Muscle Shoals Meets the 70s rewind

Part 14: We’ve paid our dues

Whew! Night one, set one of Muscle Shoals Meets the 70s was groovy, man … and the house said, “Roll Tide.” (Or “War Eagle,” or “Roar Lions,” – whatever floats your boat.)

After a brief intermission, Russell Mefford took the stage at Florence’s historic Shoals Theatre before the beginning of the second set to remind us of our MSM purpose. He read through a long list of invaluable MSM sponsors and praised our Shoals community for once again stepping up to support the Healing Place and to build two special needs playgrounds. The Shoals is a very special place. Right on, man!

We had barely caught our breath from set one when Ethan Sak emerged from the shadows of stage left to kick off night one, set two of Muscle Shoals Meets the 70s. Listen, Queen’s “We Will Rock You” is an absolute masterpiece about life’s journey. Seriously, as a proud Shoals native and lifelong resident, seeing a next generation rockstar like Ethan attack this song was pretty touching, friends. Plus, y’all, Ethan sounded great AND he looked great – he’s an absolute rockstar and so very Freddie Mercury-worthy.

Ethan said, “Sing it!” and we happily did as we were told. Michael Dillon Currington’s sick beats pumped our hearts and fueled our second winds. Then, at Scott Todd’s masterful hands, Brian May’s timelessly unique guitar solo transition seamlessly rocked us out of “We Will Rock You” into “We Are the Champions” just as it has done for almost 50 years now. Pure poetry, friends.

Clint Bailey, on vocals and keys, serving up what I believe to be the most inspirational anthem ever written – Queen’s “We Are the Champions” – was super moving. Sure, it was an epic sing-along (as it should be) but I got a little choked up, too. Clint’s voice was so perfect, y'all, the Fiddleworms were tight, too, and the Shoals Sisters joined by Cissy Guin smoothing it all out with their amazing vocals – well, it was just a very special performance. I love my hometown.

No time for losers, friends, because we are the champions. Forever and ever.

More to come … stay tuned.

Dig Worms, friends.

Photo credit (video stills): Angel DeAnn Pilati