Rhett Miller Undergoes Vocal Cord Surgery, Emerges Stronger Than Ever

In October 2025, Rhett Miller, the 55-year-old frontman of the band Old 97's, is preparing to embark on a tour in support of his latest solo album, "A Lifetime of Riding by Night." This comes after a challenging period in 2024, when Miller's voice had been compromised due to extensive touring with the band.

Earlier in 2024, Miller had undergone vocal cord surgery to address a cyst and polyp that were affecting his vocal range and falsetto. The surgery and subsequent recovery process were daunting, but the outcome has been a revelation. "As it went, it was just such a revelation," Miller says. "Just, oh my God, this thing fucking worked. I can hit all the notes again. It really felt like I was the bionic man, stronger and better than ever."

The album itself reflects Miller's personal journey, including his decision to get sober in 2015, which he says has brought him a newfound clarity and peace. The record also features collaborations with fellow singer-songwriter Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours, with whom Miller has a close friendship and creative partnership.

As Miller prepares to hit the road, he is embracing his renewed vocal abilities and the clarity that sobriety has brought him. "When you live a rock & roll life, you don't get an opportunity to do things that feel rewarding, in the way that this does," he says of his upcoming tour and a benefit concert he is hosting in his hometown of Dallas.