Technical difficulties plagued Billy Ray Cyrus‘ performance at the Liberty Ball during Donald Trump?s presidential inauguration, prompting a wave of criticism. On January 21, the talented artist took the time to address these critiques, shedding light on his commitment to the event despite the setbacks.
Cyrus expressed his unwavering dedication, stating, ?I wouldn?t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,? in an interview with People. He emphasized his enthusiasm, declaring, ?I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night and I?ve learned through all these years when the producer says, ?You?re on,? you go entertain the folks even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people and we had a blast. That?s called rock n roll!!!? This attitude showcases his resilience and passion for performing, even amidst challenging circumstances.
In footage captured during the January 20 performance, Cyrus attempted to captivate the audience by beginning with a strum of his electric guitar, following an introduction featuring Lil Nas X?s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit ?Old Town Road? displayed on the screen behind him. Unfortunately, he appeared confused as he juggled between playing the guitar and singing, resulting in both elements being largely inaudible. This moment highlighted the unpredictable nature of live performances and the challenges that can arise.
As he continued, Cyrus engaged the audience by attempting to get them to clap along, saying, ?they told me to kill as much time as possible.? When the silence persisted, he cheekily asked the crowd, ?Do y?all want me to sing more or do you just want me to get the hell off the stage? I don?t give a damn.? His candid interaction with the audience showcased his spontaneity and willingness to connect, even when faced with technical issues.
Cyrus then inquired, ?Is my guitar still on? I think they cut me off. I don?t hear my guitar anymore.? While searching for assistance, he playfully said into the mic, ?check,? expressing his confusion and frustration. ?Is anybody awake? I don?t hear it. Do y?all hear this? Where?s everybody at? Check. Is anyone back there? Can someone turn my guitar back on? We gonna sing a little bit more.? This moment illustrated his determination to continue entertaining despite the challenges he faced.
Despite a guitar tech’s unsuccessful attempts to resolve the technical issue, Cyrus rallied his fans, encouraging them to ?just snap your fingers? as he delivered a portion of ?Achy Breaky Heart? a cappella before exiting the stage. This performance, albeit marred by difficulties, revealed Cyrus? dedication to his craft and his ability to engage with fans, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
