Bonsall retires from touring with The Oak Ridge Boys

During a Dec. 30 concert in Greenville, Miss., the remaining members of The Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban introduced Ben James (Doyle Lawson, Dailey & Vincent) to the audience at Harlow's Casino Resort.

Bonsall said, "Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult."

"It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all The Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying."

"There is a young man named Ben James singing for me out there, and he needs your love and encouragement. His sound is different than mine, but he brings a ton of talent to the table. The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the Farewell Tour without me, but rest assured, I am good with all of it. God's Got It."

James was introduced to the band in 2022 during a concert in Wheeling, West Va., where Daily & Vincent were also on the bill.

"Joe handed me the mic and said, 'You've got the next verse,' James said. "And I'm not sure I will ever get over that moment. 'Elvira' was always on repeat when I was growing up. It's still one of those timeless songs that never grow old."

The Oak Ridge Boys are planning a full touring calendar for The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Farewell Tour. They anticipate returning to the studio with Grammy-winner Dave Cobb in late January, their fifth pairing with the legendary super-producer.