Michigan's Billy Strings shares photos from hospital after breaking leg

Grammy winner Billy Strings, who broke his leg over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, joked on Instagram and Facebook on Monday, April 20, that he was warned by fans about "screwing around" with his skateboard.

"Well, can’t say y’all didn’t warn me about screwing around on my skateboard!!," String said in the post. "Saturday night I walked off stage right before the encore I was all zazzed up from a really fun show. I grabbed my board and tried to do a trick I’ve done a million times (back 180) and landed awkwardly and broke my leg. I heard it snap over the screaming crowd!! Sounded like a damn 2x4."

The musician, known for his bluegrass songs, shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed, along with an updated X-ray photo of his leg, which he broke at John Paul Jones Arena, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"It’s been an interesting couple days to say the least complete with the most extreme pain and crazy ketamine trips and operations stuff but the staff here at UVA rules," he said. "They screwed me all back together. They are absolute angels on Earth."

Strings, of Ionia, Michigan, said he's postponing several spring shows to later this year because of the accident.

"Your tickets will be good for the new dates," Strings wrote in the post.

"I had every intention of carrying on with the tour and Dave Grohling it. He even texted me and offered me the throne! I really don’t want to let anybody down, but after some long talks with these doctors, my friends, band and colleagues, my wife etc.. I should probably let this thing heal," Strings said. "I don’t believe that I could give you guys the show you deserve coming right out of this surgery and these first few days are really important as far as keeping this thing elevated and letting it heal.

"Plus I’m all messed up on pain killers and stuff. It’s a dumb ass mistake and it’s all my fault .. I feel like such an idiot. But what are ya gonna do , ya know? At least I didn’t hit my head or break my wrist or something," he added.The remaining spring shows in Charleston and Fishers will be moved. Charleston, South Carolina, will move from April 22 to Aug. 4. Shows in Fishers, Indiana will move from April 24-26 to Aug. 6-8.

"Again, I’m really sorry and I promise I will make it up to you. See you this summer," he said.

Strings initially confirmed the accident on social media on Sunday, April 19, by sharing an X-ray of his broken leg.

Strings earlier this year announced he will perform Aug. 28-29 at the Ionia Fairgrounds, 317 S. Dexter St., as part of his summer tour Jan. 27, which doesn't include additional dates in Michigan.

Born William Lee Apostol, he graduated from Douglas R. Welch High School. He's now based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Strings has become an acclaimed musician in bluegrass. He’s been nominated for eight Grammy Awards — winning Best Bluegrass Album in 2021 (“Home) and 2025 (“Live Vol. 1”).

Strings’ album “Highway Prayers” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s All-Genre Top Album Sale Chart in 2024 — the first time a bluegrass album has accomplished such a feat in 22 years.