When Morgan Wallen took the stage at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Friday, Aug. 11, something was glaringly different about the country superstar. Prior to the show, he shaved off his signature mullet hairstyle and debuted a seemingly bald look underneath a red baseball cap.
Wallen took to the stage as he always does on his One Night at a Time Tour, and he shared a simple explanation for why he decided to cut off his trademark locks.
"I didn't like my long hair anymore, so I shaved it off," Wallen said, according to videos captured by fans at the show. "Back to business as usual."
While Wallen clearly wasn't heartbroken over the departure of his mullet, his fans needed some time to "grieve" the radical change in his look. Audience members at the show were clearly surprised about the change, and they yelled out while Wallen explained the reason for his haircut. Fans also took to social media to share their frustration, and many were borderline inconsolable after seeing Wallen's new appearance.
One fan compared the situation to a terrible breakup, writing, "Morgan Wallen cutting off his mullet makes me feel like I went through the most traumatic breakup ever." Another took the move personally, writing, "Morgan Wallen shaved his mullet off on purpose just to hurt me."
Here are few other reactions to Wallen's new hairstyle (or, lack thereof):
RIP to @MorganWallen mullet ?
— Isabellachanel (@_Isabellachanel) August 12, 2023
Morgan Wallen shaved his mullet. No, I?m not okay and need 3-5 business days to process. Prayers welcomed.
— Bridget?? (@yooitsbridget) August 12, 2023
if anyone needs me today I?ll be crying alone grieving Morgan Wallen?s mullet
— amber ? (@aamber__s) August 12, 2023
The singer debuted in country music with a short-haired style with his 2018 album, If I Know Me, but his mullet arrived soon after. Although many other country artists have sported the hairstyle throughout the decades, the mullet became synonymous with Wallen in recent years.
Wallen will continue his One Night at a Time Tour with three shows at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., on Aug. 16, 17 and 18. The tour runs through June 2024 with openers including Ernest, Bailey Zimmerman, Parker McCollum, Nate Smith, Lauren Watkins and Ian Munsick.