Billy Strings Suffers Leg Fracture During Backstage Skateboard Trick, Forced to Postpone Shows

Bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings suffered a leg fracture this past weekend after attempting a skateboard trick backstage at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The incident occurred between his final set and the encore on Saturday. In a Monday Facebook post, Strings described the moment:

"Well, can’t say y’all didn’t warn me about screwing around on my skateboard!! Saturday night I walked off stage right before the encore I was all zazzed up from a really fun show. I grabbed my board and tried to do a trick I’ve done a million times (back 180) and landed awkwardly and broke my leg. I heard it snap over the screaming crowd!! Sounded like a damn 2×4."

Following the injury, Strings underwent surgery at the University of Virginia Health System. He shared X-ray images and expressed gratitude for the medical staff, calling them "absolute angels on Earth."

Strings acknowledged the severity of the situation but reassured fans he would return to performing once recovered. He wrote:

"I really don’t want to let anybody down, but after some long talks with these doctors, my friends, band and colleagues, my wife etc.. I should probably let this thing heal. I don’t believe that I could give you guys the show you deserve coming right out of this surgery and these first few days are really important as far as keeping this thing elevated and letting it heal."

He also took responsibility for the accident, calling it "a dumb ass mistake" and adding:

"Plus I’m all messed up on pain killers and stuff. It’s a dumb ass mistake and it’s all my fault .. I feel like such an idiot. But what are ya gonna do, ya know? At least I didn’t hit my head or break my wrist or something."

In addition to his recovery, Strings confirmed that his final tour shows in Charleston and Fishers have been rescheduled for later this year.