FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A Backroad Anthem show in honor of the band’s late singer Craig Strickland sold out Wednesday (Jan. 6) after the band announced they would be going ahead with the previously-scheduled performance at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville.
The sold-out show will take place on Jan. 16, but because of all the interest the band and venue added another show on Jan. 17. Both shows will feature other local musicians, like Barrett Baber, sitting in for Strickland.
Strickland, 29, and his friend Chase Morland, 22, died after their boat capsized on Kaw Lake in northern Oklahoma while the two were duck hunting Dec. 27th, according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Morland’s body was recovered Dec. 28 and Strickland’s body was recovered Jan. 4. Both of the men likely died of hypothermia, according to OHP.
Backroad Anthem manager Peter Hartung released the following statement Tuesday:
“I don’t comment on Facebook or share my views ever, I think it’s too personal but I just need to weigh in on the amazing person Craig was. We have been managing his band for the last year and I have had the privilege to work with all six of them in Backroad Anthem and to get to know them on a personal level.
Craig was the epitome of the kind of person you love to be around; positive, funny, charismatic, enthusiastic, and ridiculously inspired by what was in the future of his band. My heart is heavy with his loss for his wife Helen, his parents and family, his brothers of Backroad Anthem, for all of us at L3 Entertainment, and for all who had a chance to have Craig in their lives in any large or small way.
We will miss him so much and think about him forever. Rest in peace my friend, so glad you came into my life and so sad it was for so short of a time. Your voice will sing in my heart forever.”
