Nation followers, Southern rock followers, and followers of The Metal Woods had been unhappy to listen to that the band’s lead singer, guitar participant, and first songwriter, Wes Bayliss, had determined to name it quits in March of 2024 after eight years. It wasn’t because of an absence of demand or curiosity, or frustration at not discovering critical-acclaim. In lots of respects, The Metal Woods went out on prime.
However as Wes Bayliss defined on the time, within the months and years main as much as the choice, he’d grown nearer of God, and needed to focus his life on his religion shifting ahead.
“The Bible talks concerning the ones which might be neither chilly or scorching being lukewarm and that’s been me for a very very long time,” Bayliss mentioned in a press release. “I discover that issues develop into simpler once we cease attempting to justify what we do in the hunt for private achieve and begin looking for God’s will for our lives and really trusting in him to make a method and lead us by way of it.”
Looming massive over the choice was the demise of The Metal Woods co-founder Jason “Rowdy” Cope. Proper earlier than the band was to launch their album All of Your Stones in 2021, Jason Cope died of issues from diabetes on the age of 42. Beforehand enjoying with Jamey Johnson and others, Rowdy’s passing hit the impartial nation and Southern rock neighborhood laborious.
After some soul looking and with the blessings of the Cope household, The Metal Woods did resolve to proceed on with guitarist Tyler Powers sliding into the lead guitar spot. The band additionally launched the well-regarded album On Your Time in October of 2023. You might inform although that one thing wasn’t precisely proper with Wes as he tried to proceed ahead with out his mentor and one among his finest buddies by his aspect.
When The Metal Woods performed their remaining run of exhibits in November of 2024, followers took discover that Wes Bayliss would nonetheless conclude exhibits with, “We’ll see ya subsequent time.” Some Metal Woods followers would possibly maintain out hope for a reunion sooner or later, and perhaps there shall be one sooner or later. However they received’t have to attend to see and listen to Wes Bayliss sing and play. It’s simply now he’s placing his religion first.
When Cody Johnson launched the Deluxe Version of his album Leather-based in September of 2024, many followers took discover that the ultimate track within the set known as “The Mustang” was co-written by Cody with Wes Bayliss. This week, Bayliss launched his personal solo model.
“Like a wild horse that doesn’t understand how good life will be below the care of its grasp—that was me for a very long time,” Bayless says. “‘The Mustang’ is my story of studying that actual freedom comes once you lastly hand over the reins.”
That is the second track Wes Bayliss has launched throughout his new faith-based solo profession. He additionally launched the track “Product of Grace” on August twenty fifth. Each of the songs have that Metal Woods roots and grit, and each have been launched by way of Thirty Tigers, which was the label for The Metal Woods as effectively. There’s no phrase but on a solo album within the works, however it positive appears that’s the place Wes is headed. Bayliss additionally has a solo present booked in Decatur, Alabama on the Princess Theatre on November seventh.
Wes Bayliss leaning into his religion may need meant strolling away from The Metal Woods. However fortunately, it doesn’t imply he’s strolling away from music.
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