The War And Treaty Explain Decision To Back Out Of Charity Gig To Play Zach Bryan’s Record-Setting Michigan Show

On Saturday (September 27), the War and Treaty withdrew hours before they were set to appear at a paid charity gig for Equestrian Connection in Illinois, in order to join Zach Bryan’s record-breaking concert at Michigan Stadium, the largest ticketed U.S. event ever with 112,408 attendees. Despite backlash from the charity organizers accusing them of unprofessionalism and last-minute cancellation without proper notice, the War and Treaty insisted they promptly informed the event and refunded their $50,000 fee, while also donating an additional $5,000 to their cause. The decision stemmed from the duo’s close friendship with Bryan and the personal significance of performing the song “Hey Driver” with him, which touches on lead singer Michael Trotter’s struggles as an Iraq veteran. “In hindsight I wish that Zach would’ve asked us a lot earlier,” Trotter explained, while adding, “It’s Michigan and it’s the biggest concert in U.S. history. You don’t really get that opportunity many times in your life.” (Billboard)