Zach Bryan and Gavin Adcock Clash at Born & Raised Festival

A physical altercation took place between country singers Zach Bryan and Gavin Adcock during the Born & Raised Festival in Oklahoma on September 13, 2023. Footage circulating on social media shows a heated exchange between the two artists, who were separated by a barbed wire fence. Bryan, 29, challenged Adcock, 26, asking, “Hey, you want to fight like a man? Wanna open the gates?” This confrontation escalated as Bryan climbed over the barbed wire, prompting security personnel to intervene as he reached Adcock’s side.

Adcock later shared his perspective on the incident on Instagram, stating, “When you get death threats from Sack Cryin’ before you headline in his hometown… Eat a Snickers, bro.” The conflict appears to stem from a series of disagreements that have unfolded throughout the summer, particularly regarding Bryan’s alleged refusal to meet a young fan after a concert.

The tension between the two musicians heightened when Adcock publicly criticized Bryan on social media. In July, he expressed disappointment after Bryan did not engage with a 14-year-old fan who had eagerly anticipated meeting him. Adcock wrote on the platform X, “If you can’t handle the criticism of a 14-year-old, why do people idolize you?” He emphasized that the fan’s parents had spent considerable money to attend the concert, underlining the emotional impact of the encounter.

Bryan later addressed Adcock’s comments in a now-deleted post, stating, “You’re not entitled after someone plays two and a half hours to a picture or a hello.” He defended himself, noting that he had taken pictures with fans on other nights of the festival and needed rest before a subsequent show. The exchange sparked further discussion about the responsibilities of artists toward their fans.

Adcock continued to voice his opinion in an August appearance on the “Nashville Now” podcast, reiterating his belief that Bryan should have handled the situation differently. He remarked, “It wasn’t about not wanting to sign autographs after a show; it’s like letting a 14-year-old kid rant, without saying, ‘Get off my d***’ You’re bigger than that.” Adcock expressed skepticism about Bryan’s public persona, suggesting that he may not be as genuine as he appears.

Despite the ongoing feud, Bryan has remained largely silent on the matter, even as he actively engages with his audience on social media. In a previous Instagram Story, he addressed online critics who directed negative comments toward his friends, stating, “All of you f***in weird couch warriors attacking and belittling my friends on the internet… should be studied for science.” His passionate response reflects a broader concern about the treatment of public figures in the digital age.

The incident at the Born & Raised Festival has not only drawn attention to the personal conflict between Bryan and Adcock but also highlights the pressures and expectations faced by artists in the public eye. As both musicians navigate their careers, the unfolding drama serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame and fan interactions within the music industry.