Country music legends Alabama gave fans an unexpected treat recently when they reunited with former drummer Matt Herndon — a moment that hadn’t been seen in over 20 years. The once-in-a-lifetime event took place on Saturday night, Aug. 23, during Alabama’s sold-out headlining performance at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama.
Herndon—who looked like a rockstar, sporting a pair of sunglasses, a cutoff shirt, and a red bandana—joined his fellow bandmates onstage during “Mountain Music,” which served as the final song of the night. The beloved classic country song was written by the group’s lead singer, Randy Owen, and released in 1982, as the lead-off single from Alabama's sixth studio album of the same name.
MARK HERNDON plays with ALABAMA again! #Alabama #mountainmusic #markherndon #countrymusic HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – August 23, 2025 – In a moment few fans ever expected to see again, legendary drummer Mark Herndon reunited with country supergroup Alabama last night at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama. The appearance marked Herndon’s first time performing with the band since 2004, making it a historic night for both the group and their fans. To a sold-out crowd in Alabama’s home state, Herndon stepped behind the drum kit during the band’s iconic hit “Mountain Music.” The crowd roared as he took his seat, and the energy surged as the classic lineup came alive once again, transporting fans back to the group’s heyday in the 1980s and 1990s when Alabama dominated the country charts. Concertgoer Dwayne Jones, who shared photos and video from the night, described it as being a “small part of Country Music history.” Fans in attendance echoed that sentiment across social media, calling the surprise appearance “unreal,” “goosebump-inducing,” and “a dream come true.” Herndon, who officially parted ways with the band more than two decades ago, was a driving force behind Alabama’s powerhouse live sound during their peak touring years. His return—especially in Huntsville, a city that has always embraced Alabama as hometown heroes—felt symbolic, bridging the past and present of one of country music’s most enduring groups. The reunion comes during Alabama’s ongoing 2025 tour, which continues to draw massive audiences nationwide. While it remains unclear whether Herndon’s guest spot was a one-time appearance or the beginning of additional collaborations, one thing is certain: August 23, 2025, will go down as a landmark date in Alabama’s history. For fans of Alabama, the night was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of legacy, brotherhood, and the timeless power of country music.
♬ original sound - Brayden WilliamsonA video of the history-making moment was captured by one fan and made the rounds on TikTok. As shown in the clip, Herndon’s inclusion was well-received by fans, who couldn't help but scream and clap along as he busted out an epic drum solo ahead of the band playing the iconic crossover smash (which took the top spot on several charts, including Billboard’s Hot Country Song Chart).
“Oh, play me some mountain music / Like grandma and grandpa used to play / Then I'll float on down the river / To a Cajun hideaway,” the band sang as confetti poured down onto the stage, making the moment a grand one for everyone in the room to remember.
The Moment Proved Historic for Everyone in the Audience
“To a sold-out crowd in Alabama’s home state, Herndon stepped behind the drum kit….The crowd roared as he took his seat, and the energy surged as the classic lineup came alive once again, transporting fans back to the group’s heyday in the 1980s and 1990s when Alabama dominated the country charts,” a portion of the caption read alongside the clip.
Herndon played in Alabama for nearly three decades from 1979 to 2004, before exiting the group made up of fellow band mates and cousins, singer/guitarist Owen, bassist /backup singer Teddy Gentry, and the late Jeff Cook, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 73, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Some of the Band Members Shared Their Joy Over the Reunion
“I felt like a little kid all day. It was so cathartic for everybody. I think it was on God’s time, I really do. It was magic all over again,” Herndon said of the onstage reunion in a statement.
“It just fell together. 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,” Gentry added.
Alabama Is Currently on Tour
While not with Herndon, Alabama still plays live shows and is currently on its Live in Concert 25 Tour, which runs through Dec. 5. Fans can get the complete list of tour dates on the band's official website, here.
Along with “Mountain Music,” Alabama is known for a string of hits like “Dixieland Delight,” “Song of the South,” “I’min a Hurry,” “The Closer You Get,” “Born Country,” “Angels Among Us,” and others. The group was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Related: ‘90s Country Icon Toby Keith's Son Welcomes First Child With Sweet Photo: 'Smiling Down From Heaven'
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