In 2023, musician Billy Strings hosted a special Halloween concert called the “Van Andel Scramble” at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena. Dressed as Hulk Hogan, Strings and his bandmates turned the stage into a wrestling ring, welcoming guests like Sierra Hull, Mark Lavengood, and others in iconic WWE personas. The event was a mix of bluegrass music and wrestling theatrics, featuring debuts of various songs, electrifying performances, and playful interactions between the band members, creating an unforgettable, five-hour-long show.
The Van Andel Scramble: A Night to Remember
Strings shared tales of his ties to the venue and the joy of performing there while delivering both acoustic and electric guitar sets. The night included surprising covers like Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” making it a unique, high-energy blend of music and Halloween fun. With remarkable instrument skills and a lively atmosphere, the Van Andel Scramble became an extraordinary and memorable musical experience for fans and attendees.
Billy Strings Halloween 2023 Tour Dates
Following the Van Andel Scramble in 2023, musician Billy Strings revealed new tour dates for 2024. Announcing a series of eight shows across three cities without specifying the venues yet, Strings is set to perform in Asheville, N.C., from February 16 to 18, followed by shows in Nashville from February 23 to 25 and Atlanta on March 1 and 2. These upcoming tour dates mark an extension of his music journey, promising more live performances and spreading his music across different cities for fans to enjoy.
Date |
Venue |
Location |
NOV 6, 2023 | PARADISO | AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS |
NOV 7, 2023 | PARADISO | AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS |
NOV 8, 2023 | DE ROMA | ANTWERP, BELGIUM |
NOV 10, 2023 | CARLSWERK VICTORIA | COLOGNE, GERMANY |
NOV 11, 2023 | DEN ATELIER | LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG |
NOV 12, 2023 | NEUE THEATERFABRIK | MUNICH, GERMANY |
NOV 14, 2023 | LA CIGALE | PARIS, FRANCE |
NOV 15, 2023 | ROUNDHOUSE | LONDON, UK |
NOV 17, 2023 | MANCHESTER ACADEMY | MANCHESTER, UK |
NOV 18, 2023 | O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW | GLASGOW, UK |
NOV 19, 2023 | O2 ACADEMY BIRMINGHAM | BIRMINGHAM, UK |
DEC 6, 2023 | GREENSBORO COLISEUM | GREENSBORO, NC |
DEC 8, 2023 | CFG BANK ARENA | BALTIMORE, MD |
DEC 9, 2023 | CFG BANK ARENA | BALTIMORE, MD |
DEC 12, 2023 | PETERSEN EVENTS CENTER | PITTSBURGH, PA |
DEC 13, 2023 | PETERSEN EVENTS CENTER | PITTSBURGH, PA |
DEC 15, 2023 | MOHEGAN SUN ARENA AT CASEY PLAZA | WILKES-BARRE, PA |
DEC 16, 2023 | THE ONCENTER | SYRACUSE, NY |
DEC 29, 2023 | UNO LAKEFRONT ARENA | NEW ORLEANS, LA |
DEC 30, 2023 | UNO LAKEFRONT ARENA | NEW ORLEANS, LA |
DEC 31, 2023 | UNO LAKEFRONT ARENA | NEW ORLEANS, LA |
FEB 16, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | ASHEVILLE, NC |
FEB 17, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | ASHEVILLE, NC |
FEB 18, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | ASHEVILLE, NC |
FEB 23, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | NASHVILLE, TN |
FEB 24, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | NASHVILLE, TN |
FEB 25, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | NASHVILLE, TN |
MAR 1, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | ATLANTA, GA |
MAR 2, 2024 | VENUE ANNOUNCING SOON | ATLANTA, GA |
MAY 10, 2024 – MAY 12, 2024 | BIG AS TEXAS FESTIVAL | CONROE, TX |
JUN 22, 2024 – JUN 23, 2024 | BUCKEYE COUNTRY SUPERFEST | COLUMBUS, OH |
Who is Billy Strings?
Billy Strings, born William Lee Apostol on October 3, 1992, is an American musician celebrated for his remarkable skills as a guitarist and bluegrass performer. His early life was marked by hardships, having lost his biological father at a young age and faced challenging circumstances, leading to a period of hard drug usage. Strings found solace and guidance from his stepfather Terry Barber, a devoted amateur bluegrass musician who significantly shaped his love for music and guitar playing. At just 13 years old, Strings made a choice to separate from his family to navigate a different path, moving away from drug use and alcohol.
Throughout his career, Strings swiftly gained recognition as an outstanding musician, drawing attention for his fast-paced guitar playing and powerful performances. He entered the music scene through collaborations and live gigs, later going on to release albums that showcased his impressive talent. His rise to fame was further fueled by critical acclaim, awards, and numerous collaborations with renowned artists.
Billy Strings Career
Billy Strings’ musical journey is a remarkable tale of talent and resilience. Beginning his career around 2012, Strings found an initial break when Don Julin, a mandolin player, invited him to join for a paying gig. This partnership laid the foundation for the next four years, during which they released two albums.
His meteoric rise was evident in numerous accolades and critical recognition, including being named by Rolling Stone as one of the Top Ten New Country Artists to Know in 2017. The International Bluegrass Music Association honored him with the Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award in 2016, while the album “Turmoil & Tinfoil” soared to the No. 3 position on the Billboard Bluegrass charts in 2017.
Strings’ Collaborations and Performances
Strings’ career has been marked by prolific live performances and collaborations, sharing the stage with an array of esteemed musicians like Dierks Bentley, Del McCoury, Bill Kreutzmann, and many others. His enchanting performances and instrumental skills led to invitations to various music festivals, where he displayed his musical prowess to vast audiences.
His notable appearances included performances at the Lollapalooza, Newport Folk Festival, and renowned Bluegrass festivals like Telluride and Grey Fox. His reputation continued to grow, appearing on esteemed music programs like Austin City Limits and Bluegrass Underground, as well as touring alongside accomplished bluegrass bands, including Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Leftover Salmon.
Billy Strings Net Worth
Billy Strings, the accomplished American bluegrass musician, has amassed a considerable net worth of $2 million as of May 2023. Strings’ journey from a modest beginning to his current success is reflected in his financial achievements, attributing his wealth to the popularity and critical acclaim his original music has garnered. His career has been marked by various successful album releases and top-charting singles, contributing significantly to his financial standing.
Now that you know more about the electrifying world of Billy Strings and his remarkable journey, don’t miss the chance to catch him live on his 2024 tour.
FAQs – Get Your Questions Answered
1. What made the Billy Strings Halloween concert, the “Van Andel Scramble,” unique?
– It was a combination of a Halloween concert and wrestling theatrics, featuring an electrifying blend of bluegrass music and iconic WWE personas in a wrestling ring setup.
2. What were some highlights of the Van Andel Scramble?
– The night included a five-hour show with surprise covers such as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” creating a high-energy, unforgettable experience.
3. Who were the special guests at the Halloween concert?
– Notable guests included Sierra Hull, Mark Lavengood, and others, dressed as WWE wrestlers, making the show a lively, interactive experience.
4. What did Billy Strings share about his ties to the venue during the concert?
– He shared tales about his connection to the Van Andel Arena, expressing joy about performing there and delivering both acoustic and electric guitar sets.
5. Where can I get access to Billy Strings’ upcoming tour information?
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Billy Strings live in concert and stay updated with his latest endeavors!