Greenville, SC – The Bon Secours Wellness Arena was packed full on Friday, holding a sold-out crowd who were ready to roll on with an evening of music by two iconic Country music groups, Alabama and The Charlie Daniels Band. The audience represented a vast age span, with generations of families seen gathered together to enjoy Alabama’s 50thAnniversary Tour.
Photo Credit: © Carrianne Stoker-Postier 2019
The Charlie Daniels Band took the stage to open a night of toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and sing-along tunes. With over 60 years as a singer and multi-instrument musician, Charlie Daniels has made profound contributions to Southern rock, Country, and Bluegrass music. Perhaps widely known for his number-one hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, Charlie and his band also spent their time taking fans on a ride through favorites such as, “Drinking My Baby Goodbye”, “Long Haired Country Boy”, “Legend of Wooley Swamp” and “In America”.
The band slowed the pace for an acoustic presentation of “How Great Thou Art” and speed it up during a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”. At one point during his set, Charlie introduced a man sitting side stage as Paul Riddle, the well-known drummer from the Marshall Tucker Band original line-up. Daniels played fiddle on many of the Marshall Tucker Band’s early albums. With Charlie having worked with and along-side numerous musicians during his career, it is not surprising that he has maintained deep connections. During the performance, Daniels also weaved in occasions to toss his fiddle bow into the audience, share stories from yesterday, rejoice in his love for God, and express his respect for the United States military.
Fans were again on their feet and cheering, as the lights dimmed and major highlights from 50 years of Alabama flashed across the massive front screen of the arena. Named as the Country Group of the Century, Alabama holds 42 number one singles, 21 Gold/Platinum/Multi-Platinum albums, and 178 OMA/ACM/Grammy Awards. The band’s crossover appeal is explained from having a blend of traditional country music, Southern Rock, gospel, and pop music.
Photo Credit: © Carrianne Stoker-Postier 2019
Founding members and cousins, Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals), entered the stage walking together with their hands linked before greeting the audience and taking their positions. Unfortunately, Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, keyboards) was not present at tonight’s show. His ongoing battle with Parkinson’s Disease makes his health tenuous and him unable to tour regularly. Jeff’s absence in Greenville was noticeable and he was missed.
With Alabama’s extensive catalog spanning an impressive career, Randy, Teddy, and their supporting band members were able to deliver a list of classic hits and favorites. The band could be seen celebrating with audience members through their interactions and feelings of joy filled the air. The audience applauded and sang along to songs such as, “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)”, “Tennessee River”, “Down Home”, “Roll On”, “Dixieland Delight”, Old Flame” and “Feels So Right”.
The influence of Alabama’s 50 years was breathing tonight at The Well and generations of fans commemorated a special evening together.
ALABAMA Photo Gallery
THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND Photo Gallery
Show Date: 5/10/2019
