Alabama postpones 50th anniversary tour as Randy Owen battles migraines, vertigo

Matthew Leimkuehler
Randy Owen of Alabama, Jamey Johnson and Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry of Alabama attend the 11th Annual T.J. Martell Foundation Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.
Randy Owen of Alabama, Jamey Johnson and Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry of Alabama attend the 11th Annual T.J. Martell Foundation Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.

Celebrated country band Alabama postponed the remainder of its 50th anniversary tour due to singer and guitarist Randy Owen's continued battle with cluster migraines and vertigo, a statement from the band said Wednesday.

Doctors have advised Owen, 69, that he needs more time to recover, the band said. The news comes after a string of already-canceled shows due to the singer's health.

Rescheduled tour dates plan to be announced in the coming weeks.

On Facebook, Alabama bassist Teddy Gentry said while the band is disappointed, "we know that Randy's recovery is what is most important for everyone at this time."

"The '50th Anniversary Tour' has been very special to us," wrote Gentry. "The support of the fans and their energy at all of our shows has led to some of the most fun we've ever had onstage. As disappointed as myself, Randy, and Jeff are to have to postpone this tour for all of our incredible fans, we know that Randy's recovery is what is most important for everyone at this time. We would like to thank our fans, promoters, and venues and we look forward to seeing you all soon."

Alabama postponed dates:

  • Aug. 23: Grand Rapids, MI

  • Aug. 24: North Lawrence, OH

  • Aug. 29: Wilkes-Barre, PA

  • Sept. 1: Bangor, ME

  • Sept. 6: Bristol, TN

  • Sept. 13: Detroit, MI

  • Sept. 14: Peoria, IL

  • Sept. 27: Savannah, GA

  • Sept. 28: Estero, FL

  • Oct. 3: Columbia, SC

  • Oct. 4: Birmingham, AL

  • Oct. 10: Tallahassee, FL

  • Oct. 11: Charlotte, NC

  • Nov. 1: Thackerville, OK

  • Nov. 2: Wichita, KS

  • Nov. 6: Columbus, GA

  • Nov. 8: Madison, WI

  • Nov. 9: Indianapolis, IN

  • Nov. 20: Nashville, TN

  • Nov. 22: Baltimore, MD

  • Nov. 23: Salisbury, MD

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Alabama postpones 50th anniversary tour over Randy Owen's health