Billy Ray Cyrus Addresses Technical Issues That Plagued Trump Inauguration Performance

Billy Ray Cyrus has addressed his technical difficulties-riddled performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday (20 January), stating that it’s “called rock n roll.”

The Achy Breaky Heart singer performed at the Liberty Ball during the new President’s inauguration and dealt with numerous errors throughout his set. Cyrus’ vocals and guitar were inaudible for Old Town Road, his collaboration with Lil Nas X, as the video intro for the song appeared on the screen behind him.

Cyrus then attempted to perform the song a capella and reportedly addressed the audience like so when they reacted with silence: “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,” per Billboard.

He tried to work with the team of engineers backstage, repeatedly saying “check” into his microphone. A guitar tech was unable to fix the technical issue, so Cyrus encouraged the audience to click their fingers for Achy Breaky Heart.

“Just snap your fingers,” he said, performing a snippet of his ‘90s hit before departing the stage.

Cyrus responded to critics of his performance on Tuesday (21 January).

“I wouldn’t have missed the honor [sic] of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,” he told People.

Cyrus continued, “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!!!”

As Rolling Stone notes, Billy Ray wasn’t the only one impacted by technical difficulties during the inauguration; Carrie Underwood was also affected.

Other performers who appeared during Trump’s inauguration included Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Parker McCollum, Kid Rock, Lee Greenwood, and The Village People.