Country music star Tracy Lawrence has expressed significant dissatisfaction with California, describing the state as "disheartening" due to its high taxes and soaring gas prices, which he argues make touring there nearly unprofitable.
During a recent appearance on the "Like a Farmer" podcast, the 58-year-old artist shared that his recent experience filming an acting project in Los Angeles did not leave a positive impression. Lawrence stated that he has "pulled the plug on all that stuff" related to acting in the state, finding the current environment "weird" and "disheartening."
Lawrence, who is scheduled to perform several shows in California in August and September, highlighted the economic challenges for musicians. He noted that gas prices could reach "$10 a gallon," significantly increasing costs for a "fleet of buses and trucks" needed for promotion and touring. "They tax you to death," he said, adding that the state's economy is "awful," and the "price of fuel and just getting in and out of the states, tremendous."
He compared the difficulty and lack of profitability of performing in California to touring in Canada. "It's basically as difficult and as unprofitable as going into Canada right now," Lawrence remarked.
This is not the first time Lawrence has commented on the broader cultural and political landscape. In March, he discussed the political climate in America on his podcast, "TL's Road House," advocating for music to remain apolitical. "Music is supposed to be one of those things that brings us all together," he said, expressing a desire to return to a time when music united people despite political divisions.
Despite his criticisms of the state, Lawrence is slated to appear in the upcoming Netflix mystery thriller "Heartland," alongside Jessica Chastain and Carter Faith. The series follows a former country singer searching for her missing niece in Nashville.
Lawrence has a history of acting in various projects, including "Voices," "Furious in Alabama," and "Walker, Texas Ranger."