By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
Greenville, SC (May 10th, 2019) – As fans packed the streets of downtown Greenville, SC heading to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena I couldn’t help to be wrapped up in the excitement myself. With musical icons Alabama and The Charlie Daniels Band performing this evening how could you not. Two groups that nearly everyone has heard of and knows their music. Both bands having strong ties to South Carolina from the upstate to Myrtle Beach these two groups have influenced my musical endeavors as well. Stepping into the arena fans passed through the lobby purchasing merch and questioning what songs may be on the groups set list.
As 7pm came around Charlie and band began to entertain the crowd opening with “Drinking My Baby Goodbye” that brought fans to their feet and ended with Daniels tossing his fiddle bow into the crowd. The band went on to play through an array other fan favorites spanning Charlie’s nearly 61yr career. Songs like “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Legend of Wooley Swamp” were some stand out moments. However, the biggest moment of the set was Charlie expressing his love for God, Military and the United States of America. Backed by an immense amount of applause and cheering Daniels led the venue in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before playing through his hit song “In America.”
Mid set Charlie took a moment to speak of some of his upstate connections as he introduced famed drummer Paul Riddle of the original Marshall Tucked Band line up who was sitting side stage. He also spoke of one of the first friends he made upon arriving in Nashville many years ago. Saying, “this guy just really took to me and supported what I was doing.” That guy was Johnny Cash and the group played through a rousing rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues”
With an instrumental track titled “Black Ice” each member of the band had a moment to shine being brought to the forefront for a featured moment showcasing their musical prowess.
Near sets end Charlie broke things down for a moment with an intimate acoustic performance of the gospel song “How Great Thou Art.” With powering vocals and raw conviction he delivered the song in a way few artists can. Having seen Charlie a few times before I still say he does this song better than anyone else I’ve seen cover it.
Ending the set with “Devil Went Down To Georgia” CDB showed why the group still continues to draw in old and new fans.
With 42 number one singles, multi-platinum albums and numerous awards Alabama is hands down the best country group. Proof of that is a sold out venue for tonight’s show as part of their 50th anniversary tour. Having formed in 1969 the band grew a loyal following touring the southeast before becoming the house band at the famed Bowery in Myrtle Beach, SC. The group recently revisited the the bar earlier this year in February celebrating the establishments 75th anniversary. A nice moment in the show for the South Carolina crowd came as the group played “Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard.” A song about the famed Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach the backdrop played a slideshow of timeless memories from the groups time in the air and memorable landmarks.
Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry filled the night with a set of sing along classic hits like, “Tennessee River,” “Dixieland Delight” and “Old Flame” as fans clapped and sang along. Noticeably missing from the stage was group member Jeff Cook. Many took notice of this as you could hear some talk amongst the crowd questioning his absence.
Earlier this year Jeff announced his battle with Parkinson’s Disease and stated that he would be a part of the tour as much as he can be but unfortunately was not able to make it for tonight’s show.
Going on to play other notable hits, “Down Home,” “High Cotton,” “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have Fiddle In The Band)” and many more Randy and Teddy worked the crowd while also allowing moments for the backing band members to shine. Randy repeatedly visited the front row shaking hands with fans and posing as they took cell phone pics.
As the iconic group ended the night fans exited the venue still singing and humming the groups songs. A reminder of how great the groups music is and how much they have left decades of influence in musical history.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
Alabama
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Charlie Daniels Band
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