Alabama Has Made Many Trips to Cedar Rapids Over the Years

When Alabama brings their 50th Anniversary Tour to the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids on May 31, it will be the sixth time they've played the venue during their illustrious career. Here's a look back at their previous performances.

*Note: Each time Alabama has performed in Cedar Rapids through the years, the foursome below was on stage. (left to right) Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook, Mark Herndon, and Randy Owen. Herndon hasn't been part of the band since early this decade.

Thursday, December 3, 1981

When Alabama performed in Cedar Rapids on December 3, 1981, they'd already hit the top of the charts four times in sixteen months. "Tennessee River," Why Lady Why," "Old Flame," and "Feels So Right" had all gone to number one. "Love in the First Degree" would become a number one song just three weeks after their show at the then Five Seasons Center. Two months after their Cedar Rapids concert, the album 'Mountain Music' was released.

'Dallas,' '60 Minutes,' 'The Jeffersons', and 'Three's Company were the top shows on TV. 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' ruled theaters, pulling in more than $100 million over its closest competitor, 'On Golden Pond'.

Sunday, August 28, 1983

It was the year 'The Closer You Get' was released. An album that would sell a million copies in less than 60 days. The album would spawn three number one songs... "Dixieland Delight," "The Closer You Get," and "Lady Down on Love."

It was the final year for 'M*A*S*H,' and the second season for 'Cheers,' while 'Dallas' was still the most popular show on television, 'Return of the Jedi' and 'Terms of Endearment' were tops at the box office.

Friday, September 5, 1986

The year started with the release of the band's "Greatest Hits," which sold five million copies. Before the summer was over, the group was back in Cedar Rapids for the third time in five years. They'd be back again very soon.

The top three shows on television were 'The Cosby Show,' 'Family Ties,' and 'Cheers.' 'Top Gun' and 'Crocodile Dundee' were the year's top movies.

Sunday, September 20, 1987

The most successful country music act of the 1980s made their fourth trip to the city in the decade, all while the President of the United States was Ronald Reagan.

'The Cosby Show,' 'A Different World,' 'Cheers,' and 'The Golden Girls' were leading the pack on television and the top two movies for the year were '3 Men and a Baby' and 'Fatal Attraction.'

Friday, October 26, 1990

Alabama's monster hit "Jukebox in My Mind" ruled the country music charts the entire month of September. It would be replaced at number one on the charts by "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks. Garth's song was spending its fourth week at number one when the boys from Fort Payne, Alabama visited Cedar Rapids. Little did we know it would be nearly three decades before they'd return.

'Cheers' was the top show on television and 'Home Alone' and 'Ghost' were the top two movies of the year.

Friday, May 31, 2019

The story on this show is still to be written, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's the last time the group that's given us so much music to love over the years appears in our city. I also know I'm not going to miss it. You can order tickets for the 50th Anniversary Tour concert HERE.