Knaw. It just completely transformed his life, Copes sister Bethany OHandley said. There might have been 100 people in that tiny room, but those boys played like it was a packed stadium. He was on top of that.. Photo: Courtesy All Eyes Media. The Steel Woods announced on social media, "We are writing this still in a state of shock and kindly ask for your prayers for the family, friends and band at this time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. The Steel Woods are considered one of the fastest-rising bands in independent country and Southern rock, and had recently completed their third album to be released via Thirty Tigers. From Texas to Tennessee, Appalachia to Bakersfield, Whiskey Riff is THE unapologetic voice of the country music fan. It isnt about Cope, specifically, but its hard not to hear it as such when Bayliss mournfully sings, Ole buddy, ole pal/if I could call you up somehow/Id lie and tell you that Im getting by/without my best friend., I wasnt writing about any one person, but it is crazy that it just kind of flowed out of me way back then, Bayliss says of the song, which he wrote while Cope was still alive. You were a stand guy and one helluva guitar playing man, Steele Jarrell The Steel Woods guitarist, Jason Cope, dies at 42. - Country Standard Time The Metal Woods To Proceed On with "All Of Your Stones" Last concert we saw before everyone went to shit. January 16, 2021 @ Hes also featured playing guitar on her 2013 albumTin Starand the Secret Sisters 2010 self-titled album. He was 42. Jason Cope American musician (The Steel Woods dead Kristy Pruitt Was lucky enough to catch an awesome Steel Woods concert 2 summers ago. Hed always say the secret to success was keeping irons in the fire. He was the real damn deal. He played because his huge heart overflowed with love and life and rage and healing. 8:09 pm. 11:17 pm, We had a few good times together after numerous concerts..he always remembered me and treated me like a pal..gonna miss ya brother!, Truth5 Its made from all the judgment that was cast down on us. The Steel Woods Release Autobiographical New Track By Late Founder 6:30 pm, I know that Jack Mills, son of Wayne, was really close to Jason and the Steel Woods. He was one of the kindest, funniest most talented people I ever knew, producer Dave Cobb said at the news. Cope also co-wrote one of Johnsons signature songs, Cant Cash My Checks. Through this time period, Cope also worked as an in-demand session guitar player, performing on records from artists such as Brent Cobb, The Secret Sisters, The Oak Ridge Boys, Pure Ed, Ted Russell Kamp, Nikki Lane, and for Jamey Johnson as well. Later, the two recruited bassist Johnny Stanton and drummer Jay Tooke, putting the final touches on the Steel Woods lineup (Isaac Senty replaced Tooke in the band in 2020). The Steel Woods are carrying on in Copes memory and have already played shows with new guitarist Tyler Powers, who first stepped in when Cope was in rehab. January 16, 2021 @ So sad to hear this news. The band shared the news on Saturday (Jan. 16) with a social media post. Saw The Steel Woods in a small venue in FL and he was a hell of a guitar player. January 17, 2021 @ Prayers go out to all of his friends and family, Trigger Released last week, the LP is an unexpected tribute to the Southern-rock groups lead guitarist: Cope died from complications related to diabetes in January. Nobody said I was just fishing for clicks when I nominated The Steel Woods for both Album of the Year, and Song of the Year in 2019. January 17, 2021 @ Wishing some peace and comfort to all who knew him. 42 Comments. Even though its just him pretending to be wild and crazy, he cared about that stuff, Cobb says. Sign up to receive exclusive discounts from Whiskey Riff Shop and breaking news. Cope died on Jan. 16 and the cause has yet to be determined. Id had numerous interactions with him over the years. In addition to his work with Johnson and the Steel Woods, Cope also collaborated with other artists. To me you was big as anybody and on your way beyond what is the Top Its with a sad heart and tears that i tell you I Love You Brother and to RIPMay God be with your family friends and Your Band Family The Steel Woods Respect from Jamal Cephas aka Jamroc3000, Jaimito LIKE ROLLING 'STONES': The Steel Woods soldier on in wake of co-founder It flowed. "Out of the Blue" is an autobiographical song written by the group's late co-founder, co-songwriter, and guitarist Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on January 16 th following the completion of the album. Rowdy died from complications from diabetes. Laying it down in the studio this week. The Steel Woods to Release Third Album Following Death of Guitarist Trigger 3:52 am, Met my friend I considered a brother at the tender age of 15 or so and during that time he would play that guitar every day for hours upon hours practicing and practicing at the time I never knew why he would rather go home and practice guitar runs, notes, chords, and bends.versus hanging out but later he would attend college for music in LA. Still can't believe it. RIP Brother , Jimmy 9:39 pm. I was shocked and greatly saddened when I heard this news. He came from a metal background, but he could play guitar like a steel player.. New record coming in 2021. pic.twitter.com/BonNYeDh4s. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. In early 2019 they released their latest record Old News to much critical acclaim. Chris He came to me one evening and broke out a pint of whiskey. I dont think so. R.I.P. The dude was like clockwork, Cobb says. The Steel Woods are one of my faves, such amazing songs. Wes Bayliss wants you to know: He's good. Founding guitarist for fast-rising and critically-acclaimed country and Southern rock band The Steel Woods, and long time session guitarist and touring member of Jamey Johnsons backing band Jason Rowdy Cope has died according to the band. RIP Rowdy, you will be forever and greatly missed., A post shared by The Steel Woods (@thesteelwoods), Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. Jason 'Rowdy' Cope, Steel Woods Co-Founder & Guitarist, Dies at 42 All Of Your Stones veers from fiery opening track Out Of The Blue about perseverance, to the bluesy You Never Came Home. Included is a soulful rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrds I Need You featuring Ashley Monroe, and the sentimental Ole Pal, about missing a friend, which takes on a new meaning in the days since Copes passing. He played guitar with the heart and soul of a virtuoso and the passion of a freedom fighter, Jamey Johnson says of Rowdy. January 17, 2021 @ Im a huge fan . He was 42 years old. Theres an uncharacteristic quaver in Jamey Johnsons baritone when talking about the last song he ever wrote with Jason Rowdy Cope, his longtime friend and bandmate. Cope dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder throughout his life. January 16, 2021 @ Ellen Foster His ability to collaborate with artists across the musical spectrum leaves a long list of friends and colleagues morning the loss. The autobiographical title track All Of Your Stones, was written by Cope with lead singer Wes Bayliss and Jamey Johnson, and addresses harnessing negativity and turning it into something positive. Heartbroken. Maybe thats one that gets looked over sometimes, but I know thats the right answer to that question all the time. The first time I met Jason, it was on a tour bus (when he was with Jamey) and we had the best sit down conversation about history and the education system. It was during the murder trial of Wayne Mills in Nashville. And he shared it with anyone willing to learn. 6:24 pm, Britton Tremain Cope also had played with Jamie Johnson for nine years and wrote with him. Danny Cleary This has made the songs on the album feel even more poignant, as most of the songs on the album were written by Rowdy, and were largely autobiographical about some of the dark times he had faced in life and triumphed over. He was only 42. On all three of those covers, as well as on Steel Woods fan favorites like Axe, Straw in the Wind, and Anna Lee (part of a multi-song murder narrative that concludes with the cinematic Cold on All of Your Stones), its Copes supple, emotional playing that is the through-line. In his honor, a memorial fund was started and has since brought in several thousands of dollars. And he would just be a freak about his volume pedal to give it that steel swell. Daniele I am 1, of 25 People Who Ordered, and Received The double Autographed TEST PRESSINGS of Old News, + an Autographed copy of the Original Artwork ! Copyright 2021 WYMT. 1 On MusicRow Chart For Third Time With Going, Going, Gone, Nashville SC Teams Up With Johnny Cash Estate For Man In Black Alternate Jersey. , Todd Pottinger Go to Appearance > Customize > Subscribe Pop-up to set this up. No cause of death was given. Hes a killer player and I dont foresee anyone else in that seat for a long, long time, says Bayliss, who unknowingly eulogized his bandmate when he wrote the ballad Ole Pal for All of Your Stones. 1 On MusicRow Chart For Third Time With Going, Going, Gone, Nashville SC Teams Up With Johnny Cash Estate For Man In Black Alternate Jersey. If you think talking about artists like Jason Rowdy Cope results in large numbers of clicks beyond a very small niche of dialed-in independent fans, you dont know anything about how journalism and clickbait works. January 1, 2022 @ Send us a tip using our anonymous form. RIP. Jason Cope, affectionately known as Rowdy and founder of Southern rock band The Steel Woods, has passed away at 42. Tim S. 11:27 pm, Ohhh man Im fuckin heart broken. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - Jason "Rowdy" Cope, guitarist for The Steel Woods, died on Saturday at 42.. I think thats what All Of Your Stones is about, and, you know, we named the record that; I think the whole thing is stay positive, and keep your head down, and press on. Jason "Rowdy" Cope, a guitarist for country acts like Jamey Johnson and Cope's own band the Steel Woods, has died. After loss of a band member, The Steel Woods return with new album A post shared by The Steel Woods (@thesteelwoods). View latest articles, news and information about what happened to Jason Cope, American musician (The Steel Woods, that died on Sunday January 17th 2021. . RIP Rowdy, you will be forever and greatly missed., In his own Instagram post, Brent Cobb recalled crashing on Copes couch in Los Angeles and listening to music like it was the only thing in life that mattered. The groups publicist confirmed Copes death to Rolling Stone. Join our e-mail list to receive LEO exclusives and special offers on tickets and giveaways. So very sad . Previous albums had been recorded in between tour stops, but COVID-19 gave the Nashville band the opportunity to really spend their time in the studio working through material and trying out different takes on songs. One of the best country, outlaw, honky tonk bands and sound Ive ever heard. A cold beer, hot grill and the great outdoors. LIKE ROLLING 'STONES': The Steel Woods soldier on in wake of co-founder george Trigger Formed in 2016 after guitarist Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who played in Jamey Johnson's band for many years, met lead singer Wes Bayliss at a music venue in Nashville, The Steel Woods have been growing their grassroots following out on the road while opening for the likes of Miranda Lambert, Blackberry Smoke, Jamey Johnson, Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, and more. What an amazing band. He would eat his meals correctly and he wasnt drinking. He said we needed to talk and I thought, Oh shit, whats happened now? "He was a natural bridge between feel and. If we did, they never caught us. On the Steel Woods 2017 debut, Straw in the Wind, he persuaded the band to cover Black Sabbaths Hole in the Sky. For 2019s Old News, Cope had them record the British metal pioneers Changes. They tackle one of Baylisss favorites, Skynyrds I Need You, on All of Your Stones, reimagining it as a duet with Ashley Monroe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. Jason "Rowdy" Cope, 42 Cope, co-founder of the country-rock band the Steel Woods, died in his sleep on Jan. 16. January 18, 2021 @ 'Hangxiety': What is it? And how to deal with it. - USA Today The group's publicist confirmed. The 42-year-old was a hugely popular member of the community who had also worked as a player and producer with January 17, 2021 @ He grew up in Black Mountain, NC. The Steel Woods' Jason "Rowdy" Cope died in January, but his power-chord-meets-chicken-pickin' guitar style lives on with a posthumous album. The Steel Woods ' sophomore Thirty Tigers album, Old News, represents a creative leap for the southern roots rock songwriting team of Alabama native Wes Bayliss and his North Carolina partner Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who completed their first recordings barely months after they first met.