Country singer Mark Chesnutt has announced that his bass player died unexpectedly while on tour.
Chesnutt, 62, who is currently traveling on his 2026 Redemption Tour, shared the news Monday on Instagram.
“I lost my buddy Dave Sirmon Saturday night while on the road. Dave played bass guitar in my band. He was a great musician and friend,” the “Bubba Shot The Jukebox” artist wrote, alongside a picture of the two of them on stage performing.
Remembering Sirmon as “such a hard worker and very hands-on with everything on the road,” Chesnutt added, “He was somebody I could really depend on not only for playing music but for every aspect of the road. Advice, music, songs, the bus. Everything.
“He was quiet but so funny with a great sense of humor. He was the perfect country gentleman and an amazing man,” the “Brother Jukebox” singer continued. “One of the most positive people I’ve ever known. I never heard him complain one time. When you saw Dave, you saw light and would immediately smile. That was Dave. He will always ride with us in spirit and in heart. We will miss you, brother.”
Sirmon’s wife, Louise, confirmed her husband’s death a day earlier on his Facebook page, apologizing to “anyone finding out about Dave’s passing via this post or any other social media.”
“Clearly the word is spreading,” she said, sharing that Sirimon “did pass away in his sleep last night on the tour bus.”
A family friend also posted on the musician’s Facebook page, calling on anyone to donate money to “help ease some of the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time.”
“If you knew Dave, you knew his heart. He was one of the most generous people you could ever meet. He opened not only his home but his life to others. Every holiday, there was always room for one more at his table-friends, strangers, anyone who needed a place to belong,” they said.
“Dave was deeply loved throughout the country music community and by countless friends whose lives are better because they knew him. Now it's our turn to love on Louise the way Dave loved so many of us.”
Chesnutt is next expected to perform July 11 at the Hodag Country Festival in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He will then play at the Country Thunder 2026 festival in Twin Peaks, Wisconsin, joining the lineup headlined by fellow country music stars Keith Urban and Shaboozey.
