About
If you close your eyes at a Gone Country show, you might swear you’re hearing the real thing.
Gone Country delivers one of the most authentic Alan Jackson tribute performances anywhere—bringing fans a full-concert experience packed with the sound, soul, and storytelling that defined an era of real country music. From the first note to the final encore, it’s a nonstop, two-hour ride through the songs that made Alan Jackson a legend.
This isn’t just a tribute—it’s a time machine.
Backed by a powerhouse band with over 30 years of combined experience, Gone Country recreates the signature sound down to the finest detail: soaring fiddle lines, rich steel guitar, smooth piano textures, tight harmonies, and that unmistakable country groove. Every song is performed in its original key and arrangement, the result of countless hours spent studying and perfecting the music to deliver it exactly the way fans remember it.
And the crowd response says it all.
At every show, fans don’t just listen—they become part of it. Dance floors fill instantly. Entire crowds sing every word so loud the band can hear them over the stage monitors. From kids just discovering country music to lifelong fans who grew up on it, the connection is undeniable. Night after night, audiences stay until the last song—sometimes even getting pushed out by closing time.
Gone Country has already proven itself on big stages, including performances at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (500+ in attendance) and a Fourth of July celebration at Alan Jackson’s former Nashville estate. Whether it’s a festival, theater, or packed honky-tonk, the result is the same: high energy, emotional connection, and crowds that want more.
Formed in 2022 after a moment of realization that the music sounded “just like Alan,” Gone Country was built on one mission:
Bring real country music back to the fans.
In a world where modern country often leans pop, Gone Country stays true to the roots—delivering the honest, instrument-driven sound that made the genre what it is. Fiddle, steel, dobro, piano, and pure storytelling are at the heart of every performance.
If you’re looking for a show that captures the spirit, sound, and feeling of classic country at its peak—
Gone Country doesn’t just play the music.
They bring it back to life.
Upcoming Shows
- Aug 22, 2026 The Texan - A Landmark Venue
- Sep 11, 2026 Richmond Residence Festival
- Sep 12, 2026 Ole Red
- Sep 26, 2026 Harvest Hall
- Oct 3, 2026 Southern Junction Nightclub & Steakhouse
- Mar 5, 2027 Granbury Live
- Mar 6, 2027 Granbury Live
The Band
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Rex Johnson
Drums
Rex Johnson – Drums / Percussion Rex Johnson, from Chico, Texas, grew up in a family deeply rooted in country music. Surrounded by rhythm and melody from an early age, he found his calling behind the drums — developing a style that’s both steady and full of heart. Since 1997, Rex has been performing professionally throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area and beyond, earning a reputation for his tight timing, musical instinct, and dependable energy. Over the years, he’s played with a wide range of artists across the country, adapting his groove to everything from honky-tonk dance halls to large festival stages. About three years ago, a friend recommended him for a sub gig with Gone Country, and it didn’t take long for the band — and the fans — to know he was the right fit. Rex has been a solid member ever since, anchoring the group’s sound with the kind of groove that keeps every crowd on its feet.
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Carol Jones
Backup Vocals
A lifelong music lover with deep roots in a family of musicians and music teachers, Carol brings heart and harmony to Gone Country as a backup singer. Though she has no formal training, her passion was sparked early singing in a Christian group as a child and later playing percussion in another band. She pours that genuine enthusiasm and natural feel for melody into every performance, adding soulful layers to the band’s country sound.
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Steve Oldridge
Bass
Originally born in Canada to British parents, I was educated in Europe before moving to the United States in 1983 to attend the University of Texas. While I have never pursued music professionally, it has been a constant presence in my life—from playing multiple instruments in the school orchestra to DJ’ing local parties.
My musical influences span a wide range, from early British rock legends like The Beatles, Free, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, and Black Sabbath to guitar greats such as Larry Carlton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I first picked up the guitar while working on oil rigs in the Middle East—where downtime between 6–8 week rotations left plenty of time to practice.
After that, I played in a local rock band and worked as a morning DJ for a government-run radio station, all while preparing for my SATs. During college, I focused on graduating in three years but worked for a local sound company that provided sound for touring acts such as The Byrd's Reunion tour, Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, The SOS Band and others while also dabbling in recording.
Post-graduation, I joined several rock bands in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and ended up playing lead guitar for nearly a decade—mostly by default. As I told the keyboard player, "I'm not a lead guitar player!" to which they replied, "You are now."
In 2011, a friend invited me to play bass in a country band. I embraced the opportunity, shifted my focus from guitar to bass, and began performing regularly in the DFW country scene. Since then, I’ve played and subbed in numerous local bands, performing at iconic venues like Billy Bob’s, Rodeo Exchange, and Southern Junction, while opening for a variety of national and regional acts.
In addition to performing, I’ve also worked extensively as a live sound engineer—running audio for local bands, festivals, touring gigs, an e-sports stadium in Arlington, TX, and multiple churches.
Given my eclectic musical journey, I never imagined I’d end up playing bass in country bands—let alone be part of a top-tier tribute act like *Gone Country* — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Scott Jones
Lead Vocals
Scott Jones – Lead Vocals & Founder, Gone Country
Born in Garland, Texas, Scott Jones found his voice early—singing along to the radio and performing in school choir. After high school, his path took an unexpected turn from stage lights to arena dirt, competing in rodeos and earning a place at the Texas High School State Finals in 1985.
Music called him back in the early ’90s. Scott dove into the rock scene, forming Six Gun and later fronting the nationally touring band Double Cross. Years on the road sharpened his stage presence and deepened his connection with live audiences.
Eventually, Scott returned to his roots in country music, leading popular Dallas-area bands Haywire and Swift Justice and building a reputation for authentic sound and high-energy performances.
In 2019, a conversation with longtime collaborator David Simpson sparked a new idea: a tribute to one of country music’s most iconic voices. Scott embraced the vision, and Gone Country was born. Today, he leads one of Texas’s premier tribute acts, delivering the timeless music of Alan Jackson with heart and authenticity.
Beyond the stage, Scott is also focused on the future of the music industry through technology. He is currently developing SoundPilotAI, a platform designed to help musicians enhance their sound, streamline production, and make smarter creative decisions using AI-driven tools. He is also working on GigBookerAI, a solution built to simplify the booking process—connecting artists and venues while reducing the back-and-forth that often comes with securing live shows.
Whether performing on stage or building tools behind the scenes, Scott remains committed to supporting live music and the artists who keep it alive.
Trey Pope
Keys
Trey Pope – Piano / Keyboards Hailing from Weatherford, Texas, and calling Arlington home for more than two decades, Trey Pope has been lighting up Texas stages since 1988. A true honky-tonk piano player, Trey’s musical gift comes almost entirely by ear—98% feel, 2% sheet music—which gives his playing a soulful, natural swing that perfectly complements traditional country music. Throughout his career, Trey has performed with and opened shows for some of country’s finest, including John Conlee, Josh Ward, Shenandoah, Ella Langley, and Josh Turner. His experience and ear for classic country piano make him an indispensable part of every band he joins. Trey became a member of Gone Country in the fall of 2022, adding that unmistakable honky-tonk flavor to the group’s tribute to Alan Jackson. Whether it’s a tender ballad or a high-energy barn burner, Trey’s piano brings heart, soul, and a little Texas swagger to every note.
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David Alexander
Pedal Steel
David Alexander – Steel Guitar / Dobro Originally from Durant, Oklahoma, David Alexander’s musical roots run deep. Taught to play guitar by his mother, he developed an early passion for the kind of heartfelt, story-driven country music that defines the genre. What began as simple lessons at home soon grew into a lifelong craft — one that’s now spanned more than 40 years behind a steel guitar and dobro. Over the years, David’s exceptional musicianship has taken him across the country and onto major stages. He has performed and toured full-time with several of country music’s most recognized artists, including Johnny Lee, Ty England, Doug Stone, Josh Ward, and the band Ricochet. A true professional with a deep respect for traditional country sound, David joined Gone Country over two and a half years ago, bringing his smooth steel tones and seasoned stage presence to the band’s signature Alan Jackson tribute performances. His soulful playing captures the warmth, twang, and emotion that make classic country music timeless.
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Mike Wagner
Fiddle
Mike Wagner – Fiddle / Multi-Instrumentalist Born in Dallas, Texas, Mike Wagner grew up surrounded by music. Coming from a musical family, he began picking out “The Wildwood Flower” on guitar at just nine years old. By the time he turned nineteen, the sound of the fiddle had captured his ear—and it quickly became his lifelong instrument of choice. Over the years, Mike has mastered not only the fiddle, but also guitar, mandolin, and pedal steel, developing a versatile style rooted in both classic country and Texas swing. His musical influences read like a who’s who of country greats: guitarists Kelly Luker, Danny Gatton, Clint Strong, and Brent Mason; fiddle legends Johnny Gimble, Benny Thomasson, Major Franklin, Kenny Baker, Dale Morris, and Stuart Duncan; and steel guitar icons Doug Jernigan, Billy Brady, Bobby Seymour, and Ronnie Miller. Performing across North Texas, Mike has shared the stage with countless bands and opened for a long list of country music greats, including Hank Thompson, Mark Chesnutt, Mike Schneider, Larry Cordle, Wade Bowen, Darryl Dodd, Gene Watson, Moe Bandy, Johnny Lee, Johnny Rodriguez, Johnny Bush, Blue Highway, Ed Burleson, and Chuck Jennings. Now as the fiddle player for Gone Country, Mike brings his years of experience, rich tone, and deep respect for traditional country to every performance—capturing the spirit and sound that define Texas country music.
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David Simpson
Lead Guitar
David Simpson – Lead Guitar / Vocals/ Co-Founder A native of Garland, Texas, and longtime resident of Lavon, David Simpson is the Co-founder of Gone Country who has been a cornerstone of the North Texas music scene for over two decades. Known for his smooth tone, tasteful licks, and seasoned stage presence, David has performed alongside some of country music’s most respected artists, including Neal McCoy, Aaron Watson, and Jerrod Niemann. David is the original founding member of Gone Country and the creative spark behind the band’s formation. After coming up with the idea for a top-tier Alan Jackson tribute project, he approached Scott Jones to take the role of front man and lead vocalist — and the rest, as they say, is history. As one of the band’s “Day 1’ers,” David continues to define the sound and soul of Gone Country with every performance. Though he’s a veteran musician, he humbly admits he’s “still learning to play,” a reflection of his lifelong dedication to the craft and to keeping traditional country music alive.
Past Venues
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(214)930-5810