Todd Snider, the beloved singer-songwriter and Americana favorite known for songs like “Alright Guy,” has died at age 59. His death was announced Saturday on his official social media accounts and confirmed by friends.
No cause of death has been released. However, his family shared on Friday that he had been hospitalized with walking pneumonia. In the days before his death, Snider made headlines after being arrested in Utah while trying to re-enter a hospital following a discharge. He had only completed one show on his tour before it was abruptly canceled due to his health issues.
Country singer-songwriter Todd Snider had abruptly canceled his nationwide tour following a shocking series of events that left him hospitalized—and later arrested. The 59-year-old Nashville musician, celebrated for his raw lyrics and renegade storytelling style, reportedly sustained “severe injuries” after an alleged assault outside his Salt Lake City hotel over the weekend.
Snider, best known for hits like “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?),” “Alright Guy,” and “Statistician’s Blues,” was in the middle of his High, Lonesome and Then Some tour when the incident occurred.
According to Salt Lake City police, officers responded to reports of an assault involving a 59-year-old man outside the Commonwealth Room on Saturday night—the same venue where Snider was scheduled to perform. Authorities confirmed to NBC that the artist was taken to Holy Cross Hospital for treatment.
Police say Snider was later discharged, reportedly against his will. However, the situation escalated when he returned to the hospital to express anger about his medical care.
“He returned to the hospital and made threats that he was going to assault members of the staff,” said Detective Michael Ruff of the Salt Lake City Police Department. “By this point, he had been treated and released.”
Just hours later, the country star was arrested after allegedly becoming “disruptive and aggressive” toward hospital employees. According to Fox13, Snider began shouting and cursing at staff, and when asked to leave, allegedly threatened one worker, saying he was going to “kick your a–.”
Authorities took Snider into custody on suspicion of disorderly conduct, trespassing, and making a violent threat. The investigation into the initial assault outside his hotel remains ongoing.
Snider had been slated to perform in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this week. However, all upcoming tour dates have now been canceled as the artist focuses on recovery and his legal situation.
His management team released a statement confirming the news:
“Ahead of Todd Snider’s show in Salt Lake City, Todd sustained severe injuries as the victim of a violent assault. Todd will be unable to perform for an undetermined amount of time. We appreciate your understanding as Todd receives needed medical treatment.”
Fans who purchased tickets through his website or tour partners have been advised to contact the original point of sale for refunds.
Following reports of the assault and arrest, fans flooded Snider’s Instagram page with messages of concern and support. “What the hell! Who would wanna attack Todd??” one fan wrote. Another commented, “Whaaat??? Heal well, Todd!!”
Fellow musicians also expressed their support. Oh Boy Records commented, “We love you Todd.” Artist Tony Kamel added, “Love you Todd,” while Ian Moore shared, “Ya know you got the world on your side. Sorry for whatever darkness you encountered.”
Many longtime followers credited Snider’s music and livestreams with helping them through difficult times, with one fan writing, “This is absolutely heartbreaking. Please get well—this world is so lucky to have your light in it.”
