In a recent interview, country singer Nate Smith recounted an amusing yet serious incident that occurred during the initial night of his tour with Morgan Wallen. During the kick-off of Wallen’s “One Night at a Time” tour, Smith unexpectedly threw a drink at his fellow artist, a move intended as a humorous prank. Reflecting on the moment, Smith acknowledged that what was meant to be a light-hearted joke did not land well, yet Wallen managed to take it in stride.
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The 40-year-old Smith, who is serving as the opening act for Wallen’s 2024 tour, shared these details with Billboard’s “Takes Us Out” series. He described the incident, stating, “I was trying to be funny, and it wasn’t funny. I threw literally a whole cup at him.” Smith expressed gratitude towards Wallen, who chose not to retaliate or take drastic action, despite the potential for serious repercussions. “Morgan forgave me. He should have kicked me off the tour, but we laughed about it,” Smith recalled. Their conversation following the event revealed Wallen’s understanding nature, as he remarked that he might have reacted similarly in a different scenario.
While Wallen showed an ability to forgive, not everyone in the camp was amused by Smith’s antics. The singer reported receiving numerous phone calls from concerned parties after the prank, identifying the situation as quite serious. “Nobody was happy about this,” he admitted. In a show of camaraderie, Smith offered a public apology to Wallen, stating, “Morgan, if you’re listening, I love you. I’m still really sorry about that. Thank you for not pranking me back, by the way. You made me think you were going to the entire tour, and you didn’t.”
Smith’s insights into Wallen’s forgiving nature offered an intimate glimpse of the artist that many fans may not know, highlighting Wallen’s character beyond his public persona. This revelation came as Smith reflected on his relationship with Wallen and the lessons learned during their time together. “He’s a man who walks in grace,” Smith added appreciatively.
Aside from his amusing anecdote, Smith has recently experienced significant personal growth. His second album, “California Gold,” launched in 2024 following his visible transformation from a severe upper respiratory infection. The incident propelled Smith to reconsider his health. He adopted a new lifestyle regimen that included reducing alcohol intake, increasing protein consumption, and managing his daily caloric intake to 2,100 calories.
In discussing his weight loss journey, which totalled 55 pounds, Smith underscored the mental health benefits he reaped from these changes. “I think that the physical stuff has really affected my mental health in a positive way,” he reflected, drawing connections between self-care and emotional stability. He quoted the adage, “You gotta love yourself before you love someone else,” affirmatively noting its truthfulness in his life. Smith has found that enhanced self-acceptance has allowed him to be more present and connect more deeply with others.
Meanwhile, Wallen continues to evolve in his own career, having released his fourth studio album, “I’m the Problem,” in May 2025. As he gears up for the upcoming “Still the Problem” tour set to start in April, his ability to maintain grace under pressure seems to resonate in both his personal life and professional engagements.
The dynamic between Smith and Wallen reflects a broader narrative within the music industry, where camaraderie and forgiveness often go hand in hand with competition. As Smith and Wallen tour together, their interactions serve as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and support among artists, even in lighthearted jest.
As 2024 progresses, fans of both artists can expect not just engaging performances but also a showcase of the personal growth that defines this leg of their careers. Smith’s journey, both personal and professional, aligns with the evolving narratives of contemporary country music, inviting listeners to not only enjoy the tunes but also connect with the stories behind them.