Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
During an April 3, 2025 concert in Indianapolis, fans witnessed an unexpected and unsettling moment when Ronnie Dunn—one half of the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn—suddenly walked offstage in the middle of the encore. The pair had just launched into their signature hit, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” when Dunn abruptly stepped away, leaving the crowd puzzled and worried. Throughout the evening, several concertgoers had already sensed that something was off, noting that Dunn appeared fatigued and not quite himself.
Shortly after the incident, a band representative addressed growing speculation by confirming that Dunn’s early departure stemmed from a lingering illness. According to the spokesperson, the country star had been “feeling unwell due to being sick,” battling both strep throat and a case of COVID-19—an uncomfortable combination Dunn humorously called “strovid.” He had previously spoken openly about his health struggles during a performance in Houston, remarking that “the flu and strep aren’t a singer’s friend,” a hint of the difficulties he had been enduring onstage.
Clips from the Indianapolis show quickly circulated online, offering a clearer picture of Dunn’s condition. Several videos showed him periodically resting on the risers, clearly trying to conserve his energy. During the encore, Dunn encouraged the crowd to take over the vocals with a casual “sing it if you know it,” before gesturing to the band that he could no longer continue. He tapped his chest, offered a brief wave to the audience, and quietly exited the stage. Fans in attendance later commented that his breathing sounded strained at moments, with some claiming he had stepped backstage earlier in the set due to discomfort.
Despite the scare, the band’s team reassured the public that Dunn was already on the mend and that there were no plans to halt the tour. In fact, Dunn returned to perform just two days later, demonstrating his determination to push forward in spite of illness. While the incident left many concerned, it also underscored the country star’s commitment to his craft—even when performing comes at a physical cost.
Video