You remember the hair. That signature, gravity-defying mane was as much a part of The Band Perry as the dark, southern gothic lyrics of "Better Dig Two." But if you’ve been looking for Reid Perry on stage lately, you’ve probably noticed a pretty massive void where the middle sibling used to stand.
Honestly, it’s the end of an era. For fifteen years, Reid was the rhythmic anchor of a family trio that defined a specific, edgy moment in country music. Then, things got quiet. Then, things got weird. Now, things are just... different.
In late 2025, Reid Perry officially announced he was leaving the group. It wasn't a sudden "creative differences" blow-up that you see on TMZ, but it was definitive. His departure left Kimberly Perry as the literal last woman standing from the original lineup. If you’re a fan who grew up on "If I Die Young," seeing the band continue without both brothers feels a little like watching a reboot of your favorite show where they replaced everyone but the lead.
What Actually Happened to Reid Perry?
Basically, Reid didn't just quit music; he swapped his bass for a clipboard. He’s moved into artist management. It’s a move that actually makes a ton of sense if you’ve followed his career closely. He was always the guy behind the scenes making sure the gears turned, often more interested in the "how" of the industry than the spotlight itself.
He’s currently putting all his energy into a rising country artist named Ryan Coleman. You might remember Coleman from The Voice (Team Dan + Shay, season 25). Reid didn’t just stumble into this; he’s gone on record saying he believes in Coleman’s voice "more than anything."
👉 See also: Don’t Forget Me Little Bessie: Why James Lee Burke’s New Novel Still Matters
There’s a specific kind of freedom in that. For years, Reid was the middle man. Literally. Stuck between the powerhouse vocals of Kimberly and the multi-instrumental energy of his younger brother, Neil. Moving into management is his way of staying in the "saddle," as he put it, but on his own terms.
The Breakdown of The Band Perry
To understand why Reid Perry leaving was such a gut punch, you have to look at the timeline. It’s been a chaotic few years for the Perry family.
- 2023: The trio announced a "creative break." This was the "it’s not a breakup, it’s a hiatus" moment that usually precedes a breakup.
- 2024: Neil Perry, the youngest, officially dipped. He went solo, releasing "If You Can’t, Don’t," and generally leaned into a more experimental sound.
- 2025: Kimberly tried to bring the band back. She signed a new deal with Big Machine Label Group (the label that launched them) and brought in her husband, Johnny Costello, to fill the void.
- October 2025: Reid watches the "comeback" and realizes his heart isn't in it. He posts a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram, confirming he’s done with the band for good.
It’s kinda wild to think that a group that won a Grammy for "Gentle on My Mind" and dominated the 2010s is now a duo consisting of one original member and her husband.
Why Reid Perry Matters to the Legacy
People often overlook the bassist. Don't do that here. Reid was the one who kept their sound from drifting too far into the "pop-country" abyss during their peak. He had a rock-and-roll sensibility that balanced Kimberly’s theatricality.
✨ Don't miss: Donnalou Stevens Older Ladies: Why This Viral Anthem Still Hits Different
When the band tried their "pop detour" with the Coordinates EP in 2018, it was a polarizing time. Fans were confused. The industry was confused. Looking back, you can see the strain. Reid was always a country traditionalist at heart, even when they were wearing leather jackets and using synthesizers. His exit statement reflected that, emphasizing that for him, it was always about "making great country music for hardworking people."
Is there bad blood?
Everyone wants the drama. They want the Fleetwood Mac-style backstage bickering. But the truth is boringly healthy: they’re still family. Kimberly was one of the first people to comment on his exit post, wishing him "wonderful successes."
Neil is doing his solo thing. Reid is playing the executive role. Kimberly is carrying the torch. It’s less of a explosion and more of a natural evolution. Sometimes you just outgrow the family business, even if that business involves sold-out arenas and platinum records.
What’s Next for Reid and the TBP Brand?
If you're looking for Reid, don't check the tour bus. Check the Nashville boardrooms and the wings of the stage. He’s clearly leaning into the mentorship role. Ryan Coleman is his main project right now, and given Reid’s experience with the Big Machine machine, he knows exactly how to navigate the pitfalls of the industry.
🔗 Read more: Donna Summer Endless Summer Greatest Hits: What Most People Get Wrong
As for the "New" Band Perry? Kimberly and Johnny Costello are hitting the road in 2026. They’ve teased new music that supposedly returns to the "psycho girl" energy of their early hits. It’ll be interesting to see if fans accept this version of the band or if the absence of the brothers is too much to overcome.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the scattered remains of your favorite 2010s trio, here is how to navigate the new landscape:
- Follow Reid for the "Inside Baseball": If you want to see the next generation of country talent through the eyes of a vet, keep an eye on his management moves. He’s likely to become a power player behind the scenes.
- Separate the Art from the Name: Don't expect the 2026 version of The Band Perry to sound like the 2010 version. It’s essentially a Kimberly Perry solo project with a legacy name.
- Check out Neil’s Solo Work: If you miss the instrumental complexity of the original group, Neil’s solo tracks are where that experimentation went.
- Revisit the Classics: If you're feeling nostalgic, the remastered 15th-anniversary edition of their debut album is the best way to hear Reid's original contributions with modern clarity.
Reid Perry might be "back in the saddle," but he’s riding a different horse now. The Band Perry as we knew it is officially a memory, but the influence of that middle-brother energy isn't going anywhere; it's just changing its job title.