As a founding member and bass player, Wayne Secrest was an integral part of Confederate Railroad until he was forced to retire due to illness in 2017. Sadly, Secrest passed away on Saturday night at the age of 68.
Southern rock outlaws Confederate Railroad began as a backing band for Johnny Paycheck and David Allan Coe. They got their own record deal in the early '90s and released hits like "Queen of Memphis," "Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind," and "Trashy Women." Their latest record, Lucky to Be Alive, came out in 2016.
"We shared millions of miles, thousands of concerts and a lifetime of memories. Wayne's memory will live on in every note we play for as long as you allow us to continue," the members of Confederate Railroad wrote on their Facebook announcement concerning Secrest's death. They also posted a photo of the rest of the band posed with an empty chair, signifying the loss of their friend.
Bandmate Cody McCarver shared his sorrow on Facebook, as well, writing, "Last night the world lost a great man. My friend for years and a friend to many many people. He was a bass player but more than that he was an awesome person."
