Kershaw was en route for a string of sold out shows
In a twist straight out of a honky-tonk heartbreak song, multi-platinum 90s country star Sammy Kershaw had a bit of an unexpected layover — courtesy of airport security in Lafayette, Louisiana — after accidentally bringing a loaded handgun through TSA screening. Known for his classic hits and not-so-classic packing skills, Kershaw found himself in a surprise duet with the TSA instead of his band.
On May 28th, while on his way to a string of sold out shows and festival dates across North America, Kershaw was literally stopped in his tracks when the TSA flagged his bag. The FBI joined the encore to handle the criminal offense, giving Kershaw a real-world reminder that what doesn’t belong in your luggage could turn into the kind of story that’s hard to rhyme — even in country music.
“It was early, I was half-awake and clearly not thinking straight,” explains Kershaw. “I’ve sang songs about heartbreak and hard times but not about forgetting to check my carry-on for a loaded firearm. That’s a new one!”
Kershaw was reminded the hard way — and now wants to remind others that TSA takes these matters seriously. Fines can range from the price of a concert ticket to over $10,000 and possible jail time.
“I guess it’s safe to say I won’t be packing heat to my next show,” he adds. “Let this be your friendly PSA: check your bags, check ‘em twice. Let’s all stay safe out there.”
Kershaw was fined $5,000 for the offense.
Since his debut on the music scene in the early ’90s, Kershaw has remained one of the most consistent power hitters in country music with a chain of major hit records and sell out tours. His focus is reclaiming the roots of country music and recapturing the spirit that made it great. Often referred to as the heir apparent to the legendary George Jones, Kershaw’s albums have included such classics as “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “I Can’t Reach Her Anymore,” “National Working Woman’s Holiday” and “Love of My Life.” Kershaw is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling artist whose history includes six gold and five platinum albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide.
