine Show is going to look a little different moving forward as they undergo another lineup change.
After performing and recording for over three years as their guitarist, band member Mason Via, who joined the outfit in 2021, has announced that he and Old Crow are parting ways as he embarks on a solo career. While it is never easy for a band to replace an integral member such as Via, OCMS has undergone several lineup changes since their inception in 1998, and is sure to find a talented replacement as they have done in the past.
Nevertheless, Via, an incredibly talented musician, spent several strong years with Old Crow Medicine Show, and his departure comes as a bittersweet change for both parties. To announce his exit from the band, Via took to Instagram and shared a heartfelt message on the matter, and also provided some insight into his forthcoming solo endeavor.
While lengthy, it’s worth the read”
“Y’all, I’ve got some big news… I’m leaving Old Crow Medicine Show to pursue my own solo music full time. After over three years of touring, recording, and living on the bus together, it is bittersweet to say goodbye to OCMS but I’m so excited to spread my wings and start down a new musical journey.
I have a new americana single coming out called “Hey Don’t Go,” on Friday, and a new bluegrass album coming out later this year on Mountain Fever Records. I’m having a single release show this Saturday at Jane’s Hideaway and filling up my calendar with tour dates so that I can come and play some of this new music for you live! If you have somewhere you would love to hear me play, please reach out and let me know!
Joining Old Crow led me to new and thrilling places I’ve never been before. We played hundreds of shows together, we were nominated for a Grammy and attended the Grammys, we played on CBS Saturday Mornings on national TV, we were on CMT Campfire Sessions, we opened up for Luke Combs at the Eagles Stadium to 60k people, we sang on stage with Willie Nelson more than once, we toured in Europe and rocked arenas as part of C2C Fest, we headlined Red Rocks, headlined several festivals, played the Ryman on New Years, we had a number one americana album, we filmed a documentary, we played the Grand Ole Opry dozens of times, and I played with OCMS in 47 of the 50 states, along with Canada.
I also want to say, being in Old Crow has truly been an education. I’ve learned so much from being in such a successful group and I’m forever grateful to each of my bandmates for helping me to grow as an artist during my stint in the band. Now the next step for me to continue my growth as an artist is setting out on my own and taking some of these tricks of the trade that I’ve picked up from Ketch, Morgan, Cory, Mike, Jerry, Dante, and PJ with me.
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone on the OCMS team I’ve worked with. Y’all are like family and will continue to hold a dear place in my heart.
Over the past 25+ years, Old Crow Medicine Show has been a staple on the bluegrass and americana scenes. Discovered by bluegrass legend Doc Watson as they busked on the streets of Boone, North Carolina in 2000, OCMS is perhaps best known for their song “Wagon Wheel,” but their deep catalog features nine spectacular studio albums and three live records that showcase their talents as musicians and performers.
Known for putting on one of the best live shows in country music, OCMS has played some pretty amazing venues and events over the years, and shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest names in the process. With Via in the lineup over the past few years, OCMS has released two albums with 2022’s Paint This Town and Jubilee in 2023. The iconic band shared the news on Instagram as well.
We’ve got some bittersweet news to share with you all. After being an integral part of our band for years, Mason Via is entering a new chapter pursuing a solo Artist career. While we’ll miss his presence and contribution, we’re incredibly thankful for the music, memories, and laughter we’ve shared together.
We’re wishing Mason nothing but the best as he follows his passion solo. Life has given us so many incredible relationships and friendships over the years and we are so grateful for that…”
While founding band member Chris “Critter” Fuqua is set to fill in for Via over the next few shows, it is unclear who will be his full time replacement. Whoever it is, they have big shoes to fill. Be on the lookout for new music coming from Mason Via in the near future, and in the meantime, let’s queue up some Old Crow Medicine Show.
“Tell It To Me”
“James River Blues”
“Paint This Town”
