Alabama Celebrates 50 Years Of Their Music With Intimate Florida Crowd.

Posted on May 1, 2023 in Concert Reviews, Feature Stories // 0 Comments

Country and sometimes cross over hit makers, Alabama, brought love and energy to Ithink Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, Florida.

_{Photos and review: Belinda Reedy Hinton}

It is hard to believe that some bands are still touring after a Golden Anniversary, but that is exactly what the artists known as Alabama did with an exuberant crowd last night. There’s no question, there are some years there, but if you closed your eyes you were teleported back in time. Randy Owen still has his familiar voice and Teddy Gentry can still rock his bass. To round out the stage presence they surround themselves with some incredibly talented musicians., including Megan Mullins, a Grand Ole Opry veteran. Her talent on the fiddle, and mandolin along with her backing vocals added a real depth to the show. Her interactions with others on the stage appeared more like playing with old friends. Gordon James Mote, who performed all the keyboards and sang “You’ve Got The Touch” has eight albums of his own. He is one talented guy. Sadly missing was founding member and other cousin, Jeff Cook, who passed away in November, 2022.

There were a couple of moments where Owen danced a few steps with Mullins during her spotlight fiddle playing, and he even sprinted unexpectedly across the stage during the second song to make sure everyone got the attention they deserved. You could tell he was having a great time and savoring every moment. He came out with his cell phone to photograph the crowd from his perspective. Let’s be honest here. He doesn’t have to tour. He wants to tour. He doesn’t get around like he used to. Really, who does? At 73, we should be so lucky as to still have that velvety voice and remember every single word. Not to mention, his charisma.

To round out what they are calling the interactive experience, there is a huge monitor located on the back of the stage that had accompanying imagery that either highlighted the subjects of the lyrics, or videos of previous performances. What struck me, as I sat among the audience was how happy everyone seemed. There was such a feeling of unity among them. There was also a larger than expected number of fans who were under 30 years old, a drinking hard seltzer. Certainly not what many would have expected. That speaks volumes for the timelessness of this band.

Lonestar, who by their own right, are a solid and hugely successful band, have proven themselves to be worthy of headlining, but on this tour they are opening. From the first note to the last, these guys are making it look easy. Seems like yesterday when they covered the song “Walking In Memphis” Originally written and performed by Marc Cohn in 1991. It wasn’t. They are celebrating 20 years of their very own. With hits such as the unbelievably romantic “Amazed”, the mournful “I’m Already There” and the super fun and relatable “Mr. Mom”. It made for a great night of fantastic sing -along music.

As always, Live Nation venue Ithink amphitheater played host to thousands of people. The staff and crew there is a class act. Drinks and food are about the typical price you pay at most all venues. I stick to water in the Florida heat. If you didn’t catch the show, the link to the set lists are below as well as the upcoming tour dates.