One of the most renowned people in Western culture, Lane Frost passed away in Cheyenne, Wyoming, more than thirty years ago.
Frost’s close buddy Tuff Hedeman states, “This is the real story for those who only know the 8 Seconds side of the story.”
The statement made by country music icon Cody Johnson, “I think it’s important to keep Lane’s story alive because you’re never going to have another story like it,” pretty much says it all.
For this reason, in March 2020, filming on an accurate documentary on Lane’s life was started by Tough Draw founders Brad Hughes and James Trawick, producers Chris Juen and Chad Gundersen of the critically acclaimed series The Chosen, and Out of Order Studios.
They were able to interview Lane’s parents, Clyde and Elsie Frost, as well as some of the most well-known figures in the bull riding and rodeo industries, such as Tuff Hedeman, the champion bull rider, Don Gay, the legendary bull rider, and country music artist Cody Johnson.
Frost famously remarked, “I always told myself that I’d be a good World Champion if I could be one.” In addition, Lane gave three individuals credit for his accomplishments: “My Dad and freckles (Brown) are the best teachers I’ve ever had.
They got me off to a good start. Then Donnie (who is gay) entered the picture.” The movie stars Don “Icing On The Cake” Gay, Jeff Medders, Pam Minick, JB Mauney, Stetson Wright, Sage Kimzey, Jose Vitor Leme, Josh Frost, Ky Hamilton, John Crimber, Cody Webster, and Lane Johnson (NFL).
There has to be more to Frost’s life than what was shown in the popular film 8 Seconds, according to Hughes and Trawick.
“I saw the movie 8 Seconds when I first remember going to the movies in a theater. One of the first movies I ever recall feeling emotion from, when I was six and a half years old, is this one, says Hughes.
At the end of the film, I started crying. I cherished it. I knew there was a lot more to Lane’s life because I had seen 8 seconds numerous times.
That’s demonstrated by this documentary. In fact, I received a handwritten note signed by Lane’s mother while I was writing this. She gave a brief summary of the documentary.
At the age of ten, Frost earned his first rodeo prizes. He began riding dairy calves when he was about five or six years old. He was crowned the National High School Bull Riding Champion in 1981, and he also took home the Riding Champion title in the inaugural Youth National Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, the following year.
Fort Worth is the perfect location for the documentary’s premiere—just over 40 years after his first major championship and barely 60 years after his birth. Before that terrible day on July 30, 1989 in Cheyenne, Lane would only ride for around seven more years after winning the Championship in Fort Worth. He would go on to become a cherished buddy, world champion, and legend.
“Shine a more expansive light on Frost, the humanity of his story and the depth of his character for both his legions of fans and individuals just learning about Frost,” is Trawick’s stated goal for this documentary.
As his nephew Stetson Frost puts it, “To us this was more than a documentary.” It’s a true tale of a man who defied expectations to pursue his goals and simultaneously manage to be a human.
The three main lessons we want people to learn from Lane are to seek Jesus, persevere in hard labor, and believe in second chances.
Those who were fortunate enough to witness the documentary’s exclusive premiere on November 5, 2023, are being impacted by it. As Tuff Hedeman put it, “I have to admit, it was difficult to watch.”
When Lane passed away, half of me was gone. The drama that actually surrounded Lane’s life is depicted in this true story. However, this is the true tale for individuals who are only aware of the 8 Seconds version of events.a celebration of what generations of bull riders who aspire to be like Lane have benefited from his life and profession, as well as his friends and family.
According to Lane Frost Brand athlete and two-time NFR qualifier Trey Holsten, “This film blows ‘8 Seconds’ out of the water, respectfully.” uncooked. Strange. Looking forward to seeing it again.” Lane’s widow, Kellie Macy, put it best when she remarked, “It was a beautiful sight to see.”
“If I hadn’t been honest with Lane, his mother would never have had the opportunity to encourage him to ask Jesus to be his Savior. He gave his heart to the Lord. Where would he be six months later if I hadn’t been honest with him?” she said. Not in Paradise…heed your heart; it speaks the truth.”
Lane had a heart in addition to the smile that many of us aspire to have. He was passionate about his friends, family, faith, rodeo, and competing. This documentary, according to Trawick, “will shine a more expansive light on Frost, the humanity of his story, and the depth of his character.”
I am sure in that statement.” Trawick is correct when she says, “Those who were touched by Lane’s selfless deeds still feel the impact of them today.” All we need to do to make a lasting impression is to treat everyone we come into contact with with honesty, decency, and the refusal to allow our egos stand in the way of doing the right thing.
The song “Leather” by Cody Johnson reminded me of Lane. “Years of work and dirt and hurt” were needed to create him. Indeed, Lane was acting with integrity and sincerity. The reason Lane is still holding people together 34 years after many people’s lives ended on that awful day in Cheyenne is because of his heart, his forgiveness, and his humanity.
Tickets for the premiere are available at www.axs.com if you’d want to go. Tickets are 25% off regular price till showtime. With VIP seating, two complimentary drink tickets are provided.
