Although The Kentucky Headhunters have been recording and touring for more than 30 years - and making music together for more than 50 years - the band didn't make its first overseas trip until 2016.
That year, Richard Young, the band's guitarist/vocalist who is known to be an uneasy flier, let his son, John Fred (drummer for rock group Black Stone Cherry), talk him into bringing The Kentucky Headhunters to Europe. A tour of Sweden and the United Kingdom was booked, and the band was on its way to building a whole new audience for their raucous and rowdy music.
The Headhunters' 2019 album, "Live at the Ramblin' Man Fair," was recorded at The Ramblin' Man Fair in Maidstone, United Kingdom, a highlight of the tour. In front of 25,000 screaming fans, The Kentucky Headhunters tore through 10 tracks for their first UK performance to the appreciation of the roaring crowd.
Now the Grammy-winning band is touring in support of that album, with a gig at Songbirds Guitar Museum on Friday, Feb. 14.
In addition to Richard Young, the band includes his brother, drummer Fred Young; guitarist Greg Martin; and bassist/vocalist Doug Phelps.
"The Kentucky Headhunters are and always will be in love with playing live. It's our lifeblood," says Young.
"We threw away the set list 20 years ago," says Young, talking about the band's spontaneity when onstage. When the four of us get together, it's a powerful thing. It makes people happy. It's really good music."
Valentine’s Day Throwdown
Get twice the bang for your bucks when Songbirds offers a discounted two-for-one ticket price on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.The Beaters kick off Valentine’s date night with a dance party in Songbirds North at 7 p.m. The party continues at 9 p.m. in Songbirds South with the Kentucky Headhunters. North Georgia band The Georgia Thunderbolts will open for the Headhunters.A Throwdown ticket to see both bands is $30.Individually, The Beaters show is $12 in advance, $15 day of show. For just The Kentucky Headhunters show, tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show.Buy Throwdown tickets online at eventbrite.com and search for Valentine’s Day Throwdown double-feature show.