Concert Review: Alabama Plays Family Arena

Alabama stopped at the Family Arena in St. Charles on Saturday night, playing 17 of their hits to a few thousand of the band’s loyal fans.

While the band may be using a number of hired guns, Alabama still sounds great after nearly a half-century together. Led by Owen and his cousin, Teddy Gentry, the group plowed through hits such as “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down,” “High Cotton,” “Born Country,” and “Mountain Music,” which closed out the show.

While the show was enjoyable, there were some unneeded moments. It got quite repetitive at times, as the band would finish each song by doing a singalong with the audience. Several people in the crowd seemed to be annoyed by the constant singalongs, but overall, it was a strong showing by country music band that has influence so many of today’s top stars.

Montgomery Gentry opened the show. Nearly six months after Troy Gentry’s death, Eddie Montgomery pledged to continue the band. Gentry’s verses were sang by band members, while one of his guitars was placed on the stage with a light shining on it. While Montgomery was enjoyable to watch, it’s easy to see he and his bandmates miss their friend. Montgomery Gentry will release a new album on February 2.

Concerts, Local

Concert Review: Alabama Plays Family Arena