In the summer of 2019, die-hard Alabama fans were blindsided. First, it was one show gone. Then three. And before long, the legendary band pulled the plug on their entire 50th Anniversary Tour. The silence that followed was almost louder than the music they’d left behind. Aside from a brief note from management blaming migraines and vertigo, fans were left wondering—what really happened?
Now, at long last, Randy Owen is speaking out.
During a heartfelt moment at Country Cares Weekend at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Randy opened up about the reality behind the cancellations. It wasn’t just about a bad day or two—it was the toll of time, the physical strain, and the weight of giving everything onstage, night after night.
“It’s hard out here for a country boy,” Randy admitted with a tired smile. “Especially a 70-year-old country boy.”
Behind those words was years of dedication, pushing through heat, exhaustion, and the relentless demands of touring. Billy Dukes of Taste of Country, who spoke with Randy, recalled seeing the band perform in the sweltering summer of 2019—they gave their all, even as the air itself seemed to fight against them.
But here’s the twist: Alabama isn’t done yet.
They’re not walking away from the road—they’re simply pacing it differently. Rescheduled dates in Nashville were announced, with The Charlie Daniels Band opening the show. More summer and fall dates followed. The message was clear: this wasn’t the end. Just a breath. A necessary pause for some southern soul.
So yes, touring still “feels so right” for Alabama. And while Randy Owen may not be sprinting across stages like he once did, he’s not ready to hang up that mic just yet.
