RCA Records

1400 18^th Avenue South

Nashville, Tennessee 37212

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 27, 2003

“THE AMERICAN FAREWELL TOUR” DATES ANNOUNCED FOR RCA SUPERGROUP ALABAMA

Record-Breaking New Year’s Eve Show Set Stage for

Must-See Tour of 2003

In the Mood: The Love Songs Collection Releases February 4

Nashville, TN – 2003 is set to be a landmark year in a history-making career, and RCA Records super-group Alabama has begun the year in grand style that’s only appropriate for the RIAA Country Group of the Century.  A record-setting New Year’s Eve concert kicked off the legendary foursome’s “American Farewell Tour,” and with their receipt of the career-spanning Award of Merit at the American Music Awards, and the upcoming February 4 release of the band’s double-disc collection - In the Mood: The Love Songs - the Alabama excitement is well underway.

With 21 American Music Awards to their credit, Alabama added yet another extraordinary accolade to an award-filled legacy two weeks ago, when they were honored with the American Music Awards special Award of Merit.  Presented by Reba McEntire, with tributes from George Strait, racing hero Richard Petty, and former President George Bush, the band was feted not just for their enduring contributions to music, but also for their humanitarian work and their more than two decades as a true fan favorite.  AMA creator Dick Clark noted, “Since Alabama holds the record for the most American Music Awards, we felt that the time was right to recognize their incredible achievement in conjunction with their ‘Farewell Tour.’”

Alabama’s “The American Farewell Tour” launched with a spectacular New Year’s Eve concert at the Aladdin Theatre in Las Vegas, NV.  With a segment of the show broadcast on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, on ABC Television, fans across the nation shared in a history-making performance, both for the band and for the venue.

Lon Helton, Nashville Bureau Chief and Country Editor for Radio and Records, attended the opening night of “The American Farewell Tour” in Las Vegas and declared, “I've followed Alabama's career for over 25 years and have watched in awe as they grew from a Myrtle Beach bar-band to Country music icons who have touched millions of Americans with their music. The show's production and sound quality are first-rate. And the loving care they give each of the songs they have made into hits through the years makes me wish they would give us another 25 years of wonderful music. This is definitely the "MUST SEE TOUR" of 2003.”

Two hundred excited Alabama fans, who purchased special “Platinum Bama” ticket packages, were escorted backstage after the show to have photos taken with the band and receive numbered, limited edition “Les Paul Jr. Epiphone by Gibson” collector’s guitars, which had been personally autographed by each member of the band.  All of which made for an incredible night for the fans, one of whom writes, “This concert was a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.  An honor to be part of Alabama’s music history.  What a rush to meet the band!”

“The American Farewell Tour” will feature an elaborate set makeover, and after closing out RodeoHouston on March 16, the band will begin touring in earnest this summer with a dazzling new show, offering fans a lasting and memorable opportunity to enjoy this legendary group in concert, one more time.  In true American fashion, the tour will travel from “sea to shining sea,” with dates and venues still being added.

In advance of the upcoming tour dates, on February 4, RCA will release Alabama’s 24th album, the 2-disc, 23-track collection, In the Mood: The Love Songs.  With two new recordings – “I’m in the Mood” and “The Living Years” – the hit-filled set features romantic favorites from throughout Alabama’s career.  By accessing special interactive CD features, or secret “passwords” included in the CD packaging, fans buying the new collection will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase “Farewell Tour” tickets in advance of the public on-sale date of March 15.  A current list of dates and cites is included here, and fans can check Country Weekly magazine and http://www.countryweekly.com for updated tour information as it becomes available.

Country Weekly magazine is the official information source for “The American Farewell Tour,” a Clear Channel Production in association with Land of Os, Inc.

“The American Farewell Tour”