Billy Ray Cyrus performed at the Liberty Ball after Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. Reports described audio and guitar-monitor problems during his set, and Cyrus said the microphone, guitar and monitors had not worked. The performance drew further attention when his son Trace and former wife Firerose made public comments expressing concern. Those comments are their attributed views, not a diagnosis or proof of what caused the onstage difficulties.
What happened during the Liberty Ball performance?
Cyrus appeared at the Liberty Ball in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025, the day of Trump’s inauguration. Coverage of his set identified “Old Town Road” and “Achy Breaky Heart” and described sound and guitar-monitor problems. ABC News reported on the performance and Cyrus’s response the following day: ABC News’ account.
The event came after the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee announced performers for inauguration weekend. The Associated Press reported on January 15 that Cyrus was listed alongside Lee Greenwood and The Village People for the Sunday rally; its lineup preview said Jason Aldean, The Village People and a surprise guest were expected at the Liberty Ball. The AP’s lineup report provides that context.
How did Billy Ray Cyrus respond?
In an Instagram statement quoted by ABC News on January 21, Cyrus said: “I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not.” He added: “I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!”
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That was Cyrus’s account of the equipment problems and his view of the performance. The available reporting does not establish an independent technical diagnosis of what failed, so it is most accurate to describe the incident as reported audio and monitoring difficulties rather than a confirmed equipment finding.
Why did his family speak out?
On January 22–23, 2025, Cyrus’s son Trace and former wife Firerose made separate public comments. The Los Angeles Times reported Trace’s letter saying he and his sisters were worried and urging his father to get help. Trace wrote, “You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it.” That is Trace’s expressed concern, not a medical finding. The Los Angeles Times’ report covers the comments and relationship context; The Independent’s account also reproduces their statements.
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Firerose, who had been married to Cyrus, separately told Page Six that “what’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” as quoted by the Los Angeles Times. This is her personal account. The public performance and the family members’ comments do not establish that a health issue caused the onstage problems, nor do they independently verify every claim made about the relationship.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What has happened since the controversy?
On January 24, 2025, the Los Angeles Times reported Cyrus’s announcement that his son Braison would produce a new album. Cyrus described the project as “art imitating life, imitating art,” adding, “It starts and ends with art.” Braison said the project was an opportunity to tell his father’s story through music. The Los Angeles Times’ album-announcement coverage has the details.
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A later music update arrived in 2026. Adkins Entertainment announced “On Our Way Along,” featuring daughter Noah, as the first single from The Hill; it said Braison co-wrote and co-produced the track and album, and announced a June 16, 2026 release. The release announcement supplies those details. The current official Billy Ray Cyrus site labels the album “OUT NOW,” features “On Our Way Along” with Noah, and offers signed vinyl. The later collaborations document music activity; they do not show whether every family dispute has been resolved.
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