Navy veteran Sturgill Simpson has had quite a year. He released a hard rock album that scared off more than a few of his country music fans, then released a Japanese anime movie that used those songs as a soundtrack. He had offbeat roles in three somewhat controversial movies and then gave an interview that trashed his record company, just before heading out on a big arena tour.
Navy veteran Sturgill Simpson has had quite a year. He released a hard rock album that scared off more than a few of his country music fans, then released a Japanese anime movie that used those songs as a soundtrack. He had offbeat roles in three somewhat controversial movies and then gave an interview that trashed his record company, just before heading out on a big arena tour.
That's enough drama for anyone but, just after he had to cancel the tour on March 12, Simpson checked into a hospital with chest pains, a fever and pre-stroke levels of high blood pressure. He asked for a COVID-19 test, but the doctors refused, saying that he "didn't fit the criteria."
Sturgill and his wife got tested April 6 at a free, drive-through facility near their home. That doesn't sound like the America that I live in (here in Georgia), but apparently there are some places that are providing testing to citizens. Who knew?
The bad news is that Simpson tested positive, and now he's in the middle of a two-week self-quarantine. Fortunately, his wife tested negative even though she's been home with him since his stay in the hospital.
What's really rattled Sturgill's chain is the lack of detailed information coming from the folks in charge. "At least our government-appointed task force headed by a man who does not believe in science is against mass testing," he wrote. "And we now have a second task force in the works to 'open America back up for business!'"
Granted, it's the confusion on the ground that's making so many folks angry. What's worse? Feeling like you had symptoms, finally getting a test and finding out you're positive? Or maybe it's feeling symptoms and being told that you don't qualify for a test under current criteria?
The good news is that Sturgill is relatively young and mighty ornery. The coronavirus didn't have a chance against him. You can read his full Instagram post below.
Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment
Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox.