Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne collapsed on stage during his performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 5.The 53-year-old folk artist was in the middle of singing his 2004 song ‘Jolene’ when he fell backward onto the stage floor.
Fan-captured video from the concert shows Ray LaMontagne strumming his guitar and singing before he grunted and suddenly collapsed. The audience could be heard gasping as two members of his team immediately rushed to his side.
Signs of Strain Before Collapse – Ray LaMontagne
Earlier in the set, LaMontagne had paused twice during a performance of ‘Hannah’ after losing his place in the song.He apologized to the audience before continuing.He also briefly left the stage before returning to begin ‘Jolene,’ the song during which he collapsed.
Fans later reported that the venue felt particularly hot that evening.Temperatures in Nashville on Saturday were reportedly around 95 degrees.
Team Statement and Medical Treatment
LaMontagne’s team later released a statement on his Instagram Stories with an update on his health.’Thank you to everyone who came out to tonight’s show at the Ryman,’ the message began. ‘Ray is in good hands with the local EMS and is being treated for heat related dehydration, he is doing well now and is grateful for everyone’s understanding.’
The statement added that Ray LaMontagne ‘is looking forward to being onstage in Louisville tomorrow night.’
Return to Stage
Despite the scare in Nashville, LaMontagne performed at the Louisville Palace in Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 6, as scheduled.He did not address the Nashville incident during the show.
Tour Background
Ray LaMontagne is currently on his Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour, which kicked off on Aug. 23 in Salt Lake City.The tour features him performing his 2004 debut album ‘Trouble’ in full, along with other material from his discography.
The Weather Station is serving as the opening act for all shows.LaMontagne has upcoming shows in Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, Portland, and New York City, where he will wrap the tour with three concerts at the Beacon Theatre on Oct. 3.
LaMontagne won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 2011 for his fourth album, ‘God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise.’His last album, ‘Long Way Home,’ was released in August 2024.
