Story perspectives

Zach Top Axes Guitarist, Bassist; Debuts New Six-Member Band

4/26/2026

Summary

Zach Top Fires

Musician Zach Top dismissed guitarist Cheyenne Dalton Meyer and bassist Jimmy Meyer before his tour began on April 24, 2026 in Lubbock.
Guitarist Cheyenne Dalton Meyer posted on Instagram on April 22, 2026, announcing her dismissal, thanking fans and stating she was back in Missouri unsure of her next steps.
Top unveiled a new six-musician lineup, retaining musician David Meyer, at a George Strait opening in Lubbock on April 24, 2026, without commenting on the dismissals.

Summary

Zach Top Expands

David Meyer, brother of Jimmy Meyer and brother-in-law Cheyenne Dalton Meyer, handles keyboards and fiddle, keeping the fiddle atop the piano for changes.
Norbert McGettigan, formerly of The Well Drinkers, plays bass behind fiddle player Jason Carter.
William Bagby, added as lead guitarist, lets Zach Top focus on vocals and rhythm acoustic work, eliminating a second lead guitarist.
Ryan “Stiggy” Stigmon adds steel guitar and saxophone, expanding the group’s range.

History

Historical Context

In late 1975 the Eagles dismissed guitarist Bernie Leadon after the June release of One of These Nights, their number-one album that sold four million copies. The change cleared the way for Joe Walsh and helped the band reach its 1976 commercial peak. Zach Top’s 2026 firing of guitarist Cheyenne Dalton Meyer and bassist Jimmy Meyer mirrors that reshuffle, hinting at a similar artistic renewal.

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Zach Top Fires

Musician Zach Top dismissed guitarist Cheyenne Dalton Meyer and bassist Jimmy Meyer before his tour began on April 24, 2026 in Lubbock.
Guitarist Cheyenne Dalton Meyer posted on Instagram on April 22, 2026, announcing her dismissal, thanking fans and stating she was back in Missouri unsure of her next steps.
Top unveiled a new six-musician lineup, retaining musician David Meyer, at a George Strait opening in Lubbock on April 24, 2026, without commenting on the dismissals.

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