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Zach Bryan, the country artist behind the chart-topping album The Great American Bar Scene, has allegedly removed the collaborative track Memphis; The Blues featuring John Moreland from streaming platforms. The decision follows Moreland's Instagram post mocking Bryan's $350 million Warner Records deal and calling him "the f—in off-brand version of me," escalating a public feud between the two.
The dispute began this week on Wednesday when Moreland shared a photo of his tattooed head. He wrote a caption on the photo referencing Bryan's reported $350 million contract renewal and catalog sale. Though Moreland deleted the post soon after, Zach Bryan responded via Instagram Stories, writing:
“Not trying to be dramatic but refuse to have anyone with a problem with me on my records. Replacing ‘Memphis the Blues.’”
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The track was subsequently grayed out or removed from Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, and other services. Bryan clarified he plans to re-release the song without Moreland's vocals, stating:
"Gonna re-release it btw!!! All is well!!"
Moreland, a fellow Tulsa native, will still earn royalties as a co-writer. Representatives for both artists have not yet commented publicly about this ongoing feud.
From collaboration to conflict: The rise and fall of Zach Bryan-John Moreland collab
Zach Bryan and John Moreland co-wrote Memphis; The Blues for Bryan's album, The Great American Bar Scene. The song made its way to the Billboard Hot 100 in July 2024, debuting at No. 83. The collaboration initially seemed amicable until Moreland's recent Instagram story on May 7, which targeted Bryan's lucrative Warner deal.
Zach Bryan addressed the diss in two Instagram Stories on May 9, expressing confusion over Moreland's hostility.
“Yooo just saw this from an artist I’ve always respected and supported… Confused as shit, Tulsans look out for Tulsans.”
Moreland's criticism surprised fans, given the duo's prior collaboration. However, the Oklahoma singer-songwriter has a history of public clashes, including a 2023 Instagram rant about a physical altercation with Turnpike Troubadours' Kyle Nix. Moreland described Nix as "a f***ing third-grader… kicking you in the head" and criticized the band, writing, "F**k that whole band honestly," as per Variety.
Zach Bryan's album features other high-profile collaborations with Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer, neither of whom has publicly addressed the feud. The removal of Memphis; The Blues marks the first time Bryan has altered a released album in response to interpersonal conflict.
Moreland, who has released 10 albums since 2008, has not commented further on the dispute. Bryan and Moreland's falling-out contrasts with Bryan's previous support for Moreland, whom he cited as an influence in past interviews.
As of now, Memphis; The Blues remains unavailable in its original form. Fans await Bryan's re-recorded version, which he claims will resolve the issue "if it goes down for a bit" in an Instagram story.
