Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Angry At Kix Brooks: “I Took His Hat And Threw It Off Stage”
The partnership between Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks has always been full of chemistry, both musically and personally. Their success as Brooks & Dunn made them icons of country music, but behind the curtain, they often wrestled with strong personalities and creative differences. One of the most colorful stories fans still talk about is the night when Ronnie, in a fit of anger, grabbed Kix’s signature cowboy hat and tossed it off the stage in front of the crowd.
Cowboy hats are more than just an accessory in country music; they symbolize identity, image, and tradition. For Kix Brooks, his hat was part of his signature look, something audiences instantly recognized. So when Ronnie lost his temper and threw it, the act carried a deeper meaning than just playful mischief. It was a public display of frustration, a sign of just how heated their disagreements had become that night.
The moment didn’t come out of nowhere. Tension had been building backstage, fueled by conflicting moods and perhaps the stress of constant touring. Once on stage, the energy between them was visibly strained. According to those who witnessed the performance, Ronnie’s frustration spilled over during the set. Without much warning, he grabbed Kix’s hat and flung it out into the crowd, stunning both the audience and his partner.
Fans weren’t sure whether to laugh or gasp. Some thought it was part of the act, while others sensed the genuine anger in the gesture. Kix, caught off guard, tried to keep his cool and carry on with the show, but it was clear the incident rattled him. Ronnie, meanwhile, sang with a fiery intensity that night, almost as if the music itself was his way of channeling the conflict.
In later interviews, both men reflected on the story with a mix of humor and honesty. They admitted that their partnership wasn’t always easy, but moments like the “hat toss” reminded them how passionate they were — not just about the music, but about each other’s role in it. What could have been a breaking point ultimately became part of the Brooks & Dunn legend: proof that even in anger, the show must go on.
Video