Teaming up with fellow Okie John Moreland, Zach Bryan helped the Americana singer-songwriter score his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 with last year’s “Memphis, The Blues.” The collab was one of 17 songs from Bryan’s 2024 album The Great American Bar Scene to reach the charts. Nearly a year later, Bryan is apparently gearing up to re-release a version without Moreland after online tension recently surfaced between the two.
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“The F-–in Off-Brand Version of Me”: John Moreland Blasts Zach Bryan’s $350 Million Deal
Despite numerous hints that he was leaving the music industry for good, Zach Bryan recently secured a blockbuster deal with Warner Records for at least two albums.
Additionally, Variety reported last Monday (May 5) that the “Revival” crooner, 29, is selling his publishing catalog in a separate deal. Between the two agreements, Bryan reportedly stands to gain $350 million.
Responding to the news Wednesday (May 7), John Moreland shared a picture of the back of his tattooed head to Instagram, which he captioned, “$350M is a lot of money to pay for the fu–in off-brand version of me. Y’all have a great day.”
The now-deleted post apparently found its way to Bryan, who shared a screenshot to his own Instagram Stories.
“Yooo just saw this from an artist I’ve always respected and supported. Not trying to be dramatic but refuse to have anyone with a problem with me on my records,” wrote the Grammy winner. “Replacing ‘Memphis the Blues.’ If it goes down for a bit just know this is the reason! No hard feelings! Confused as s—, Tulsans look out for Tulsans!”
I am team Zach Bryan on this one. What a weird comment from Moreland. JM has good tunes and is a great writer but Zach is a top 5 artist in the world now. He’s not the off brand version of anybody 😂 pic.twitter.com/PTxoeCpT8M
— Jake (@JakeWayneSports) May 9, 2025
Bryan followed that post with another featuring the same screenshot, writing, “Last thing i say on it! Not partial to arguing with butt hurt grown men.”
[RELATED: John Moreland Regrets Attacking Turnpike Troubadours After Bar Fight With Kyle Nix]
Bryan Plans to Re-Release the Song
True to his word, Zach Bryan’s song “Memphis The Blues” featuring John Moreland had disappeared from various streaming platforms Friday (May 9) night. However, the “Heading South” hitmaker assured fans that he planned to re-release the track sans Moreland’s vocals.
For the record, I’m blasting both John Moreland and Zach Bryan this fine Friday night.
— Brennen Kelly (@Brennen_Kelly) May 10, 2025
“All is well,” Bryan wrote on Instagram.
Featured image by John Medina/Getty Images
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