Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley says he didn't see 'a need for a break'
Florida Georgia Line's split was not something Brian Kelley envisioned when he went solo.
Kelley said during an appearance on "John and Tammy: San Diego’s Morning Show" Friday that he and Tyler Hubbard had a difference of opinion when it came to conversations about pursuing other creative outlets.
"The heart of where I was coming from was really having everything stay the same and stay together and also intertwine our solo stuff," Kelley said. "I didn’t see, personally, for me, a need for a break or a reason to stop. Unfortunately, we couldn’t really get on the same page of what that looked like — we’re both chasing separate dreams, but you never know how it may circle back."
He went on to compliment Hubbard's solo endeavors, telling the hosts, "He's crushing it. I'm happy for him and I expect him to do well."
Kelley added: "I'm forever grateful for our fans and I love them to death. Still hearing our songs on the radio, I’m just really really grateful from the bottom of my heart."
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Florida Georgia Line performed together for the last time in September 2022 at the Minnesota State Fair, however breakup rumors had been swirling long before then. In February 2022, Hubbard told People Magazine that the pair were "taking a break" as opposed to breaking up. A few months later, Hubbard confirmed that the pair had broken up due to Kelley initiating them going solo and said there was "no bad blood between the two of them."
Earlier this month, the former country duo appeared on separate episodes of the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan to discuss what transpired between them and what led to their breakup.
On the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast episode on May 7, Hubbard once again confirmed that the "unexpected" split was initiated by Kelley.
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"BK came to me and said, 'Man I'm really feeling like I want to do the solo thing,' and I'm like really?" said Hubbard. "We were just getting out of our first deal, we were kind of in a sweet spot that we had worked for 10 years to get to."
Hubbard said he wanted to continue as Florida Georgia Line for five to 10 more years, however, Kelley was adamant in his decision, saying it was what he needed to do for himself. Although caught off guard by his bandmate's decision, he supported him, said Hubbard.
"I feel like I'm not enough for you … honestly it felt like a divorce," said Hubbard. According to Hubbard, Kelley wanted to continue as Florida Georgia Line while simultaneously acting as a soloist. Hubbard refused.
"Bro from an emotional standpoint, I know this is dramatic but this is what it feels like," said Hubbard. "It feels like we're in a marriage and everything's great and we love the benefits but you want to go sleep with the neighbors and come home at night and me be cool with it."
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On the May 9 podcast episode, Kelley said his decision to pursue a solo career wasn't a surprise because the marker had already been set in place years prior. According to Kelley, the conversation of having extra creative outlets was had in 2016 and every two years after.
Kelley said the pair made a deal that once their fifth record was done they were going to create more freedom for themselves while still keeping Florida Georgia Line going. Kelley said he felt it was important for him to continue honoring his craft, artistry and songwriting. He said he voiced those concerns for a long time.
"I wanted to do it all, I didn't think that was out of bounds," Kelley said.
Contributing: Marcus K. Dowling, Diana Leyva, The Nashville Tennessean