The Outlaws served as their opening act, where they were able to get the stage warmed up for The Marshall Tucker Band. Their set included their smash hit “There Goes Another Love Song,” “Hurry Sundown,” “Stick Around For Rock & Roll,” and they closed with “Southern Rock Will Never Die” and “Green Grass and High Tide,” the latter of which was a fitting song to play, especially since the venue is located in Greenvale.
As The Marshall Tucker Band took the stage, lead singer and sole original member Doug Gray told the audience that he will take them back to 1980, and they did accordingly with “Running Like the Wind,” as orange lights dimmed from the Tilles Center stage. Marcus James Henderson delivered on the keyboards during this song.
Guitarist Chris Hicks nailed the lead vocals on “Dog Eat Dog World,” thus displaying his raspy yet harking voice. Doug Gray was all heart and soul on “Desert Skies,” which is a song that they don’t do that often in their set. The Tilles Center tonight was in for a treat, as Gray’s sultry vocals took over the Long Island venue. Henderson and Hicks were divine on harmonies, and Hicks also rocked the electric guitar.
Marcus James Henderson showcased his prowess on flute on “Take the Highway,” as well as his rumbling vocals, and equally amazing were B.B. Borden on drums, and Tony Black on bass. This jam truly stole the show, but just when one thought that the concert could not get any better, The Marshall Tucker Band closed with their signature tune, “Can’t You See,” which captivated the Tilles Center. “A little bit more,” Doug Gray said, as he encouraged the audience along to sing the chorus with him.
“Can’t You See” earned them a lengthy standing ovation. “I want to thank you guys so much for having us here tonight,” Doug Gray concluded.
Following The Marshall Tucker Band, Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels and his gifted band, The Charlie Daniels Band, took the stage at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, for a memorable southern rock finale.
The Verdict
Overall, The Marshall Tucker Band put on an outstanding and nostalgic live show at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. It is great to see this iconic group back on Long Island. Their music today, 45 years into their career, is as relevant as ever, and their show consisted of fans of all age groups. Their classic southern rock music deserves to stand the test of time. The Marshall Tucker Band proved yet again that they deserve a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their show garnered five out of five stars.
To learn more about The Marshall Tucker Band and their touring schedule, check out their website.
