The $350 Million Deal That Sparked Tension
Back in May, Zach Bryan made headlines when he sold his publishing catalog for an eye-popping $350 million and signed on with Warner Records for at least two more albums. The move cemented him as one of country’s most valuable artists — but it also lit the fuse on an unexpected feud.
John Moreland, a fellow Oklahoma musician who had previously collaborated with Zach, fired off a blunt post on social media:
“$350 M is a lot of money to pay for the f***** off-brand version of me. Y’all have a great day.”
For fans used to the tight-knit Oklahoma music scene, it was jarring to see Moreland publicly take a shot at Zach.
Zach’s Response: Cutting Ties
Zach wasted little time responding. He admitted he was blindsided and announced he would be removing Moreland from their collaboration, “Memphis; The Blues.”
“Not trying to be dramatic but refuse to have anyone with a problem with me on my records… Replacing Memphis the Blues.”
He closed with one last jab:
“Not partial to arguing with butt hurt grown men.”
Well damn! Tell us how you really feel, John Moreland 😂 pic.twitter.com/rzZOQDWf71
— Prairie Playlist (@PrairiePlaylist) May 7, 2025
Moreland’s Side of the Story
After fans asked why the hostility, Moreland explained his position in a candid video. He claimed his issues with Zach went beyond industry politics:
Said Zach was “a d*head to my wife and my friends”** on multiple occasions.
Accused him of telling borderline racist jokes.
Recounted an incident where Zach tried to bring a 19-year-old girl into a bar, then expected backup when confronted.
Moreland summed it up bluntly:
“Getting kicked off a Zach Bryan album is way f****** cooler than being on a Zach Bryan album.”
The Song Lives On — Without Moreland
Zach re-recorded Memphis; The Blues with J.R. Carroll, though Moreland will still likely receive royalties since he co-wrote the track. The change was a clear signal that Zach was moving forward with or without him.
A Surprising Twist: Listening Again?
Fast forward to now, and Zach appears to have softened. He shared an Instagram story showing he was listening to Moreland’s song “Gospel.”
Does this mean they’ve reconciled behind the scenes? Hard to say. But posting a song publicly suggests Zach isn’t holding onto grudges. If Moreland isn’t cool with it, fans figure he won’t hesitate to make that known.
For now, though, it looks like Zach Bryan has chosen to move on — maybe not as friends, but at least as someone willing to turn the music back on.