Country music star Jason Aldean has recently opened up about his ongoing battle with PTSD following the harrowing events of the Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting in Las Vegas back in 2017. Despite funding therapy for his crew, Aldean has chosen not to seek professional help for himself. Instead, he finds solace in the support of his family and bandmates.
On the fateful night of October 1st, 2017, Aldean was performing on stage when gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of 60 people and injuring over 800 others. Fortunately, neither Aldean nor his crew, his pregnant wife, or his band members were physically harmed, although his bassist did stop a bullet with his instrument.
In a candid conversation on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Aldean shared, “I guess [I’m] too Southern. Here’s the ironic thing. We funded a ton of therapy for all the crews and everybody else. And then, you know, obviously I didn’t go. My therapy was me, my wife, my band, all of us that were kind of there. We all talked about it amongst each other.”
Aldean’s choice not to pursue therapy highlights a common sentiment in the Southern culture where self-reliance and community support often take precedence over seeking professional help. Some may argue that his decision underscores the importance of finding comfort and healing in trusted personal relationships, while others may see it as an opportunity to encourage open discussions about mental health and the benefits of therapy.
The Route 91 tragedy remains a pivotal moment in Aldean’s life, one that continues to shape his perspective and influence his music. As he navigates his journey through PTSD, his story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact such events have on those who experience them firsthand. His openness about the topic also contributes to the ongoing conversation about mental health awareness within the music industry and beyond.
As Jason Aldean continues to tour and create music, fans hope that he finds the peace and healing he seeks, whether it be through the camaraderie of his bandmates or other means. His resilience and commitment to his craft shine through, offering inspiration to many who have faced their own battles with trauma.
