Country music fans were left stunned when Ronnie Dunn, 71, suddenly walked off stage during an encore performance at Brooks & Dunn’s concert in Indianapolis on April 3. The moment took place during the band’s iconic 1991 hit “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, leaving concertgoers with a mix of concern and confusion.
In a now-viral TikTok video shared by radio host Matt Malone, Dunn can be seen halting his performance midway, encouraging the audience to “sing it if you know it.” He gestures to his bandmate before walking to the front of the stage, where he gestures to the audience, pats his chest, and waves before making a quick exit.
“Feel better, Ronnie!!! Thanks for giving us all you could,” Malone captioned the video, adding a heartfelt message to his fans and the singer.
Fans who attended the concert had noticed that Dunn seemed a bit off during the performance. According to Taste of Country, the legendary singer was seen sitting at times throughout the show and appeared winded at certain moments.
This is not the first time Dunn’s health has affected his performances in recent weeks. Last month, the singer battled strep throat and COVID. During a March 22 show in Houston, Dunn humorously referred to his condition as “strovid,” joking with the crowd that any off-key notes were to blame on his illness. Despite the challenges, Dunn powered through the show with his usual energy, much to the audience’s delight.
Just days before the Indianapolis concert, Dunn had taken to Instagram to share his struggle with flu and strep throat, admitting that the illnesses weren’t exactly “singer’s friends.” In a March 19 post, Dunn expressed gratitude for the support of his band and crew, adding, “Crowds have been terrific, and thanks to the best band and crew in the business we’ve powered through it.” The post also mentioned his need for a brief rest before returning to the stage in Austin.
But despite his illness, Dunn, along with bandmate Kix Brooks, gave fans a cheerful update on April 3, teasing their upcoming shows. The duo’s message read: “The NEON MOON shines bright over Indy, Peoria, and Chicago this weekend. Stay safe! Stay dry.”
Brooks & Dunn continue their Neon Moon tour, which will make its way through several cities, including Peoria, Chicago, and beyond. Their latest album, Reboot II, dropped in November 2024, and fans can expect an exciting lineup of performances in the coming months. Dunn and Brooks have also hinted at exciting future plans, including the possibility of new songwriting projects.
The duo’s next show is scheduled for April 24 in Iowa, with additional stops in Missouri, Kentucky, and Texas to follow.
Although Ronnie Dunn has not publicly commented on his health following his walk-off in Indianapolis, fans continue to send their well wishes for his recovery. We’ll be keeping an eye on future shows to see how the iconic country star bounces back.
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