Talk about an epic surprise. During Alabama’s recent performance in Hunstville, Alabama, as part of their Live in Concert 25 Tour, the group’s original drummer, Mark Herndon, joined Rany Owen and Teddy Gentry for the final song, “Mountain Man.” His appearance marks the first time he played with the Country Music Hall of Fame members since Alabama’s 2004 American Farewell Tour.

“I felt like a little kid all day,” says Herndon. “It was so cathartic for everybody. I think it was on God’s time, I really do. It was magic all over again.”

“It just fell together,” Gentry adds. “The good Lord blesses us sometimes to do things that we can’t do. All we can do is kind of be in the wings and kind of hope for things. Like I said, we make plans, and he laughs. But there’s nothing he can’t do.”

@braydenwmusic1 MARK HERNDON plays with ALABAMA again! #Alabama #mountainmusic #markherndon #countrymusic ♬ original sound – Brayden Williamson

Alabama’s Farewell Tour

In 2002, Alabama annnounced their American Farewell Tour, which many thought would be the end of the iconic band, including the three members.

“After long thought and thinking very deeply, and while we still love one another, while we still care very deeply about one another, we want to announce to the fans all across the world that starting next year in 2003, it will be our farewell tour,” ;ead singer Randy Owen announced at the ACM Awards.

In 2011, Alabama reunited for Bama Rising, to raise money after tornadoes caused widespread damage in their home state of Alabama. In 2015, they released Southern Drawl, Alabama’s first new album of original material since When It All Goes South in 2001.

Alabama Mourns The Loss Of One Of Their Original Members

Owen and Gentry continue to tour, albeit with one of their original members. The two still mourn the loss of Jeff Cook, who along with Owen and Gentry founded Alabama in 1969. Cook passed away in 2022, after battling Parkinson’s disease for ten years.

“He lived to play our music we created together,” Owen says. “He could play any instrument he chose, but his harmonies I’ll miss the most. I’m thankful we got to create music together for over 50 years! Wish we could play ‘My Home’s in Alabama’ one more time. I’m hurt in a way I can’t describe! To [Cook’s wife] Lisa, thanks for loving him and being there for him to the end. Play on, Jeff. Love you!”

“Closer than brothers, we lived together more than with our immediate families,” added Gentry. “Don’t think I’ve known anyone who loved playing more. Jeff, along with me and Randy, experienced the highs of undreamed success, as well as some very tough early years. None of us were perfect, but together we had something so special it will never die. No other guitar player I’ve known had the range of styles Jeff had. No one can take your place. Ever. Rest in peace till we get to jam again.”

Find all of Alabama’s music and upcoming tour dates at TheAlabamaBand.com.

 

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Photo Credit: Josh Weichman