The Bobby Bones Show: The Untold Story of Parmalee

Episode Overview Released on August 8, 2025, this episode of "The Bobby Bones Show" delves into the remarkable journey of Parmalee, featuring an in-depth conversation with brothers Matt and Scott Thomas. Hosted by Bobby Bones, the discussion uncovers the band's humble beginnings, the challenges they faced, including a harrowing robbery incident, and the unwavering support from their family that ultimately propelled them to success.

1. Origins of Parmalee

Parmalee's Name and Beginnings Parmalee is named after the small town of Parmalee, North Carolina, where the band was formed. Bobby Bones initiates the conversation by asking Matt and Scott about the band's name, revealing that Parmalee is not just their band name but also the town where they started.

• Matt Thomas explains, "You named the band after the town. Spelled P-A-R-M-E-L-E, so nobody would ever be able to pronounce that." (03:44)

Early Life in Robertsonville The brothers grew up in Robertsonville, a nearby town with a population of around 1,200. Their upbringing in a tight-knit community grounded their music and work ethic.

• Scott Thomas shares, "Our granddad moved to our little town of Robertsonville to work for Warehouser. It was a sawmill town, and when the mill shut down, the population dwindled." (05:08)

2. Struggles and Early Efforts

Formation of the First Band Initially, Parmalee started under the name Slip Joint, playing cover songs to make ends meet. Their cover performances were diverse, ranging from southern rock to funk, mimicking bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers.

• Matt Thomas reminisces, "We got a few Slip Joint performances, playing our covers. It was mostly to make money and keep the band alive." (07:12)

Challenges in Establishing Themselves Despite their efforts, Parmalee struggled to carve out their unique sound and secure a stable income. Managing finances was particularly difficult, leading them to rely heavily on credit cards and sporadic gigs.

• Bobby Bones recounts a pivotal moment when finances were dire: "We were out, credit cards done. Tapped out on our buddy that was investing, and I went to my mom and I said, 'Mom, can we borrow $11,000? We'll pay you back with 20% interest.'" (01:41)

3. A Life-Changing Incident

The Robbery Incident One of the most significant and traumatic events in Parmalee's history was when Matt and Scott were robbed at gunpoint while living in an RV in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This incident not only threatened their lives but also tested their resilience and commitment to their music career.

• Scott Thomas describes the event: "We were playing a show, finished up, and as we were packing in the RV, two men came in with guns demanding cash. Scott engaged them, and bullets were flying. He ended up in the hospital, almost dying." (52:17)

Impact and Aftermath The robbery had profound effects on the band members, particularly Scott, who suffered gunshot wounds. The experience left them with PTSD and significantly influenced their outlook on life and their music career.

• Scott Thomas reflects, "I was in a coma for 10 days. When I woke up, my focus was on recovery and getting back to Nashville to pursue the record deal we were close to." (54:03)

4. Family Support and Resilience

Mother's Second Mortgage Facing financial desperation, Parmalee turned to their mother, who took out a second mortgage on her home to loan them $11,000. This act of unwavering support was crucial in keeping the band together during their toughest times.

• Bobby Bones shares, "My mom took a second mortgage out on her home and loaned us the money without asking to hear one song. It was crazy, but she believed in us." (01:41)

Repaying the Debt Despite the overwhelming odds, Parmalee managed to repay their mother faithfully by paying her back whenever they could earn money from shows and sales.

• Bobby Bones states, "We paid her back every time we got any money, sticking to our payment plan by playing shows." (46:58)

5. Transition to Success

Breakthrough with "Carolina" After years of perseverance, Parmalee finally achieved significant success with their song "Carolina." This track became a turning point, gaining widespread recognition and cementing their place in the music industry.

• Bobby Bones highlights, "When 'Carolina' hit the charts, it was our greatest moment. It connected with people and gave us the momentum we needed." (43:29)

Continued Struggles and Adaptation Despite their breakthrough, Parmalee continued to face challenges, including label issues and the unexpected timing of the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily stalled their momentum.

• Bobby Bones reflects, "Just when 'Carolina' started taking off, COVID hit. It was a setback, but the song provided hope during a difficult time." (66:35)

6. Personal Growth and Mental Health

Dealing with PTSD The traumatic robbery incident left lasting psychological scars. Both Matt and Scott have actively sought therapy to cope with their experiences, emphasizing the importance of mental health in their lives.

• Scott Thomas admits, "I still deal with PTSD. I go to therapy and work through it one day at a time." (55:19)

Building New Perspectives Their journey has instilled in them a profound appreciation for the support they've received and the life they've built, reinforcing their dedication to their music and each other.

• Bobby Bones shares, "Not a day goes by that I don't appreciate what we have. We've been through so much, but we're here because of our determination and support from our family." (14:16)

7. Current Endeavors and Future Plans

Ongoing Success and Performances Today, Parmalee continues to thrive, performing across various venues from small bars to large arenas. Their resilience and commitment have made them a beloved name in the music industry.

• Matt Thomas encourages listeners, "If we can make it, you can too. Just keep showing up and chasing your dreams." (72:22)

New Music and Tours With hits like "Carolina" and "Must Have Had a Good Time," Parmalee remains active in the music scene, constantly evolving and connecting with new audiences.

• Bobby Bones concludes, "We're heading to California for headlining shows and festivals. Check out our latest song, 'Cowgirl,' and follow us on Instagram at Parmalee Music." (72:35)

Notable Quotes

• Matt Thomas: "We thought we had the songs, but looking back, we didn't. That was when we realized the importance of having strong songwriting." (38:11)

• Bobby Bones: "My mom took a second mortgage out on her home and loaned us the money without asking to hear one song. Crazy." (01:41)

• Scott Thomas: "I was in a coma for 10 days. When I woke up, my focus was on recovery and getting back to Nashville to pursue the record deal we were close to." (54:03)

• Matt Thomas: "If we can make it, you can too. Just keep showing up and chasing your dreams." (72:22)

Conclusion

This episode of "The Bobby Bones Show" offers a candid and heartfelt exploration of Parmalee's rise to fame. Through tales of struggle, family support, and unyielding determination, Matt and Scott Thomas illustrate the true spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. Their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and anyone striving to overcome significant challenges to achieve their dreams.

Connect with Parmalee:

• Website: parmaleemusic.com
• Instagram: @ParmaleeMusic

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