Marty and his band were (and are) fantastic. Chautauqua at the end of July wasn’t fantastic. The sound was great. The backup band was great. Besides having no A/C, for whatever reason the people running the venue decided not to operate a fan or open the sides. It was stifling in there and everyone I spoke to about the show shared the same sentiment. Great band. Great sound. Hugely uncomfortable. Tell Marty’s promoters if they choose that place again, pick, March, April, early May, October or November.
Jul 31, 2026·Boulder, CO
Ray
Performance was great, but in spite of emcee’s crystal clear directive of no video or audio recording, 2 patrons were openly recording, and were not confronted by anyone from the theater. Kentucky Theatre. should have someone on staff to enforce the no recording instruction. See photo – plus the man in front of him in the black T-shirt with lettering on it was also fragrantly recording intermittently.
Also curious why the house lights were not dimmed – was this at Marty Stuart’s request? I felt like with the house lights up it compromised the evening concert experience.
Jul 18, 2026·Lexington, KY
William
Marty and the Superlatives were amazing as always.It turned out to be an unplugged show and that was fine with me.It gave the audience a rare chance to experience their vocals and incredible musicianship unhinderd by any hi-tech bells & whistles. Marty spoke several times during the show about how grateful he was to the Sellerville Theater for being one of the first venues to give his then newly formed band a chance to play REAL country music for REAL people.If you have the opportunity,go see them play.I promise,you'll be glad you did.
Jul 11, 2026·Sellersville, PA
The absolute best concert I’ve ever been to. Mr. Stuart and The Superlatives are the best band on this entire planet. You can see and feel how much they love playing as individuals, together, and for the audience. I hope they tour and create new music for a few more decades. Retro/western/country/surf/rock/instrumental/story tellers.
Jun 29, 2026·Owensboro, KY
New
This is the 4th time my husband and I have seen Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives (aptly named!) and I think this was even better than the previous outstanding concerts. This was the 3rd time at The Sheldon and once in Jeff City at their park ampitheater. Last night the band seemed to be having as much fun as the audience with a completely different repetoire. I loved their take on Chuck Berry's "Around and Around." This was world class entertainment!
Jun 28, 2026·St. Louis, MO
Cate
I’ve seen Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives a few times and this was one of their best shows. They didn’t lean as heavily into the surf rock this time,, but played more country stuff than usual. Didn’t bother me at all. Marty is a fantastic musician and an all round great guy. Put seeing him and the Superlatives on your bucket list.
May 4, 2026·Atlanta, GA
Paul
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives at the Lyric Theater is something that I have had the pleasure to experience multiple times now. I am quite lucky. The Lyric is a small, old Theater with great sound. It is situated in the old portion of downtown Stuart. Ticket prices are always reasonable. For some reason, I did not get a notification that Marty and the boys were playing this show, so I was a little late in getting tickets. Knowing that there isn't a bad seat in the house, I got "nose bleeders" because that was all that was left. Due to the balcony seats, I figured I would make up for it with the VIP Experience. The VIP was fantastic and offered a casual, up close and personal meet and greet with the band. Marty, Kenny, Harry and Chris are great people and fantastic musicians. I stand firmly behind my opinion that they are hands down, the best band in America, and have been for the past 25 years or so. The set list for the show included hits that spanned all eras of Marty's career, covers that spanned George Jones to the Rolling Stones, and everything else in between. This little band of consummate professionals put on a great show and they love to interact with the fans. Am I biased? Yes - but they are my favorite band for good reason. I have offered my friends to refund the price of their ticket if they go to a Superlatives' show and not enjoy it. So far, in 20 years, I haven't had to refund any ticket because all that have gone have enjoyed the experience immensely.
May 2, 2026·Stuart, FL
Justin
It was a fantastic show! Marty is such a great musician and showman. The Fabulous Superlatives are nothing short of amazing. I saw Marty probably 20+ years ago at the Medina Entertainment Center. I’d go again in a heartbeat. The venue as so unique and not a bad seat in the house!
Apr 13, 2026·Stoughton, WI
Chris
I've seen him and his band 3 times in 3 years. I still prefer the first concert. There was more singing and less instrumentals.
I'm not disregarding their instrument abilities - they are superb. But I do prefer the singing. It was almost heavy metal in my opinion.
Also, they had to be asked to sing a gospel song. Sad indeed.
Guess I'll stick to his re runs on RFD.
May 4, 2025·Wausau, WI
Hazel Duntley
I saw that Marty was coming close. I have always respected his music and I play mandolin. But after going to the show I am now a fan for sure. Such amazing musicianship and showmanship. First concert I truly enjoyed without knowing the whole catalog of music. Well worth it. Even the opener Chris Kasper was both a great musician and showman. And lastly the venue really needs some TLC there really was no bad seats. We were 2nd to the last row balcony and we could see and hear. Such an enjoyable show and evening. Well done all!!
Sep 14, 2024·Phoenixville, PA
James
Marty Stuart always delivers a great performance. His band, the Fabulous Superlatives, are super musicians and they appear to really enjoy playing together. In this age of overpriced concert tickets, the cost to see a Marty Stuart show is very reasonable and the music is genuine country music and none of this modern semi pop rock rap country music stuff. We enjoyed another great show.
Jun 29, 2024·Atlanta, GA
David
Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives is one of the tightest well honed musical groups you can possibly see. Couple that with the best music venue in the Universe (Stone Mountain Arts Center) and you’ve witnessed a show you’ll never forget. Marty’s a true gentleman who radiates the love of his craft along side Cousin Kenny, Handsome Harry and Chris Scruggs , all who could headline and keep the crowds wanting more. Thank you for coming to Maine and gracing us with your music, knowledge of country music, band mates and talent. Have a great holiday and hopefully I’ll get to see you again soon…….Respectfully, Jim Bolduc Cumberland Maine
Nov 19, 2023·Brownfield, ME
James
So good! A great set that keeps the momentum going with Marty’s cosmic country vibe from 2017’s “Way Out West” and this years “Altitude,” but also puts it into perspective with his entire catalog and country music in general. He even tells a story about the Ken Burns documentary. Loved the section where each of the superlatives got their own spotlight.
Oct 8, 2023·Austin, TX
Clint
While Marty and all are truly amazing, the 90 minutes they performed was over in no time. I was hoping for at least two hours. I have seen Marty three times now and have enjoyed all shows. I'll probably just be content to listen to my CDs.
Diane
Sep 10, 2023·Franklin, GA
James
Marty and the superlatives are one of the best live bands on the planet. This was te second show of theirs we saw on this tour and in a very small theater in Montana. He loves playing small-town theaters to help them out and try to save them. He and the superlatives are a class act and played an entertaining all acoustic set to a very enthusiastic crowd of locals. I wasn't a country fan but went to see these guys in our local theater in Mt Vernon Washington earlier this year and now a huge fan! Not just country, but elements of surf rock, blues and psychedelic rock and some of the best players andsingers in all of music. Superb harmonies and just entertaining shows! If you get a chance to see them, go! You will have the a great time! I've seen countless shows from blues to.jazz to hard rock and metal, and these guys are one of the alltime greats on the road!
Jul 29, 2023·Thompson Falls, MT
Dave
This was one of the best concerts I've ever seen! Marty Stuart is the epitomy of a Country Music Performer. The Ambassador of Country, and really all genres! Sound was outstanding at the Ryman Theater. Really enjoyed Sierra Ferrell and of course the great Joe Walsh!
Jun 8, 2023·Nashville, TN
Marty Stuart: 2/10/23 “Marty Stuart brought his very own brand of hillbilly rock to Augusta GA and the DAve Show rolled in for a front row experience to the sold out show. It was my second time seeing Marty LIVE (the first being 3/12/20, row M in Atlanta) and my first time at Georgia’s very own Imperial Theatre. The 853 seat 105 year old art deco iconic venue has always intrigued me, primarily by how they are able to offer ticket prices at such a lower price than similar sized establishments within my self-designated 125 mile radius of travel so I was super-enthused to be there. John Marty, a rockabilly—country—bluegrass 5 Grammy Philadelphia native first gained notoriety playing in Johnny Cash’s band in 1980 and has since recorded 19 solo albums with 30 charted singles. It was the second night of his 2023 tour consisting of 37 shows (some dates with Chris Stapleton) extending into September. Upon taking my seat I took in my first glance of the stage: A blue/green sunburst backdrop, vintage floor lamps in the forefront, (L to R) Kenny’s guitars, Marty’s mic and instruments, drum kit with an Indian head on the drumhead, bass (upright and electric), fender amps to the left and right all separated from the orchestra seating by a very large, deep, and empty pit. Marty came on at precisely 7:43 for 1.35 hour / 20 song set opening with ‘Tear The Woodpile Down’. The 64 year old’s singer was dressed all in black with classic scarf and leather pants. His once jet black hair is now gray albeit still full, as is his voice, one percent strong and resounding! His band The Superlatives all wore traditional wonderfully designed and colorful tailored nudie suits. Moving right into his first top 5 hit ‘Tempted’ he briefly addressing the audience, ‘We went to Bo Weevil’s for lunch, it was great. They served us some key lime pie, it’s a wonder we’re alive, we might be over that by Christmas.’ Next was Lead Belly’s ‘In The Pines’ where he swapped out lyrics for the GA crowd from ‘You caused me to weep, you caused me to mourn, you caused me to leave my home’ to ‘caused me to leave this old Georgia home.’ There were more covers, Waylon’s ‘Just To Satisfy You’ and Robbin’s ‘El Paso’, Stuart making us aware of the fact, ‘My mama named me after a great country singer named Marty Robbins, it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t fair.’ Also covered were Wills ‘Brain Cloudy Blues’, Guthrie’s ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’, and Monroe’s ‘Get Down On Your Knees And Pray’. For some surf music, he renamed ‘Wipe Out’ ‘Black Out’ and strapped on his infamous 2 toned ’67 B-bender Tele ‘Clarence’, what a sound! The band intros were creatively done, for Professor Chris as Marty labeled him, He is ‘the bishop of twang, the captain of cool, the wabash cannonball rock ’n roll fool’. For Handsome Harry it was, ‘layin it down where it stays down, till he leaves town then he sneaks out without a sound, going round and round’ and Cousin Kenny ‘the coolest cat in town, best guitar player in the world of all cousins here on the silver sparkle telecaster guitar’, audience chants ‘Kenny, Kenny, Kenny’! So much can be said about his band ‘The Fabulous Superlatives’, each member having an extensive resume along with their own solo album or two: Kenny Vaughn on guitar since ’02 was briefly a member of McBride & The Ride and in addition has appeared on albums by artists such as Alan Jackson, Eric Church and even The Pretenders. Chris Scruggs on bass is Earl Scruggs grandson and a former member of BR549 and Ray Price and Suzy Bogguss bands. Harry Stinson on drums at one time played in Dottie West and Steve Earle’s bands with album work for too many well known artists and too many songs written to list. They each took turns showcasing their individual skill sets solo and together gathered around a single mic with innovative body percussion on the upright bass, and a single snare drum with some beat-box sounds from Harry. Marty then led the audience in a ‘Happy Birthday’ to Travis Tritt prior to performing ‘The Whiskey Ain’t Working Anymore’ with a special ending, ‘Medicare is just around the corner’. You could have sworn there was a double neck pedal steel on the stage, Marty and Kenny both playing their respective B-benders. I half expected Travis to jump out on stage for a special appearance being a Georgia native himself. Perhaps the highlight of the evening was ‘Orange Blossom Special’ with Marty solo on mandolin. It was flawless, every note echoing perfectly clear! Rounding out the regular set was Marty’s ’Time Don’t Wait’ which was played with a total Byrds influence, Marty recently celebrating an anniversary of ‘Sweetheart Of The Rodeo’ with Chris Hillman and Roger McGuinn. Kenny brought out a gorgeous red and white Rickenbacker just for the occasion. There was even a hint of some California grass in the air coming mid-orchestra from a member of the majorly well-seasoned audience. The encore consisted of two songs from the forthcoming album ‘Altitude’, Marty’s first in six years due out on May 19th. For the second song, ’Space’ Marty played a beautiful and haunting vintage electric sitar (a 6 string guitar with additional sympathetic strings), which looked to be Danelectro Vincent Bell Coral or maybe a Stars (I couldn’t tell exactly). Rounding the encore out was an all audience on their feet ‘Hillbilly Rock’. Some songs missing from the set were a few of the early 90’s hits I’m so accustomed to: ‘Little things’, ‘Till I Found You’, and ‘Burn Me Down’ but you can’t have them all. A highlight of the evening for me was chatting with Sound Engineer Mick Conley. We talked about various venues and their sound quality strengths and challenges as well as their upcoming date in Shelby NC (which will be acoustic due to their sound system being too powerful for a 400 seat venue), plus Chris Stapleton plans. A huge high-five to Mick and team for the extraordinary sound quality in that 105 year old theater. It was just loud enough that no ear plugs were necessary and one could understand every word and note said, sung and played perfectly. Folks Marty is authentic country music, three chords and the truth plus a WHOLE lot more!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #743)
Feb 11, 2023·Augusta, GA
DAve
Dutch diehard fans had been waiting a long time for Marty to come back to their country. It had been more than 20 years since the man had played on Dutch soil, let alone ever took the stage with his Fabulous Superlatives. It was well worth waiting for. The band performed a perfect concert in the Dutch equivalent of the Ryman, showcasing all they got with lead roles for each band member. Mr. Stuart by all means proved to be country royalty, delivering each song with the pride, swagger, sincerity and conviction he is so known for, you just had to believe every word escaping his lips and every tasteful note squeezed out from his vintage prototype b-bender Telecaster. Kenny Vaughan was on fire, another master on the Telecaster. Chris Scruggs stole the show with his awesome bass playing while “Handsome” Harry Stinson nailed the vocals of a few good ole “Easy Rider” tunes.
After the show the gentlemen were so kind to take their time and meet with fans outside the venue for a chat and a photo opportunity. Hopefully this band won’t wait so long again to return for another concert in The Netherlands.
Sep 2, 2022·Amsterdam, Netherlands
Wim van
It was an awesome concert. Marty can do it all, he is definitely a living legend, and should be in the country music hall of fame. His band the Fabulous Superlatives are a very talented group. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives are the best in the business.
Mar 10, 2019·Cartersville, GA
Jeff
Live Photos
What fans are saying
Marty and his band were (and are) fantastic. Chautauqua at the end of July wasn’t fantastic. The sound was great. The backup band was great. Besides having no A/C, for whatever reason the people running the venue decided not to operate a fan or open the sides. It was stifling in there and everyone I spoke to about the show shared the same sentiment. Great band. Great sound. Hugely uncomfortable. Tell Marty’s promoters if they choose that place again, pick, March, April, early May, October or November.
Jul 31, 2026·Boulder, CO
Ray
Performance was great, but in spite of emcee’s crystal clear directive of no video or audio recording, 2 patrons were openly recording, and were not confronted by anyone from the theater. Kentucky Theatre. should have someone on staff to enforce the no recording instruction. See photo – plus the man in front of him in the black T-shirt with lettering on it was also fragrantly recording intermittently.
Also curious why the house lights were not dimmed – was this at Marty Stuart’s request? I felt like with the house lights up it compromised the evening concert experience.
Jul 18, 2026·Lexington, KY
William
Marty and the Superlatives were amazing as always.It turned out to be an unplugged show and that was fine with me.It gave the audience a rare chance to experience their vocals and incredible musicianship unhinderd by any hi-tech bells & whistles. Marty spoke several times during the show about how grateful he was to the Sellerville Theater for being one of the first venues to give his then newly formed band a chance to play REAL country music for REAL people.If you have the opportunity,go see them play.I promise,you'll be glad you did.
Jul 11, 2026·Sellersville, PA
The absolute best concert I’ve ever been to. Mr. Stuart and The Superlatives are the best band on this entire planet. You can see and feel how much they love playing as individuals, together, and for the audience. I hope they tour and create new music for a few more decades. Retro/western/country/surf/rock/instrumental/story tellers.
Jun 29, 2026·Owensboro, KY
New
This is the 4th time my husband and I have seen Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives (aptly named!) and I think this was even better than the previous outstanding concerts. This was the 3rd time at The Sheldon and once in Jeff City at their park ampitheater. Last night the band seemed to be having as much fun as the audience with a completely different repetoire. I loved their take on Chuck Berry's "Around and Around." This was world class entertainment!
Jun 28, 2026·St. Louis, MO
Cate
I’ve seen Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives a few times and this was one of their best shows. They didn’t lean as heavily into the surf rock this time,, but played more country stuff than usual. Didn’t bother me at all. Marty is a fantastic musician and an all round great guy. Put seeing him and the Superlatives on your bucket list.
May 4, 2026·Atlanta, GA
Paul
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives at the Lyric Theater is something that I have had the pleasure to experience multiple times now. I am quite lucky. The Lyric is a small, old Theater with great sound. It is situated in the old portion of downtown Stuart. Ticket prices are always reasonable. For some reason, I did not get a notification that Marty and the boys were playing this show, so I was a little late in getting tickets. Knowing that there isn't a bad seat in the house, I got "nose bleeders" because that was all that was left. Due to the balcony seats, I figured I would make up for it with the VIP Experience. The VIP was fantastic and offered a casual, up close and personal meet and greet with the band. Marty, Kenny, Harry and Chris are great people and fantastic musicians. I stand firmly behind my opinion that they are hands down, the best band in America, and have been for the past 25 years or so. The set list for the show included hits that spanned all eras of Marty's career, covers that spanned George Jones to the Rolling Stones, and everything else in between. This little band of consummate professionals put on a great show and they love to interact with the fans. Am I biased? Yes - but they are my favorite band for good reason. I have offered my friends to refund the price of their ticket if they go to a Superlatives' show and not enjoy it. So far, in 20 years, I haven't had to refund any ticket because all that have gone have enjoyed the experience immensely.
May 2, 2026·Stuart, FL
Justin
It was a fantastic show! Marty is such a great musician and showman. The Fabulous Superlatives are nothing short of amazing. I saw Marty probably 20+ years ago at the Medina Entertainment Center. I’d go again in a heartbeat. The venue as so unique and not a bad seat in the house!
Apr 13, 2026·Stoughton, WI
Chris
I've seen him and his band 3 times in 3 years. I still prefer the first concert. There was more singing and less instrumentals.
I'm not disregarding their instrument abilities - they are superb. But I do prefer the singing. It was almost heavy metal in my opinion.
Also, they had to be asked to sing a gospel song. Sad indeed.
Guess I'll stick to his re runs on RFD.
May 4, 2025·Wausau, WI
Hazel Duntley
I saw that Marty was coming close. I have always respected his music and I play mandolin. But after going to the show I am now a fan for sure. Such amazing musicianship and showmanship. First concert I truly enjoyed without knowing the whole catalog of music. Well worth it. Even the opener Chris Kasper was both a great musician and showman. And lastly the venue really needs some TLC there really was no bad seats. We were 2nd to the last row balcony and we could see and hear. Such an enjoyable show and evening. Well done all!!
Sep 14, 2024·Phoenixville, PA
James
Marty Stuart always delivers a great performance. His band, the Fabulous Superlatives, are super musicians and they appear to really enjoy playing together. In this age of overpriced concert tickets, the cost to see a Marty Stuart show is very reasonable and the music is genuine country music and none of this modern semi pop rock rap country music stuff. We enjoyed another great show.
Jun 29, 2024·Atlanta, GA
David
Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives is one of the tightest well honed musical groups you can possibly see. Couple that with the best music venue in the Universe (Stone Mountain Arts Center) and you’ve witnessed a show you’ll never forget. Marty’s a true gentleman who radiates the love of his craft along side Cousin Kenny, Handsome Harry and Chris Scruggs , all who could headline and keep the crowds wanting more. Thank you for coming to Maine and gracing us with your music, knowledge of country music, band mates and talent. Have a great holiday and hopefully I’ll get to see you again soon…….Respectfully, Jim Bolduc Cumberland Maine
Nov 19, 2023·Brownfield, ME
James
So good! A great set that keeps the momentum going with Marty’s cosmic country vibe from 2017’s “Way Out West” and this years “Altitude,” but also puts it into perspective with his entire catalog and country music in general. He even tells a story about the Ken Burns documentary. Loved the section where each of the superlatives got their own spotlight.
Oct 8, 2023·Austin, TX
Clint
While Marty and all are truly amazing, the 90 minutes they performed was over in no time. I was hoping for at least two hours. I have seen Marty three times now and have enjoyed all shows. I'll probably just be content to listen to my CDs.
Diane
Sep 10, 2023·Franklin, GA
James
Marty and the superlatives are one of the best live bands on the planet. This was te second show of theirs we saw on this tour and in a very small theater in Montana. He loves playing small-town theaters to help them out and try to save them. He and the superlatives are a class act and played an entertaining all acoustic set to a very enthusiastic crowd of locals. I wasn't a country fan but went to see these guys in our local theater in Mt Vernon Washington earlier this year and now a huge fan! Not just country, but elements of surf rock, blues and psychedelic rock and some of the best players andsingers in all of music. Superb harmonies and just entertaining shows! If you get a chance to see them, go! You will have the a great time! I've seen countless shows from blues to.jazz to hard rock and metal, and these guys are one of the alltime greats on the road!
Jul 29, 2023·Thompson Falls, MT
Dave
This was one of the best concerts I've ever seen! Marty Stuart is the epitomy of a Country Music Performer. The Ambassador of Country, and really all genres! Sound was outstanding at the Ryman Theater. Really enjoyed Sierra Ferrell and of course the great Joe Walsh!
Jun 8, 2023·Nashville, TN
Marty Stuart: 2/10/23 “Marty Stuart brought his very own brand of hillbilly rock to Augusta GA and the DAve Show rolled in for a front row experience to the sold out show. It was my second time seeing Marty LIVE (the first being 3/12/20, row M in Atlanta) and my first time at Georgia’s very own Imperial Theatre. The 853 seat 105 year old art deco iconic venue has always intrigued me, primarily by how they are able to offer ticket prices at such a lower price than similar sized establishments within my self-designated 125 mile radius of travel so I was super-enthused to be there. John Marty, a rockabilly—country—bluegrass 5 Grammy Philadelphia native first gained notoriety playing in Johnny Cash’s band in 1980 and has since recorded 19 solo albums with 30 charted singles. It was the second night of his 2023 tour consisting of 37 shows (some dates with Chris Stapleton) extending into September. Upon taking my seat I took in my first glance of the stage: A blue/green sunburst backdrop, vintage floor lamps in the forefront, (L to R) Kenny’s guitars, Marty’s mic and instruments, drum kit with an Indian head on the drumhead, bass (upright and electric), fender amps to the left and right all separated from the orchestra seating by a very large, deep, and empty pit. Marty came on at precisely 7:43 for 1.35 hour / 20 song set opening with ‘Tear The Woodpile Down’. The 64 year old’s singer was dressed all in black with classic scarf and leather pants. His once jet black hair is now gray albeit still full, as is his voice, one percent strong and resounding! His band The Superlatives all wore traditional wonderfully designed and colorful tailored nudie suits. Moving right into his first top 5 hit ‘Tempted’ he briefly addressing the audience, ‘We went to Bo Weevil’s for lunch, it was great. They served us some key lime pie, it’s a wonder we’re alive, we might be over that by Christmas.’ Next was Lead Belly’s ‘In The Pines’ where he swapped out lyrics for the GA crowd from ‘You caused me to weep, you caused me to mourn, you caused me to leave my home’ to ‘caused me to leave this old Georgia home.’ There were more covers, Waylon’s ‘Just To Satisfy You’ and Robbin’s ‘El Paso’, Stuart making us aware of the fact, ‘My mama named me after a great country singer named Marty Robbins, it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t fair.’ Also covered were Wills ‘Brain Cloudy Blues’, Guthrie’s ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’, and Monroe’s ‘Get Down On Your Knees And Pray’. For some surf music, he renamed ‘Wipe Out’ ‘Black Out’ and strapped on his infamous 2 toned ’67 B-bender Tele ‘Clarence’, what a sound! The band intros were creatively done, for Professor Chris as Marty labeled him, He is ‘the bishop of twang, the captain of cool, the wabash cannonball rock ’n roll fool’. For Handsome Harry it was, ‘layin it down where it stays down, till he leaves town then he sneaks out without a sound, going round and round’ and Cousin Kenny ‘the coolest cat in town, best guitar player in the world of all cousins here on the silver sparkle telecaster guitar’, audience chants ‘Kenny, Kenny, Kenny’! So much can be said about his band ‘The Fabulous Superlatives’, each member having an extensive resume along with their own solo album or two: Kenny Vaughn on guitar since ’02 was briefly a member of McBride & The Ride and in addition has appeared on albums by artists such as Alan Jackson, Eric Church and even The Pretenders. Chris Scruggs on bass is Earl Scruggs grandson and a former member of BR549 and Ray Price and Suzy Bogguss bands. Harry Stinson on drums at one time played in Dottie West and Steve Earle’s bands with album work for too many well known artists and too many songs written to list. They each took turns showcasing their individual skill sets solo and together gathered around a single mic with innovative body percussion on the upright bass, and a single snare drum with some beat-box sounds from Harry. Marty then led the audience in a ‘Happy Birthday’ to Travis Tritt prior to performing ‘The Whiskey Ain’t Working Anymore’ with a special ending, ‘Medicare is just around the corner’. You could have sworn there was a double neck pedal steel on the stage, Marty and Kenny both playing their respective B-benders. I half expected Travis to jump out on stage for a special appearance being a Georgia native himself. Perhaps the highlight of the evening was ‘Orange Blossom Special’ with Marty solo on mandolin. It was flawless, every note echoing perfectly clear! Rounding out the regular set was Marty’s ’Time Don’t Wait’ which was played with a total Byrds influence, Marty recently celebrating an anniversary of ‘Sweetheart Of The Rodeo’ with Chris Hillman and Roger McGuinn. Kenny brought out a gorgeous red and white Rickenbacker just for the occasion. There was even a hint of some California grass in the air coming mid-orchestra from a member of the majorly well-seasoned audience. The encore consisted of two songs from the forthcoming album ‘Altitude’, Marty’s first in six years due out on May 19th. For the second song, ’Space’ Marty played a beautiful and haunting vintage electric sitar (a 6 string guitar with additional sympathetic strings), which looked to be Danelectro Vincent Bell Coral or maybe a Stars (I couldn’t tell exactly). Rounding the encore out was an all audience on their feet ‘Hillbilly Rock’. Some songs missing from the set were a few of the early 90’s hits I’m so accustomed to: ‘Little things’, ‘Till I Found You’, and ‘Burn Me Down’ but you can’t have them all. A highlight of the evening for me was chatting with Sound Engineer Mick Conley. We talked about various venues and their sound quality strengths and challenges as well as their upcoming date in Shelby NC (which will be acoustic due to their sound system being too powerful for a 400 seat venue), plus Chris Stapleton plans. A huge high-five to Mick and team for the extraordinary sound quality in that 105 year old theater. It was just loud enough that no ear plugs were necessary and one could understand every word and note said, sung and played perfectly. Folks Marty is authentic country music, three chords and the truth plus a WHOLE lot more!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #743)
Feb 11, 2023·Augusta, GA
DAve
Dutch diehard fans had been waiting a long time for Marty to come back to their country. It had been more than 20 years since the man had played on Dutch soil, let alone ever took the stage with his Fabulous Superlatives. It was well worth waiting for. The band performed a perfect concert in the Dutch equivalent of the Ryman, showcasing all they got with lead roles for each band member. Mr. Stuart by all means proved to be country royalty, delivering each song with the pride, swagger, sincerity and conviction he is so known for, you just had to believe every word escaping his lips and every tasteful note squeezed out from his vintage prototype b-bender Telecaster. Kenny Vaughan was on fire, another master on the Telecaster. Chris Scruggs stole the show with his awesome bass playing while “Handsome” Harry Stinson nailed the vocals of a few good ole “Easy Rider” tunes.
After the show the gentlemen were so kind to take their time and meet with fans outside the venue for a chat and a photo opportunity. Hopefully this band won’t wait so long again to return for another concert in The Netherlands.
Sep 2, 2022·Amsterdam, Netherlands
Wim van
It was an awesome concert. Marty can do it all, he is definitely a living legend, and should be in the country music hall of fame. His band the Fabulous Superlatives are a very talented group. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives are the best in the business.