Neil Perry, a former member of the Grammy-winning country group The Band Perry, has accused his sister and bandmate Kimberly Perry of removing him from the group shortly after his birthday. Neil Perry stated that his dismissal occurred after he voiced objections to his brother-in-law, Johnny Costello, joining the band.
The original sibling lineup of The Band Perry—comprising Kimberly on vocals, Neil on mandolin, and Reid on bass—announced a hiatus in 2023 to pursue individual projects. According to Neil Perry, Kimberly later proposed a reunion, but negotiations regarding the band's future direction led to a significant rift.
Neil Perry detailed in a social media post that Kimberly presented him with three options for moving forward: continuing as a duo, holding auditions for new members, or allowing her husband, Johnny Costello, to join. Neil Perry stated he was amenable to the first two options but ultimately opposed Costello's inclusion. He later learned that Reid had rejoined the band through discussions he was not privy to.
Neil Perry claimed he was then given three days to decide whether to continue with the band under the new arrangement. When he requested a conversation after this period, he was informed he had run out of time. He described being terminated from the band, stating it occurred the day after his birthday. He also expressed surprise that refusing to participate under those circumstances resulted in the loss of his financial interest and access to the band's resources and established business.
Kimberly Perry, however, has suggested a different perspective in interviews. She indicated that her brothers supported her decision to continue the band. She told Rolling Stone that Reid had commented positively on the band's new music and that there was "always an open seat for a brother in the band if they ever want to tour." She also stated that the lineup changes were not strategic but a natural progression, driven by her desire to perform The Band Perry's songs and her enjoyment of playing with family.
Neil Perry countered this, emphasizing that his sister's desire to include her husband was the core issue and that the situation had deteriorated beyond just the lineup, citing instability and broken trust. He stated that shortly after the band signed a new label deal, his brother left, and Kimberly began performing with Costello under The Band Perry name, releasing new music.
Reid Perry announced his departure in October 2025, stating his intention to pursue a career in talent management. Kimberly and Costello have since released songs such as "Psychological" and "Kill It" as The Band Perry.
The Band Perry formed in Greeneville, Tennessee, in 2005. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2010, featured their breakthrough hit "If I Die Young," which earned a Grammy Award for best country duo/group performance in 2011. The group's original sibling lineup achieved significant success before their recent hiatus and subsequent internal disputes.