Kentucky Fan Sturgill Simpson Taunts Razorback Fans at Concert in Arkansas

Johnny Blue Skies bleeds Kentucky blue. You know him better as Sturgill Simpson and last night Arkansas fans learned that he’s going to represent his favorite team no matter the setting.

If you aren’t well-acquainted with the talented singer-songwriter, Sturgill Simpson is a Grammy Award-winner from Jackson, KY who has not been shy about his love of the Wildcats. During a COVID concert at an empty Ryman Auditorium, he rocked a Kentucky basketball sweatshirt on stage. Two weeks ago at Rupp Arena, his drummer, Miles Miller, wore a Mark Pope jersey throughout the show.

Sturgill’s Why Not Tour took him to the Natural State this week. Kentucky and Arkansas have an unusual, tenuous relationship after John Calipari left Lexington this spring to Embrace the Hog. The musician raised the tension by poking the bear in the middle of his show.

While introducing members of his band, Sturgill Simpson gave a “Go Cats!” shoutout to his drummer. The Walmart AMP audience in Rogers, Arkansas didn’t like that. Sturgill didn’t give a damn.

“Don’t be mad, don’t be mad. You had your chance, Calipari’s gone. Now get ready to get that ass whooped. You know what’s coming, I’m just saying,” Sturgill said. “Mark Pope ain’t f***ing around!”

Audio from Sturgill Simpson’s concert last night giving it to Arkansas fans. NSFW 😂 pic.twitter.com/1G6zDcQAoS

— Shannon The Dude (@ShannonTheDude) October 10, 2024

History indicates that Sturgill Simpson ain’t lying. Even though Razorback fans consider Kentucky as their top rival on the hardwood, it’s been fairly one-sided, particularly in recent years. The Wildcats have won 11 of the last 14 games in this SEC series, including a couple of times where the Hogs were the Vegas favorite at home.

We’ll find out if Sturgill Simpson is a soothsayer when John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena as the Arkansas head coach on Feb. 1.

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