ARTIST TO WATCH: Gavin Adcock

Gavin Adcock first made headlines for chugging beers on a moving bus as a Georgia Southern University football player, but now he’s turning heads in the country music scene and commanding stadium stages alongside country superstar Morgan Wallen.

Before he ever picked up a mic, Adcock played defensive tackle at Georgia Southern University. But his career took a turn when a video of him chugging a beer on top of a moving school bus went viral, resulting in his temporary suspension from the team. Then, in 2021, Gavin faced a knee injury that took him out for the remainder of the season. These moments wound up being a blessing in disguise because they allowed him to begin focusing on songwriting. He wrote and recorded his debut single “Aint No Cure” while recovering at home.

From there, Adcock hit the ground running. Warner Music Nashville signed him, and he began playing small gigs at local bars. According to Gavin, he booked a local bar gig and completely packed the place, earning $500, and prompting other venue owners to seek him out based on how quickly he filled the place. Adcock was building a following with sweat-soaked shows and viral moments. 

Gavin has a way of turning a bad situation into an opportunity. In May 2023, Adcock was arrested for reckless driving. Instead of letting the incident tarnish his reputation, he flipped the script and released a single titled “Morning Bail”, inspired by the experience. He didn’t stop there; he printed his mugshot on T-shirts and made it part of his tour tradition, tossing one into the crowd at every show like a badge of honor.

Now, Adcock’s career is hitting full throttle. He recently played his first-ever stadium shows opening for Morgan Wallen in Miami, where he performed in front of tens of thousands of fans (including me!) and cemented his arrival on the big stage. The energy was electric. Gavin hit the stage with a bottle of Jack in one hand and a mic in the other, launching into his set with the same outlaw confidence that made him a viral sensation years ago. He even joined Wallen onstage for a surprise duet of “Up Down”.

His newest album, Own Worst Enemy, dropped on August 15, containing 24 songs including his hit single “Last One To Know”. Blending raw emotion with haunting melodies and sharp lyrics, the album explores themes of self-sabotage, vulnerability, and redemption. Adcock treats fans to a mix of moody ballads and hard-hitting anthems, marking a bold evolution in his sound while staying true to the confessional style that first put him on the map.

If you hadn’t heard of Gavin Adcock before, don’t worry, we’ve rounded up our top five songs to get you started!

1. "Need To"

It's not just a breakup song, it’s a “pass-the-whiskey-and-feel-your-feelings" moment. Think Post Malone meets Morgan Wallen at a dive bar, swapping stories and sipping something strong. Whether you're nursing a hangover or heartache, "Need To" hits like that second drink you swore you didn’t need... but totally did.

2. "Last One To Know"

Adcock delivers his signature raw vocals over guitar riffs and a mid‑tempo beat that sneaks up on your emotions. The lyrics hit like an “Oh… I’m late to the game” epiphany, you're nodding along, realizing you're literally the last one to know what went down. This track pairs perfectly with a late‑night drive or a dramatic breakup montage.

3. "A Cigarette"

This track is emotional, concise, and hauntingly catchy, because sometimes all you need is that one drag… but deep down, you know it won’t fill the void. He sings about leaning on caffeine and nicotine to chase big dreams. It is the soundtrack to wishing you were back in that queen-sized bed with your ex.

4. "Morning Bail"

In this classic country storytelling track, Adcock recounts blacking out during a booze‑fueled heartbreak spiral, hitting rock bottom, and being stuck at $1,000 bail. Despite the sobering narrative, the upbeat instrumental gives the story a playful sound, because turning chaos into content is Gavin’s thing. 

5. "If I Can't Have You"

This track brings raw outlaw energy, emotional intensity, and a rock-tinged country swagger you can feel in your bones. It’s Gavin Adcock at his most unapologetic -- equal parts rage and regret. 

From viral bus-chugging legend to stadium-shaking performer, Gavin Adcock has taken the long, wild road to country stardom, and he’s just getting started. Whether he’s turning personal troubles into chart-climbing singles, tossing his mugshot into the crowd like a trophy, or sharing the stage with Morgan Wallen, Adcock’s every move proves he’s the real deal.