What Happened to the Drummer of Alabama? Who was the Drummer for Alabama? Where is Mark Herndon Now?

What happened to the drummer in Alabama?

Alabama drummer Mark Herndon faced conflict and animosity with his bandmates during his 25-year tenure, as revealed in his autobiography, “The Strip: Memories of a Long Journey.” Mark Herndon, the drummer for the famous country band Alabama, has had a rocky ride during his 25 years with the band.

Although he played an important role in the band’s success and was promoted to one of the four members, his relationship with the three backing vocalists Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook Full of conflict and hostility. While Herndon’s image was featured prominently in promotional materials and he was celebrated with his likeness on the band’s bronze medal at the Country Music Hall of Fame, behind the scenes, tensions were brewing.

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In his autobiography, “The Strip: Memories of the Long Road Trip,” Herndon subtly hints at the problems he faced in Alabama without mentioning the band’s name or the last names of his former bandmates, a sign of the lack of and severity. In the book, Herndon reveals the various grievances that strained the relationship.

A notable incident occurred in 1984 when he was demoted from the band bus to the crew bus after complaining about unbearable cabin temperatures, creating a turning point in his relationship with the other members. Although Herndon was an integral part of the band’s image and marketing strategy, Herndon revealed that he was paid far less than expected, earning at times as little as $45,000 during the band’s commercial peak in the early 1980s.

Although he managed to secure a higher salary a decade later, eventually earning over $100,000 in the 1990s, he gave up his merchandising rights until the band’s 2003-2004 farewell tour. The pain escalated in 2008 when the state of Alabama sued Herndon, claiming he overpaid for merchandise during his farewell tour. The lawsuit sparked a legal battle that heightened animosity between him and his former bandmates.

Randy Owen made a particularly hurtful comment in 2013, publicly stating that Mark Herndon was never really considered a band member, which heightened the tension in their relationship. Despite the conflict, Herndon admits he made the decision voluntarily and was drawn to the allure of the stage show.

He describes the experience of playing on stage as a narcotic that kept him in the band despite the challenges. While he admitted the lawyer’s advice was poor, he ultimately accepted the working conditions. Although studio musicians played a major role in the Alabama recordings, Herndon did serve as drummer on some tracks.

However, offstage bitterness gradually eroded the once strong bond between the band members, resulting in fewer and fewer transcendent concert moments. The lawsuit became a turning point, effectively ending any hope of a settlement with the band. Despite being ostracized from the band, Herndon remained involved in the music business, managing independent artist Leah Seawright.

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Writing his autobiography provided Mark Herndon with a cathartic experience, allowing him to share his story and come to terms with his controversial past. Although the animosity between him and his former bandmates persists, he says it no longer bothers him and views it as an important chapter in his life.

Who is the drummer in Alabama?

The drummer for the famous American country music band Alabama is Mark Herndon. Alabama formed in 1969 in Fort Payne, Alabama, and Mark Herndon joined the band as drummer in 1979 after auditioning, which included playing Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”

With his addition, the band’s lineup consists of Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals), and Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards). They initially toured the Southeastern bar circuit under the name “Wild Country” and began writing original songs.

In 1977, they changed their name to Alabama and achieved great success after signing with RCA Records. Throughout their career, Alabama have received tremendous acclaim, amassing more than 27 number one singles, seven multi-platinum albums and numerous awards. Their unique blend of traditional country, Southern rock, bluegrass, folk and pop elements has enhanced their crossover appeal and immense popularity.

Despite some conflicts and animosity with his bandmates, Mark Herndon remained an integral part of Alabama’s success, contributing to the band’s chart-topping singles and albums. He continued as drummer until 2004, when Alabama disbanded after a farewell tour. When the band reunited in 2010 and continued to record and tour, Mark Herndon was on drums during his prime, cementing his place as an important figure in the band’s history.

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Where is Mark Herndon now?

There is currently no information on the current location of Mark Herndon, who works full-time as a pilot for a company in north Alabama. After serving as drummer for the iconic country music band Alabama, he turned to aviation, which has been his lifelong passion.

Despite facing conflicts and legal troubles during his tenure with the band, Herndon remained down to earth and had good relationships with the staff and working class. His memoir, “The Boulevard: Memories of a Long Journey,” provides an in-depth look at his illustrious career at Alabama and gives us a glimpse into the various people and experiences he encountered over the years.

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While he cherishes his memories with Alabama, he continues to pursue his passion for music and is currently working on an album with talented vocalist Leah Seawright. In addition to his music career, Herndon found fulfillment in aviation, fulfilling a lifelong dream and leaving a meaningful legacy for his daughter and future generations.

alabama band

The Band of Alabama is an iconic American country music group that originated in 1969 in Fort Payne, Alabama. Founded by Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and his cousin Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals), who later joined another band. Cousin Jeff Cook (lead guitar, violin and keyboards). Originally known as Wildcountry, the band toured bars across the Southeast, honing their craft and writing original songs.

In 1977 they changed their name to Alabama and their breakthrough came when RCA Records offered them a recording contract after the success of two singles. Alabama’s greatest success occurred in the 1980s, during which they had more than 27 number one singles, numerous awards, and seven multi-platinum albums.

Throughout their illustrious career, the band fused traditional country music with Southern rock, incorporating elements of bluegrass, folk and pop, which contributed to their crossover appeal and immense popularity. Their chart-topping singles such as “Tennessee River,” “First Class Love,” “Mountain Music” and “Song of the South” cemented their status as one of the most successful country music acts in history.

Alabama’s unique stage show, incorporating production elements inspired by rock concerts, further elevates their performance. Mark Herndon joined Alabama as drummer in 1979 and played a major role in the band’s success, appearing on stage with them and appearing on many of their album covers.

Although he was a contract player rather than an official partner of the band, he remained an integral part of the band’s journey until being fired from the band a few years ago. Mark Herndon has since pursued a career in aviation and is currently a full-time pilot for a company in northern Alabama.

Alabama’s impact on country music history is undeniable, and they have received numerous accolades for their contributions. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans. Their enduring legacy and unforgettable songs have left a lasting impression on the country music community, cementing Alabama’s status as one of the most popular and successful bands in the genre’s history.

alabama band members

Current members

• Randy Owen – vocals, rhythm guitar (1969–2004, 2006–07, 2010–present)
• Teddy Gentry – bass, occasional vocals, backing vocals (1969-2004, 2006-07, 2010-present)

former member

• Mike Shawcross – drums (2010–2018)
• Mark Herndon – drums (1979–2004)
• Don Perkey – drums (1975-1978)
• Rick Scott – drums (1974–1979)
• Bennett Vartanian – drums, backing vocals (1972–1974)
• Jackie Owen – drums (1969–1972)
• Jeff Cook – lead guitar, occasional vocals, backing vocals, violin, keyboards (1969-2004, 2006-07, 2010-2022; died 2022)

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