The Five Shocking Moments From Billy Ray Cyrus's 'Disastrous' Inauguration Performance That Sparked A Family Crisis
The 2017 Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump was a day filled with political spectacle, but for country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus, it culminated in a performance so bizarre and concerning that it continues to be discussed to this day, nearly a decade later. As of December 22, 2025, the incident remains a career low point, not just for the technical difficulties that plagued his set at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, but for the deeply personal and public fallout it triggered within the famous Cyrus family.
The event, which took place in Washington, D.C., was intended as a celebration, yet Cyrus’s shaky, confused, and widely criticized appearance led to more than just bad reviews; it prompted an emotional open letter from his own son, Trace Cyrus, who publicly implored his father to seek help. This article dives into the five most shocking moments of that night, the 'achy breaky' excuse that followed, and the lasting impact on the legendary country singer's career and family life.
Complete Biography and Profile: Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus is a foundational figure in modern country music, whose career has spanned over three decades, marked by chart-topping hits, acting roles, and a highly publicized family life. His profile is essential to understanding the context of his controversial political performance.
- Full Name: William Ray Cyrus
- Born: August 25, 1961 (Currently 64 years old as of late 2025)
- Birthplace: Flatwoods, Kentucky, U.S.
- Genre: Country, Country Rock, Pop Country
- Breakthrough Hit: "Achy Breaky Heart" (1992)
- Major Albums: Some Gave All (1992), Trail of Tears (1996), Thin Line (2016)
- Acting Roles: Starred as the title character on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus.
- Notable Collaborations: Featured on the global phenomenon "Old Town Road (Remix)" with Lil Nas X (2019), which became the longest-running No. 1 song in Billboard Hot 100 history.
- Family: Father to six children, including music stars Miley Cyrus, Trace Cyrus, and Noah Cyrus.
- Recent News (2024/2025): Has been in the news for his high-profile divorce from singer Firerose and his ongoing commitment to new music projects, maintaining a career that continues to evolve well into his sixties.
The Disastrous Performance: Five Moments That Shocked the Nation
The performance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2017, was intended to be a patriotic highlight, but it quickly devolved into a spectacle that left both attendees and viewers at home confused and concerned. The event, held in Washington D.C. as part of the presidential inauguration festivities, became an instant viral moment for all the wrong reasons. The widespread reaction was one of genuine worry for the country music icon's health and well-being.
1. The "Zombie" Stare and Aimless Wandering
One of the most commented-on aspects of the performance was Cyrus's demeanor. He appeared dazed and disoriented on stage, often staring blankly into the crowd or the camera. Media outlets and social media users quickly described his appearance as "zombie-like" and "aimless." He was seen wandering the stage, seemingly unsure of where to stand or what to do next, a stark contrast to his usual energetic stage presence.
2. The 'Achy Breaky' Technical Difficulties
The core of the performance, a rendition of his iconic 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart," was severely hampered by what he later described as "brutal tech issues." The audio quality was poor, and the timing seemed off, leading to a shaky and difficult-to-watch delivery. Cyrus struggled to keep pace and connect with the music, amplifying the perception that something was deeply wrong. The technical problems were so significant that they overshadowed the music entirely.
3. The Confusing Setlist and 'Old Town Road' Misconception
While the focus was on "Achy Breaky Heart," the setlist itself became a point of later confusion. In the years following the event, numerous references to his later collaboration, "Old Town Road," appeared in discussions about the inauguration performance. While the song was released much later (2018/2019), the fact that his name became so closely tied to a *different* controversial, yet globally successful, song only added to the bizarre nature of his career trajectory in that era. The confusion highlighted a performer caught between his classic hits and his future, unexpected successes.
4. The Public Blame: 'Achy Breaky Music Equipment'
In the immediate aftermath of the event, as criticism mounted, Billy Ray Cyrus issued a statement to address the situation. He attributed the questionable performance entirely to "achy breaky music equipment" and "technical difficulties." While technical issues are common, the phrase "achy breaky music equipment" quickly became a memorable, if slightly comical, excuse that did little to quell the public’s concern about the singer’s health.
5. The Desperate Plea: "Is Anybody Awake?"
Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment of the evening was a comment Cyrus made to the audience during a lull in the music. Aimlessly wandering the stage, he reportedly asked the crowd, "Is anybody awake?" This spontaneous remark, captured on video, perfectly encapsulated the awkwardness of the moment and the disconnect between the performer and the celebratory atmosphere of the inaugural ball. It was a moment of vulnerability that shifted the public conversation from criticism of the performance to genuine worry for the man behind the microphone.
The Emotional Fallout: Trace Cyrus's Open Letter and Family Concern
The controversy surrounding the Liberty Ball performance quickly moved from a public spectacle to a deep, private family crisis. The most significant and shocking reaction came from his son, Trace Cyrus, a musician known for his work with the band Metro Station, who posted an emotional open letter on social media just days after the event.
Trace Cyrus's public plea was a raw and unfiltered expression of fear and love. He stated that he and his sisters—a group that includes global superstar Miley Cyrus and singer Noah Cyrus—were genuinely concerned about their father’s well-being. The letter was a direct and heartfelt call for Billy Ray Cyrus to seek help, indicating that the bizarre onstage behavior was not an isolated incident but a symptom of deeper, ongoing issues.
The open letter detailed the family’s worry, with Trace writing that he and his sisters feared losing their father too soon. He emphasized that the message stemmed from a place of love and a desire to see their father healthy and happy, offering full support for Billy Ray to seek assistance. This public display of concern by his children elevated the story beyond mere entertainment news, transforming it into a national conversation about the pressures of fame, family dynamics, and mental health. The incident is now viewed as a pivotal moment that highlighted the strain on the famously close-knit Cyrus family.
Beyond the Ball: The Lasting Impact on a Country Icon
While the 2017 inauguration performance was a deeply embarrassing moment for Billy Ray Cyrus, his career has shown remarkable resilience and an ability to adapt. The public concern and family drama eventually subsided, allowing him to focus on his music.
The most significant twist came in 2019 with the release of the "Old Town Road" remix alongside Lil Nas X. This collaboration, which blended country and trap music, was a massive, unexpected success that revitalized his career and introduced him to a new generation of fans. The song’s global dominance provided a stark contrast to the low point of the 2017 performance, proving that a career can recover even from a widely publicized "disaster."
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the intense scrutiny placed on celebrities who participate in high-profile political events, especially presidential inaugurations. For Billy Ray Cyrus, the performance at the Liberty Ball will forever be remembered, not just as a moment of "achy breaky music equipment" failure, but as the catalyst for a very public and painful family intervention. His ability to navigate the subsequent years, finding both personal resolution and professional triumph, speaks volumes about his enduring place as a true country music icon.
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