Wayne Mills shot dead in Nashville bar

Country singer Wayne Mills has been fatally shot by a Nashville bar owner after the two got into an argument over the musician smoking a cigarette in a no-smoking area, authorities said.

Pit and Barrel owner Chris Ferrell shot Wayne Mills in self-defense around 5 a.m. on Saturday, after the bar had closed, The Tennessean reported.

Wayne Mills, 44, died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Police spokeswoman Kris Mumford said investigators are looking into Chris Ferrell’s claim of self-defense. She said no arrests have been made. Ferrell had a valid handgun permit.

Wayne Mills, a native of Arab, Alabama, toured with the Wayne Mills Band, which played college towns for more than 15 years. Country music stars Jamey Johnson and Blake Shelton, as well as American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, all opened for the band in their early careers, according to the group’s website.

Wayne Mills graduated from the University of Alabama with an education degree, and also played football for the school, according to the band’s website.