Rascal Flatts is one of the most successful and enduring country music bands of the 21st century. Formed in 1999 in Columbus, Ohio, the group quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of country, pop, and rock influences.
The band consisted of Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Jay DeMarcus (bass and backing vocals), and Joe Don Rooney (guitar and backing vocals).
Their harmonious sound and emotional ballads earned them millions of fans, leaving a lasting influence on the country music scene. In this article, we'll explore what happened to Rascal Flatts, why they broke up, and how they eventually reunited.
What Happened to Rascal Flatts? Why did Rascal Flatts Break Up?
DeMarcus discussed the breakup of Rascal Flatts during his appearance on Savannah Chrisley’s Unlocked podcast. The group had originally planned to retire after a farewell tour in 2020, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the tour to be canceled. Unfortunately, the tour was never rescheduled, and the band split without being able to give their fans a proper goodbye.
At the time, Gary LeVox claimed that Joe Don Rooney had left the group, which was cited as the reason for their breakup.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Rascal Flatts reunited in 2024 and performed at the Commander in Chief Ball during Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Since then, they’ve released new music, and their 11th studio album, Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, released on June 6, 2025, giving fans something to look forward to after the band's hiatus.
Rascal Flatts Band Members
The Rascal Flatts band consisted of three core members:
- Gary LeVox – The lead vocalist of the group, known for his powerful and distinctive voice.
- Jay DeMarcus – The bassist and backing vocalist, also a key figure in the production and management of the band.
- Joe Don Rooney – The guitarist and backing vocalist, known for his skilled guitar playing and contributing to the band's musical direction.
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How old are Rascal Flatts?
As of 2025, the ages of the individual members of Rascal Flatts are:
- Gary LeVox was born on July 10, 1970, making him 54 years old.
- Jay DeMarcus was born on April 26, 1971, making him 54 years old.
- Joe Don Rooney was born on September 13, 1975, making him 50 years old.
Rascal Flatts Achievements
Rascal Flatts achieved remarkable success throughout their career, establishing themselves as one of the most influential country music bands of the 21st century.
They released 10 studio albums, several of which reached the top spots on the Billboard 200, with Me and My Gang (2006) being their highest-charting album.
Their music produced numerous chart-topping hits like “Bless the Broken Road,” “What Hurts the Most,” and “Life Is a Highway,” which not only dominated country charts but also found crossover success on pop radio.
The band earned over 40 major awards, including Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, solidifying their position as one of the most decorated acts in country music history.
Their tours were consistently successful, attracting millions of fans worldwide, and they were known for breaking attendance records. Beyond their musical achievements, Rascal Flatts' philanthropic efforts, including support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, further endeared them to fans.
Through their blend of heartfelt ballads and energetic performances, Rascal Flatts left a lasting legacy on the country music landscape.
Rascal Flatts Upcoming Tour Dates
| Date | Venue |
| July 4 | Provo, UT- LaVell Edwards Stadium |
| July 18 | York, PA- York State Fair |
| Aug 12 | Des Moines, IA- Iowa State Fair |
| Aug 30 | Mt. Pleasant, MI- Soaring Eagle Resort & Casino |
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available reports and statements regarding Rascal Flatts' career, breakup, and reunion. While the facts mentioned are accurate as of the latest updates, details such as album release dates or future plans may be subject to change. For the most current and official information, fans should refer to official announcements from Rascal Flatts and relevant music industry sources.
