Introduction:
A Memorable Night: Alabama Reunites with Former Drummer Mark Herndon
A new chapter in country music history was written last Saturday night when Alabama delivered a sold-out performance at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville. Closing the evening with their timeless hit “Mountain Music,” the two surviving founding members – singer/guitarist Randy Owen and bassist/vocalist Teddy Gentry – surprised fans by welcoming back drummer Mark Herndon, who had once been a key part of Alabama’s golden years.
This marked the first time since the 2003–2004 farewell tour that Alabama had performed alongside Herndon. In a heartfelt statement released Monday, Herndon shared: “I felt like a little kid all day. This was such a release for all of us. I truly believe it was in God’s time. It felt like magic all over again.”
Clips shared on social media captured Herndon’s spirited performance. With lively energy and precision, he brought fresh fire to “Mountain Music,” even adding a rousing drum solo that drew thunderous applause from the crowd.
Reflecting on the reunion, Teddy Gentry remarked: “It just came together. Sometimes the good Lord blesses us with things we cannot make happen ourselves. All we can do is wait and hope.”
For many in attendance, it was a night filled with nostalgia. Longtime Huntsville news anchor Jerry Hayes, who was present, wrote: “It felt like stepping back in time and brought back wonderful memories of the early days. And what a surprise when Mark Herndon walked out.”
Though past years had seen misunderstandings and even legal disputes, Herndon’s impact on Alabama’s live shows remains undeniable. He spent countless nights on the road, performing hits that defined an era, including “Mountain Music,” “40 Hour Week,” “Feels So Right,” “Old Flame,” “The Closer You Get,” and “Song of the South.”
In 2019, when Alabama was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Herndon was honored alongside Owen, Gentry, and the late Jeff Cook. Sadly, Cook passed away in 2022 at age 73, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, leaving fans and fellow musicians deeply mourning his loss.
Since his departure from Alabama, Herndon has remained active in music, working as drummer and road manager for singer Leah Seawright. As recently as this May, he attended rock legends AC/DC’s Nashville concert as the guest of their touring drummer Matt Laug.
Herndon’s return to the stage with Alabama in Huntsville ended with a graceful bow, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Owen, Gentry, and the touring band. It was a simple yet profoundly meaningful moment – not only for the musicians but for the thousands of fans who have loved Alabama’s music across the decades.