Morgan Wallen says it’s been some time since he’s been part of the bar scene.
The three-time Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper spoke with Theo Von on the comedian’s “This Past Weekend” podcast. They discussed new music, Wallen’s family, and his decision to avoid drinking establishments following an April 2024 incident in which he was charged with three counts of felony reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct for throwing a chair from the roof of a Nashville building.
During the podcast, Wallen acknowledged that while his career has brought great success, fame comes with challenges that require lifestyle changes.
“It’s still weird, and there are parts of that I don’t like,” Wallen said. “Fame isn’t ideal… it’s not ideal to go everywhere and, even if you don’t get bothered, you’re on edge because you think you might. There are just things you don’t do anymore. But that’s okay—I’ve taken up hunting a lot. I can be with my buddies in the middle of nowhere and not stress out. You find ways to supplement it.”
When Von suggested that avoiding bars might be the best choice given Wallen’s fame, Wallen agreed, saying, “It’s definitely the best thing for me. I haven’t been in a bar since the last very public time.” That incident occurred at Eric Church’s Nashville bar, Chief’s, in April of last year. Wallen was charged with three counts of felony reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct after tossing a chair from the roof, narrowly missing police officers standing outside.
Wallen pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven days in a DUI education center and two years of supervised probation.
Currently, Wallen is likely focused on his upcoming album, “I’m the Problem,” set for release on May 16, and his “I’m The Problem Tour,” beginning June 20 in Houston.
Wallen mentioned that the new album might feature fewer trap beats compared to previous releases like “Sunrise” and “Ain’t That Some.”
“It’s just subtle changes,” Wallen said. “My last album had plenty of trap beats. This time, I thought, ‘Let’s tone that back a little.’ I’m tired of it, and if I’m tired of it, they are probably tired of hearing it too. You can still get that same swagger without doing the exact same thing.”
So far, Wallen has previewed the album with songs such as “Love Somebody,” “Lies Lies Lies,” “I’m the Problem,” “Just in Case,” and “Smile.” “Love Somebody” reached No. 1 on the Hot 100, while the other songs made it into the top 10 on the chart.