No bull? He'll sing.

Bullrider Colby Yates taking on four-legged monsters .... for now

By: Tom Netherland | Special to the Herald Courier
Published: February 23, 2012

Johnson City, tenn. --

Meet Satan’s Twin.

Then again, you don’t want to meet Satan’s Twin, least ways not as Colby Yates did.

Yates rides bulls as a professional bull rider. He will ride the rowdy four-legged monsters on Feb. 24 and 25 when the PBR Pro Touring Division stampedes Freedom Hall in Johnson City.

"Oh man, it’s been quite a few years ago, but Satan’s Twin was a really mean one," said Yates by phone from his home in Fort Worth, Texas. "I got away from him."

Yet far too many got Yates. A professional bull rider on the PBR circuit since age 18, scars aplenty obvious and unseen map the mayhem experienced by the 30-year-old native Oklahoman.

"I’ve broken about everything," Yates said. "The worst for me is getting knocked out 38 times. I’ve broken my neck, arms, ribs, jaw. I was out for six weeks with a broken jaw and six months after shoulder surgery. And that’s tough, sitting at home."

Tougher than most know. PBR riders are not paid for sitting at home. If they do not make it to the shows regardless of the reason, they do not get paid. No play, no pay.

"We have to pay for everything, our own travel and everything," Yates said.

Winnings can prove plentiful. Yates cashed $52,000 for winning an event in Arlington, Texas last year.

"I had to get on six bulls that day," he said. "Oh, I was wore out. (For the deciding ride) I got on I’m A Gangster. That’s one bad cat. I stayed on for 2.45 seconds."

His opponent rode a bull named Bushwhacker, and stayed on just shy of 2.45 seconds. So Yates won 52 grand.

Then there are the down days. In four out of five events thus far this year, Yates earned no more than $400. One of the events was in New York, one in California. He lives in Texas, which given transportation and lodging costs he most likely lost money.

"There’s no guarantee that you’re gonna make money," Yates said.

Add to the equation that at age 30, Yates’ career as a professional bull rider has few years left. PBR spokesman Jack Carnefix said that most bullriders’ careers last for only about 12 years and perhaps until age 33 or so.

But Yates perhaps has a burgeoning option for life after the bulls.

"I put out a CD, ‘Right Amount of Renegade,’ in October," he said. "I’ve been doing music since I was in college. I didn’t try to take it to the next level until a few years ago when I went to Nashville."

Yates sings traditional country in the vein of his favorite, George Strait. He grew up on a ranch and has ridden bulls since age 8, but his music roots run as deep as the lines in the Marlboro man’s face.

"My grandmother and great-grandfather were in the Chuck Wagon Gang," Yates said.

His grandmother is Ruth Ellen Yates, the daughter of Chuck Wagon Gang founding member David "Dad" Carter, Yates’ great-grandfather. Dad Carter founded the highly influential Southern gospel group in 1936.

"I just love singing," Yates said. "I was supposed to do music, too."

So what if a record deal came along?

"I’d do it," Yates said.

And bull riding?

"I’ve got a lot to think about," he said.

Foremost among his thoughts, this weekend’s bull riding event in Johnson City.

"I rode in this event in 2006 and won," Yates said. "So, I’m gonna win it again."

Tom Netherland is a freelance writer. He may be reached at features@bristolnews.com.

If you go

» What: PBR Touring Pro Division Bullriding

» When: Feb. 24-25, 8 p.m.

» Where: Freedom Hall, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City