BUCKCHERRY's Tour Bus Nightmare: A Close Call on the Road
In a chilling revelation during an interview with Laughing Monkey With Shawn Ratches, BUCKCHERRY's guitarist Stevie Dacanay, affectionately known as Stevie D., opened up about a multi-vehicle accident that nearly derailed the band's tour on August 21. The band had just wrapped up a show in South Carolina when tragedy struck on Interstate 26, resulting in a fatal collision. While the band’s social media confirmed that all members and crew were unharmed, the specter of loss loomed large as they expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased.
Stevie recounted the chaotic scene, describing how they were cruising over a hill when a drunken driver veered dangerously onto the road. "He was half in the shoulder, half in the right lane, opened his door, walked out...and everything went to hell from there," he explained. What ensued was a catastrophic pile-up as the band's bus collided with debris, taking out the rogue driver's door before chaos reigned with multiple vehicles piling in behind. The horror of witnessing the aftermath left a lasting imprint on the crew, who were stranded on the highway until dawn, mired in the consequences of someone else's reckless choices.
As the dust settled, it became evident that the media had taken liberties with the details, crafting sensational headlines that suggested BUCKCHERRY was at the center of the carnage. Stevie expressed his frustration, noting, "I saw that there was a bunch of press after that… it looked like someone in our camp had died... it was just a weird spin on things." He highlighted the absurdity of podcasts and news outlets speculating wildly about the accident, using their misfortune as fodder for clicks. "It was all this footage of crashes that weren't even our accident. Just horrifying stuff," he lamented, emphasizing that the reality was far less sensational than the narratives being spun.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the pedestrian involved in the accident had exited his vehicle after a previous single-vehicle crash when he was struck. The tragedy underscores the unpredictable nature of life on the road for touring musicians, who often face unforeseen dangers while pursuing their passion. Despite the traumatic experience, BUCKCHERRY continues to forge ahead, promoting their latest album, "Roar Like Thunder," which hit the shelves in June 2025 and showcases the band’s relentless spirit and commitment to hard rock.
With the lineup featuring only original member Josh Todd alongside Stevie D., they are joined by Billy Rowe, Kelly LeMieux, and Francis Ruiz, all of whom are instrumental in driving BUCKCHERRY's legacy forward. Stevie D. has been a pivotal force since the band's resurrection in 2005, contributing to their iconic sound with his electrifying guitar work that helped shape hits like "Crazy Bitch" and "Sorry." After surviving a brush with death on the road, BUCKCHERRY stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, ready to roar once more.