When you wake up and want to put a smile on your face, you think of the songs that always manage to reach down and touch your soul the moment you hear the first note. The Marshall Tucker Band is one such group that continues to have a profound level of impact on successive generations of listeners who’ve been "Searchin’ for a Rainbow" and found it perfectly represented by this tried-and-true Southern institution over the decades. “I’ve been in tune with how music can make you feel, right from when I was first in the crib,” explains lead vocalist and bandleader Doug Gray, who’s been fronting the MTB since the very beginning. “I was born with that. And I realized it early on, back when I was a little kid and my mom and dad encouraged me to get up there and sing whatever song came on the jukebox. It got to the point where people were listening to me more than what was on the jukebox! There’s a certain gift I found I could share, whether I was in front of five people or 20,000 people. I was blessed with that ability and I’m thankful I can share with others."

The Marshall Tucker Band came together as a young, hungry, and quite driven six-piece outfit in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1972, having duly baptized themselves with the name of a blind piano tuner after they found it inscribed on a key to their original rehearsal space — and they’ve been in tune with tearing it up on live stages both big and small all across the globe ever since. Plus, the band’s mighty music catalog, consisting of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases, has racked up multi-platinum album sales many times over. A typically rich MTB setlist is bubbling over
with a healthy dose of hits like the heartfelt singalong “Heard It in a Love Song,” the insistent pleading of “Can’t You See” (the signature tune of MTB’s late co-founding lead guitarist and then-principal songwriter Toy Caldwell), the testifying “Fire on the Mountain,” the wanderlust gallop of “Long Hard Ride,” and the explosive testimony of “Ramblin,’” to name but a few.

Indeed, the secret ingredient to the ongoing success of The Marshall Tucker Band’s influence can be seen and felt far and wide throughout many mainstream digital outlets (Netflix, Amazon, etc.). In essence, it’s this inimitable down-home sonic style that helped make the MTB the first truly progressive Southern band to grace this nation’s airwaves — the proof of which can be found within the grooves and ever-shifting gears of “Take the Highway,” the first song on their self-titled April 1973 debut album on Capricorn Records, The Marshall Tucker Band. “We had the commonality of having all grown up together in Spartanburg,” explains Gray about his original MTB bandmates, guitar wizard Toy Caldwell and his brother, bassist Tommy Caldwell, alongside rhythm guitarist George McCorkle, drummer Paul T. Riddle, and flautist/saxophonist Jerry Eubanks. “The framework for Marshall Tucker’s music is more like a spaceship than a house,” Gray continues, “because you can look out of a lot of windows and see a variety of things that show where we’ve been and what we’ve done, and how we’ve travelled through time to bring those experiences out in all of our songs.”

The Marshall Tucker Band’s influence can be felt far and wide through many respected contemporaries and the artists who’ve followed the path forged by their collective footsteps and footstomps. “MTB helped originate and personify what was to become known as Southern rock, and I was privileged to watch it all come together in the ’70s, night after night,” said the legendary late Charlie Daniels. “In fact, The Charlie Daniels Band has played more dates with The Marshall Tucker Band over the past years than any other band we’ve ever worked with. Even after all these years — after the tragedies, the miles, the personnel changes, and the many developments in the music business.” Daniels added that he never got tired of seeing his MTB brothers on the road: “Whenever Doug Gray walks into my dressing room with that big ol’ smile of his and then we hug each other and sit and talk for a while, the evening is complete.”

“I remember seeing Marshall Tucker and The Outlaws play together in Jacksonville many years ago, when I was just a kid,” recalls Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Johnny Van Zant. “And I heard them all over the radio back then too. They were just so cool and so unique that I fell in love with the band, and I also fell in love with the music. Having them open for us on all those dates was like a dream come true, and they’re still as good as I’ve ever seen them. It brought back a lot of memories for me, because I really looked up to those guys when I was first starting out.”

Ed Roland, the lead vocalist and chief songwriter for Collective Soul, adds “The Marshall Tucker Band had a big influence on me and they still do.” Roland, who’s lived the majority of his life in and around Atlanta, also proudly points out that his band’s biggest hit, “Shine,” owes a clear debt to the musical structure of “Can’t You See,” and he’ll often start off by singing the opening line to that song — “I’m gonna take a freight train” — whenever Collective Soul performs “Shine” live. “We don’t want to stray from what we grew up listening to,” Roland continues. “I think that’s something important for people to hear. It’s just who we are, and I don’t think we should run from it. Hopefully, people see that southern connection to the bands we love like Marshall Tucker in our music.”

Doug Gray sees no end to the road that lies ahead for The Marshall Tucker Band, whose legacy is being carried forward by the man himself and his current bandmates, drummer B.B. Borden (Mother’s Finest, The Outlaws), bassist/vocalist Ryan Ware, keyboardist/saxophonist/flautist/vocalist Marcus James Henderson, guitarist/vocalist Chris Hicks, and guitarist/ vocalist Rick Willis. “You know, I think it was Toy Caldwell’s dad who said, ‘There’s more to gray hair than old bones,’ and we still have a lot of stories yet to tell,” Gray concludes. “People ask me all the time what I’m gonna do when I turn 80, and I always say, ‘The same thing that we’re continuing to do now.’ We’re road warriors, there’s no doubt about that — and I don’t intend to slow down.” May the MTB wagon train continue running like the wind on a long hard ride for many more years to come. One thing we absolutely know for sure: If you heard it in a Marshall Tucker Band song, it certainly can’t be wrong.

—Mike Mettler, this ol’ MTB chronologist

Lita Ford
Lita Ford One of two solo stars to spring from the ashes of the '70s all-girl hard rock band the Runaways, Lita Ford has long been a more frustrating, contradictory proposition for critics than former colleague Joan Jett. Ford is subtly feminist in her musical approach, displaying guitar heroics on the level of any male metal hero; the mere fact of her existence in the otherwise testosterone-driven heavy metal genre has made her a hero to some.

Dee Snider
Dee Snider One of heavy metal's most powerful and distinctive voices, Dee Snider ascended to hard rock royalty in the early 1980s as the lead singer for New Jersey-based glam-metallers Twisted Sister. A charismatic and outspoken frontman -- in 1985, alongside John Denver and Frank Zappa, he testified against censorship in regard to the Tipper Gore-led PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) -- Snider and company topped the charts in 1984 with the all-purpose usagainst-the-world anthems "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock." After the 1987 dissolution of the group, he embarked on a series of solo and group projects, as well as acting and screenwriting gigs, that kept him busy well into the 21st century. In 2021 he issued his fifth solo effort, Leave a Scar.

Firehouse
Firehouse arrived at the tail end of the pop-metal explosion of the late '80s and early '90s, releasing their first album in 1991. Featuring the combined talents of vocalist C.J. Snare, Michael Foster, Bill Leverty, and Perry Richardson, the group's melodic, commercial hard rock had immediate chart success; their self-titled debut went platinum and featured two Top 20 singles, "Don't Treat Me Bad" and "Love of a Lifetime." The following year, Firehouse released their second album, Hold Your Fire, which managed to go gold on the strength of "When I Look Into Your Eyes" (another Top Ten hit).

After CJ Snare's untimely passing, Nate Peck was announced as the band's new lead singer in May 2024. With CJ's blessing, he had been filling in since October 2023 while CJ was recovering from surgery. Nate is a vocal phenom who captured America's attention after receiving the "Golden Ticket" on American Idol in March 2023. He has garnered unwavering support and approval from Firehouse's entire fanbase.

A Flock Of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, Thomas Dolby, The Romantics, The Motels, Bow Wow Wow, and Tommy Tutone

Take a trip back to the heyday of big hair, neon leg warmers and classic MTV with your favorite '80s new wave icons, A Flock Of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, Thomas Dolby, The Romantics, The Motels, Bow Wow Wow, and Tommy Tutone.

Ezra Ray Hart – the musical supergroup consisting of Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Emerson Hart (Tonic), & Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra).  They will be playing hits from each of their bands, along with festive holiday tunes!

PLEASE NOTE
THE STRAY CATS have canceled their fall cross-country tour due to “serious illness.” Refunds will be available at the point of purchase. The band’s BRIAN SETZER says:

“I’m heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour. I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news. I’ve been trying everything I can to go on and do these shows, but it is just not possible. I’ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my band mates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted.”

As Hairball celebrates 25 years, they continue to deliver their signature, electrifying homage to the biggest names in 80s arena rock. Fans will be blown away by their flawless recreations of Van Halen, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Queen, and more, complete with larger-than-life pyrotechnics, lights, and pure rock energy. For a quarter of a century, Hairball has been more than just a concert—it’s an immersive Rock & Roll spectacle that captures the spirit of an era. Get ready for a night that will hit you like a freight train and leave you wanting more!

Morrissey's influence and music legacy is irrefutable. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British pop as well as one of the greatest lyricists of his generation, Morrissey has thirteen solo studio albums, a string of No.1 records, and an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British music. Morrissey has recently received a 2024 Social Vanguard Award in recognition for his 'outstanding service and dedication to Animals Rights'.

As lead singer of The Smiths, he marked forever the history of music with only four albums. As a soloist, he has consolidated a sound that still reverberates today making him one of the most acclaimed voices of the last four decades. When the debut single from The Smiths, “Hand In Glove,” first emerged, the musical landscape was forever changed and launched a rich catalog of songs that includes anthems such as “This Charming Man,” “How Soon Is Now?,” “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out,” “Suedehead,” “Everyday Is Like Sunday,” “Irish Blood, English Heart,” “First of the Gang to Die,” and many many more.

Enjoy an evening of Weird Al’s hilarious hits and sidesplitting parodies live at Foxwoods Resort Casino!

Weird Al brings his legendary full-production multimedia comedy rock show back to the concert stage with the BIGGER & WEIRDER 2025 Tour, playing hisiconic hits as well as some never-performed-live-before fan favorites. Al’s long-time band is joined by four additional players to create a super-sized concert experience. “Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history. A 5-time Grammy Award winner, he is best known for his parodies of the biggest musical artists over the last 4 decades, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Queen, U2 and Lady Gaga, all with their personal blessings. His many hits include “Amish Paradise,” “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Word Crimes,” and the platinum-selling “White & Nerdy.” His last album Mandatory Fun is the only comedy album in history to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. Yankovic’s live shows have entertained audiences across the globe for generations, including appearances at such iconic venues as Radio City Music Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks, Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. In 2022, Yankovic produced and co-wrote the Emmy-winning biopic WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, starring Daniel Radcliffe in the title role. Special Guest: PUDDLES PITY PARTY Puddles Pity Party, the 7-foot sad clown whose golden voice is “comparable to any Grammy winner” (Los Angeles Times), has amassed over 900K YouTube subscribers and performed sold out shows around the globe including San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts, London’s Soho Theatre and a residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He has performed on stage with such legends as Eric Idle, Nick Offerman, Jack Black, Maynard James Keenan and Primus. Puddles’ one-of-a-kind “textured voice laced with melancholy” (NY Times) has been hailed as “operatic” (Boston Globe) and his show both “life-affirming” (Herald Scotland) and “hysterically funny” (LA Weekly).

Sing along with One Vision of Queen, one of the world's most spectacular Queen tribute shows at Foxwoods!

One Vision of Queen is a tribute band that celebrates Queen's iconic music with a theatrical flair. Marc Martel's vocal resemblance to Freddie Mercury is often described as uncanny, and his shows feature Queen’s greatest hits along with imaginative twists, such as operatic renditions of classic songs.

Come see a Pink Floyd Tribute like no other with The Machine live at Foxwoods Resort Casino!

The Machine has forged a 30+ year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. The New York-based quartet performs a diverse mix of The Floyd's extensive 16-album repertoire, complete with faithful renditions of popular hits as well as obscure gems.

With stellar musicianship and passionate delivery, The Machine explores collective improvisation rivaling that of an early 1970's Pink Floyd, while their use of expanded theatrical elements and elaborate stage displays and lighting continues The Floyd spirit of the 1980's. The band is also known for recreating entire albums as a part of their show, accepting requests from fans, and for taking an A - Z approach in which one song is played for every letter of the alphabet.

The Machine has sold out theaters, premier showcase rooms and casinos across North America, Europe and Asia, performed at renowned music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Riverbend, and Gathering of the Vibes, and shared the stage with full symphony orchestras, including the Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Charlotte and San Diego Symphonies, as well as the Buffalo Philharmonic.

The band features founding member Tahrah Cohen (drums), longtime bandmates Scott Chasolen (keys, vocals) and Ryan Ball (guitar, vocals), and newest member Chris DeAngelis (bass, lead vocals). The Machine continues on to celebrate the music of Pink Floyd and to honor the life of Joe Pascarell, who co-founded the band with Tahrah in 1988.