LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — Roger “Jim” McGuinn and Chris Hillman, two founding members of the iconic rock band The Byrds, announced plans for a North American tour in to mark the 50th anniversary of the band’s seminal 1968 album “Sweetheart of the Rodeo.”
Joining Messrs McGuinn and Hillman for the run will be Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives to help the two Byrd founders perform songs and tell stories behind the creation of the album.
“On March 9, 1968, Roger McGuinn and I along with many fantastic musicians began recording the Sweetheart of the Rodeo album at Columbia Studios in Nashville,” Chris Hillman said in a statement. “It was truly a pivotal moment in our lives taking a turn toward the music we always felt a strong kinship with. We are honored that it has left a strong, long-lasting impression on country and rock music.”
McGuinn added, “We’re all looking forward to taking the fans through the back pages of the recording. The concert will include songs that led up to that groundbreaking trip to Nashville and all the songs from the album.”
Lauded by rock critics as one of the foundational albums for country rock, Sweetheart of the Rodeo included songs from Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie and Merle Haggard among others.
“The Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo recording stands as a milestone in American music. I bought my first copy of the record in 1972,” Marty Stuart said in a statement. “Upon my first listen, I was mesmerized at the effect of the combined power Country music, Rock & Roll, Bluegrass, Gospel and Folk music had on me. From that day forward, I considered Sweetheart of the Rodeo a blueprint as to how I should live my musical life.”
Thus far, only five dates have been announced, but organizers promise to reveal more soon.
Sweetheart of the Rodeo Tour
July 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Ace Hotel
July 29 – Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery
September 18 – Albany, NY – Hart Theater
September 20 – Hopewell, VA – Beacon Theatre
October 3 – Akron, OH – Akron Civic
