For years, fans of The Band Perry have wondered exactly what happened behind the scenes as one of country’s most successful sibling groups slowly came apart.
Neil Perry just gave his version.
And apparently it wasn’t nearly as friendly as fans may have thought.
Neil says he was “terminated” from The Band Perry in June 2024, after disagreeing with sister Kimberly Perry over plans to bring her husband, Johnny Costello, into the group. Neil also claims he subsequently lost his financial interest in the band and access to resources connected with it.
That’s a dramatically different picture from the one fans had been given publicly.
The original Band Perry consisted of Kimberly and her brothers Neil and Reid. The trio formed in 2005 and eventually became country stars thanks to songs including “If I Die Young,” “Better Dig Two,” “All Your Life” and “DONE.”
The group announced a hiatus in 2023.
According to Neil’s account, Kimberly later approached him about restarting the band. He says several possibilities were discussed, including continuing as a duo, auditioning another musician or adding Kimberly’s husband.
Neil says he opposed the idea of Costello becoming a member.
What happened next depends on whose version you hear.
Neil says the disagreement ultimately resulted in him being pushed out. Kimberly has previously described the band’s transition differently and indicated that her brothers supported her decision to continue using The Band Perry name. Neil now says that characterization isn’t accurate.
Reid Perry eventually returned briefly when the group resurfaced, but he has since left as well and moved into artist management.
That leaves Kimberly as the only original member of the group currently performing under The Band Perry name.
Neil, meanwhile, has started a new musical project called WOLVESofJUNE, and his decision to finally discuss what happened appears to have opened up a family disagreement that had largely remained private.
As of Thursday, The Band Perry had not publicly responded to Neil’s latest allegations.
It’s an unfortunate turn for a band whose entire identity was originally built around three siblings making music together.
And for anyone who remembers how enormous “If I Die Young” became, it’s pretty remarkable to see where the story has ended up.
