Alabama A Concert Review	November 3, 1995 Star Plaza Theater Merriville, IN A Review by The Dude on the Right

And then there is Alabama.

Through the years, even when my taste for country music was low, there was always Alabama. For some reason, this band could always hit home a message, and I finally got to see instead of just hear why this band is the powerhouse and crowd entertainers they are.

The night brought them to the Star Plaza Theatre in Indiana. Arriving a little late (we missed the opening comedian), we attempted to find our seats, only our seats weren't there. Replaced by a light board, I was set to start running lights, but, low and behold, with patience and a smile (it sometimes gets you things), we were replaced to seats about 10 rows from the stage, dead center. I knew my manners would pay off some day!!!

And then the lights went dark, the guys took their places behind their mikes, and "Tennessee River" began what was a night of crowd pleasing entertainment for the 8 year olds to the 80 year olds.

It's funny, through the thousands of shows, Alabama still has an energy of a band just trying to make it, just trying to please every fan. Chit-chatting with the crowd, responding to the screamers in the balcony, and walking through the audience, the boys of Alabama showed that concerts aren't really for the band, but for the fans. They brought a lady from the audience to "play" guitar, they sang a love song to a couple celebrating their anniversary, and they played for over an hour and a half to a crowd that could never get enough.

The hits were there, from the earliest to their latest, "In Pictures." They even played, what they said, were the old bar songs they had to play when they were just starting. All right, seeing Alabama cover "Kung Fu Fighting" was kinda scary, and "Wild Thing" was quite interesting, but the highlight had to be a remake of an old Elvis tune, a variation of "Are You Lonesome Tonight" with the next line changed to something like "well then it serves you right."

Like all good things, the night had to come to an end, but even then, the signature signing went on for quite some time at the front of the stage. The show was about the fans, for the fans, and every fan loved it.

Alabama get TWO BIG HUGEMONGOUS thumbs up from me. I loved the show, can't wait to see them again, but more importantly, the crowd went home happy, and this night showed why Alabama is still probably the greatest band in country music.

And that wraps it up for this review. Stay tuned for more, hopefully, coming soon to you. Party Smart, and as always, Rellim Reeb, Rellim Reeb!