Billy Strings Returns to Stage After Breaking His Leg With Surprise Primus Cameo in Detroit

The guitarist popped out during the band's portion of the Claypool Gold tour show.

Billy Strings performs on stage at the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year Benefit Gala for Grateful Dead held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Jan. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles.

Michael Buckner/Billboard

A convalescing Billy Strings made a surprise return to the stage — crutches and all — on Sunday night (May 31) in his home state of Michigan.

Back on April 18, the Grammy-winning Americana stalwart broke his left fibula and tibia while skateboarding backstage after a concert in Charlottesville, Va. He underwent immediate surgery and subsequently rescheduled his next four shows until August — although Dave Grohl did offer Strings the use of the throne that he used after breaking his leg in 2015, later lent to Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose.