I’m just saying this... Alabama in my heart, in my ears, and in my soul will be a four member band..I don’t care what anybody says, makes, or sells!! Teddy, Randy, Jeff and Mark !! Best Country band of all time .. Period

in my heart Alabama will always be Randy Teddy Jeff and Mark. All the album's tours photos.

I'm Teddy's daughter. Mark was always a part of my life. I am a songwriter. Mark, I wish you all the love and Blessings in the world... xox

As a music fan and an Alabama fan, I have to say I am very disappointed Mark got cut out of the big bucks. He was there from the get go and playing in the small clubs with the band. They make it and he suddenly is not a full partner. You know the saying goes that to much that is given much is expected. Meaning the 3 other guys had a moral duty to make sure Mark was treated fairly and they failed to treat Mark right by cutting him in on the big bucks. The band was wrong and Mark deserves his fair share of their success. He earned it.

Mark, you have always been an awesome drummer. There is not much to a band without a great drummer. Alabama will always consist of Randy, Teddy, Jeff, and Mark. You deserve the recognition and anyone that thinks otherwise needs to go back and read the history of Alabama. God bless!

I may have always loved Alabama but only because Alabama was all 4. With Mark Herndon gone a piece of Alabama is gone. Will miss you Mark as Alabama

ALABAMA BAND: MOUNTAIN MUSIC TOUR 1982: In 1982 on the Mountain Music tour I met drummer Mark Herndon during a break of the band playing softball 🥎 against the local radio station DJ’s. I was a beginning drummer and asked him how to play the fast part on Mountain Music. He showed me with his hands on his legs explaining it was a paradiddle-diddle between the kick and snare 🥁. He said to learn it slowly listening to Ride the Train from the Feels So Right album. I’ll never forget how kind he was to a young drummer and a total stranger! I’ll always love the Alabama band!

I feel like The three other members of ALABAMA took a dump on Mark. I will always have the up most admiration and respect for Mark.

when you are in a band or in any kind of group every one is important. it doesn't matter but every person plays an important part.

Thank you all for viewing the video! I hope you all enjoyed the interview. If you'd like to keep up with what I'm doing check out my music and campaign: igg.me/at/racheltripp

Love you Mark your the reason I still play music...I watched you play and came home and played what I saw!!!! you're amazing.

I Love All Of Them. Seen Them About 6 Times Been To Randy's Farm For A Concert. Mark Was A Awesome Drummer when I seen him. Love U All Prayers For Jeff.

all I know is that Mr.Mark Herndon,was the best thing that ever happened to the (BAND) Alabama. and if they want to play he said ,she said,? then i will never listen to that band again,,,,,,,,,LOVE YOU MARK,,,,,,Peace be with you , you are a strong man to admit your faults..... all ppl should be as strong as you ;

@SalGL.I have been a fan of Alabama's since 1980, & have been Blessed to get to see them in many concerts, & theb the meet & greets afterwards, June Jams, & several Fan Appreciate Days.All of the guys were always so nice & respectful. You have a very nice dad, so decent & respextful. Thank you for your kind words about Mark Herndon. He will always be an important part of Alabama, to me. I hope that you & your family are all doing well. Also, I hope that Lisa Cook is doing well. God Bless you, & bless you in your songwriting, as well! Take care.

Let this be a lesson, get everything in writing and have your contract reviewed by an attorney. This protects everyone and it is good business sense.

Review of Mark Herdon's book: as a fellow drummer and musician, I bought Mr. Herndon's book and read it cover to cover. I easily could have read it in one day, as it was an easy read, but I wanted to savor each chapter, and I am glad I did. Overall, it was a good book, but don't expect a lot of airing of dirty laundry, which should be apparent by the book's title. After finishing the book, overall, I wish it had been longer, and this book seems to only scratch the surface of his life. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I was left wishing he had expanded more on this life and with Alabama. He goes into his early years, and he tells a lot of hilarious stories of him as a teenager and getting into trouble here and there. His prose on the death of his parents was quite poignant and heartfelt. I found it a little strange that he told of his marriage to his wife and his eventual divorce but didn't tell how the two of them met, their relationship, and didn't provide a lot of detail of their relationship while in the band or at home. He does a nice job encapsulating the birth of his daughter and their relationship but again, doesn't go into much detail. To reiterate, Mr. Herndon sticks to the high road, per the title of the book, and doesn't tell much of it in the book. Much of what was learned by the public afterwards (in the press and elsewhere) of his non-membership status with the band, his second class status, etc. isn't discussed in much detail in the book. Again, it would have been better if he fleshed out his memories more in the book. We also learn of Mr. Herndon's love of flying and his eventually second profession after Alabama. Again, he does discuss a few aspects and stories of his flying, but I wish he was able to tell more about his career outside of Alabama and more of his pilot profession. Overall, it's a good book, and as a drummer, I always liked Mark Herndon's feel and his rock influence in Alabama. I actually found a youTube clip of Alabama on American Bandstand in the early 80s, which just shows their cross over appeal was huge in the 1980s. Thank you Mr. Herndon for your nice book. I enjoyed it! BMM

that was one of the best interviews i have ever seen!

I met Mark back in 1982. He is a very nice person and an Awesome drummer.He played them drums as hard as John Bonham or Keith Moon though it was country..

I live in Alabama just a few miles from Fort Payne and I am one of the biggest Alabama fans in the world, but,,,,,,,,the way this man was treated is very disappointing to say the least. I saw an interview with Randy Owen discussing this subject and I have never thought as highly of him since!

God Bless You Mark. Thank You for sharing your Low point. I'm sober also. And I remember my game changer.

Mark clearly loved Alabama and they did not do right by him. Craig Frost came into Grand Funk after they had success and got a share of the band while Mark got shafted. He seems really cool and I can only hope the best for him. Reading Mark's book is shocking. The way the others treated him is shameful. 28 years and you can't even thank the other 3 guys or refer to them as something other than "lead singer" and "bass player." The treatment by the three cousins to Mark was horrible and disgraceful. Then these 3 jokers/goofs sue Mark because he made a few bucks on merch during the farewell tour??? The fact the court ordered these 3 doofuses to pay Mark's lawyers fees speaks volumes as to how the court saw this farce of a case. Mark, I hope your life from here on is absolutely great and I am glad you got into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Mark if you were hired by Randy and the band for an amount to be paid, you should bow to that and know it was a job, just be happy that the band went places and you are a legend for being a part of the band , I do think you will always be known as Alabama's drummer! Good luck!

Always loved these guys! Got to see several shows at Missouri State Fair in Sedalia in early '80's and see them at a Hereford cattle sale at that time. Great memories.

The High Road was a perfect name for his book. I am so glad he ended up doing well. BTW, I didn't realize he was pilot until I read the book.

Wow. How disappointing is that? To learn, those three guys, were so greedy...they couldn't share a little with thier drummer? Those 3 made millions while Mark was salaried. Then they sued him, because he made a few grand on merchandise during their farewell tour? Wow. Just how much money, does a person think they just have to have? Apparetnly they wanted ALL of it Glad the judge saw through that...and judged in Mark's favor. Wow. As much money as they made...they could have paid him well...and still made millions, and made Marks life better. I remember when Metallica hired their new bass player...they gave him a sign on bonus of $1 million. Right off the bat. I am so very disappointed in Randy, Jeff, and Teddy. I was 13 years old, the first time I heard Alabama...and fell in love. I have spent countless dollars on Alabama music and merchandise. I will from now on...reconsider when faced with a choice to purchase Alabama products. So very disappointing to learn this news. I will never look at those 3 the same way again.

Where would Alabama have been today if it was not for Mark Herndon? Love him or hate him he was the 4th piece.... Just putting it out there. He was the rock image, bad boy image of the band. That chemistry worked did it not?

I listened to Mark on headphones whil I played along on all the songs up to Pass it on Down. I was a church drummer. Mark and Lars Ulrich (up to the black album) were my biggest influences. I played like them.

Use to hang out with the band when they played the Bowery then hung with them a lot when winter came and they came to Greenville to play Chiefs during the winter we had some great times back in those days Great guys

I haven't seen the whole interview but good luck Mark. I've been clean and sober for 39 years by the grace of God. And I've been to a few June Jams. It was ruff sometimes but you gotta ride it out to be a June Jammer. Got very fond memories of those days. It was when I first got sober and believe me its a lot more fun sober than being drunk and most likely going to jail. Only best wishes for you Mark. And remember its only a day at a time in recovery. Bless you and your family.

I shook hands with mark way back in the day he is a cool guy.... rock on frt payne Alabama..

Everyone makes their own business deal when they enter into any kind of contractual agreement rather as an hourly employee or full partner with a law firm. Mark will ALWAYS be the drummer that brought the beat for the group Alabama and without him the group is just 3 cousins and some other guy. Just like Van Halen losing David Lee Roth or the Beatles treating Ringo Starr like a 2nd class member, Mark is much more than just a drummer for hire as his contract stated. I would also like to remind everyone that Mark did VERY well financially as "Drummer for hire" but had he invested just 10,000 dollars a year into tech stocks through the early 1980's and allowed of growth over 20 years his personal wealth would have eclipsed all the money he made as "Drummer for hire". And hey, maybe he did

I must say I was shocked when I read an interview with Randy Owen talking about how Mark was simply "hired" as a drummer and NEVER was an actual "band member". What the heck? As I remember, all album covers featured all FOUR of their pics, he was with the band accepting awards, etc, etc, etc. I just don't get it. They "hired" him as a drummer but he was not a band member and therefore NOT entitled to $ and royalties, etc? I always loved Alabama but this just makes NO sense to me. I truly just don't get it..............................

Mark is a good drummer, and his style was a definite part of Alabama’s sound! Was disappointed to hear how he was treated…

Amen Mark , happy for you for your new life !!!!!!!

Alabama's the black album is one of the best albums of all time.

Interesting interview.👍

It begins and ends with all 4 of them...no matter what anyone says. Prove me wrong....

If this is true, shame on Alabama. How much money do 3 guys need not to share with one more?

Sally Gentry, it wasn't an accounting error for 20 something years. 4 band members, 4 way split of all proceeds. I have loved Alabama my whole life but I won't ever spend another dime on anything Alabama until Mark is an equal partner. Mark was a member of Alabama, It's only fair!!

Mark did some awesome drum solos back in the day. Could have played for Rush!

For years had no idea there were issues. Mark awesome drummer!!! I was under impression Mark retired as he was going through h__l with serious spine problems and ironically I am a drummer and my spine went same time. Was under my knowledge that Mark was getting treatment at a place I chose to go to in hopes I would also get.help. All that to say I am totally jacked up and was praying Mark got relief. Thought that was why Mark not in studio, concerts, etc..So now what, did they dump him because he couldn't keep up. When you are down like that you find oit who your friends are! Whatever may be GOD bless you Mark, you were and are a talented and sweet guy. By the way You Are Looking GOOD darlin'!. Peace and prayers handsome!

Who is here in 2022 watching this

You gave me a ride on your motorcycle in waco,tx during the roll on tour

You ever notice how many artists and athletes have to wear sunglasses while being interviewed? Not sure what that’s all about. If I ask someone a question and want an answer, I like to see the honesty in their eyes

Great drummer that was part of a great band!

Awesome couch!

Unfortunately drummers get the short end of the stick in the music business more than any other musician. Drummers should insist on being part of the writing, arrangements, album cover art, etc ……otherwise this is what happens. Shame on you Alabama. I for one am not a country music fan but i bought your albums because the drummer was the only reason i tuned in to begin with due to the fact that he stood out. His playing was exceptional.

This guy WAS part of the band Why he didn't get proper payment That's a true shame So many good hits there one of the best ...😃

Good advice from Mark. I really enjoyed this interview.

I admire a good drummer. My band teacher asked me to never try to play the drums again. He was a very encouraging guy, so that shows how bad I was at the drums. Oh, well, I stuck with piano and violin, though.

Honestly, no one can clearly judge either party regarding what happened because we don't know for sure who is right. Its all he said and he said, this is a common occurrence in the music industry. Its sad cause it splits talented people up who make a great group.

The 3 main guys had played together for years and years. They had drummers come and go with no commitment. They then decided that from that point on it would be just the 3 of them. If you have functioned as a long term full time musician, you will understand.

I believe this since Mark wasn't there during most of the early days at the Bowery. Might be one of the reasons he never was a full partner in the band. I don't know exactly when he joined but I remember in interviews it was around 1978. He never would get any royalty on the songs. Since he didn't write any. That was the other three.Who knows what went on behind closed doors when they agreed to pay. The best deal for Mark would have been a percentage of the net profits for each tour. Which would have made him millions. The other would be to be paid for each performance.

This man is every bit of Alabama as the other members idgaf what anyone says!

I have been a performer / musician all my life, and used to think Alabama was the greatest, but after the way Owen and the others treated mark Herndon I have nothing but disgust for them. Saying he was an employee after all the records and publicity.. can't stand them anymore...peck

Great drummer….hands down.

loved his drumming.....made the band...............

I NEVER KNEW that mark wasn't an even split with finances......I feel waaaaay different about these guys on a personal level now....but they were the best!

Imagine John, Paul and George doing this to Ringo?

Every member contributes to a bands success. Sad to hear that super success and monies as well as greed in the music business can once again ruin what was once something real and special..

Marks drumming played a 25% part of what made Alabama. Alabama was once my favorite band. I just look at the band different now. They made fame together, from playing in bars, and night clubs. I threw all my Alabama cd's and cassettes away. They were my classics. I just think that they're now worthless. I just lost all respect for the three that took advantage .

ALLL ABOUT MONEYYYYYYYY.YUP,ALABAMA WANTED!!!!YOU GO MARK.F THEM DOUCHES BAGES!!

he got screwed

I love that they were so successful but never went hollywood.

I have an autographed photo of Alabama

Money is the root of all evil. They made fame as a group of 4. Not 3. Mark's talent stood out. Its sad how these three blood family members screwed over Mark. Seems there was enough money there to pay Mark an equal share.

People make bad choices in life sometimes alcohol and drugs distort our reality if he would been like some people buisness minded not wanting to party.partying doesn't pay much.i know personally he should have been paid as a member he was with alabama for 20 plus years and the early days.he was taking advantage of.

I love Alabama regardless of what this fool says. They are the best country band ever

I think they all got shafted. Look at their earnings. One of the biggest selling bands ever. And their net worth is so low... Bless em all...

The last copy band I was in,I was just hired as a bass player.I was never a full member.

This story has haunted me many times because I was and I mean WAS a hardcore Alabama fan until I found out how they mistreated Mark... Never again I won't listen to them ever again until Randy Owen publicly says I'm sorry to Mark and makes things right with him

At one time was a huge fan of the group. After what they did to Mark I refuse to even listen to one of their songs. If one starts playing, I change the station. Almost all their songs can be identified simply by marks drumming.

nuts and bolts

They did dis brotha wrong mane

Am I the only one cringing at the couch?

Well will Mark, let me sit the record straight, I lived it. Deal with it, let it go, apparently you couldn't let it go. You were the 4th. Or did you happen to leave that big detail out.

it hurts the image of the band the fact he was never really cut in.

When the guys got back together, they offered him to come back but he declined because he's been with Leah Seawrite. It was an accounting error, not the guys. So anyone who puts them down, shame on you. It amazes me how people judge when they have ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE what is really going on. I love Mark and wish him all the best. My daddy *Teddy* and him have ALWAYS been brothers. Gossip is a sin. Think about the families that read the nasty lies and gossip instead of knowing the truth. Love to all, and God Bless.

I just wonder why his staue is downtown ,if he isnt part of the band,just sayin

Rachel's voice too loud

Mark Herdon was the fourth piece of Alabama he complained the sound . I don't think Alabama would have been as successful as they were able to become without mark I saw Alabama 24 times before they retired in 2005 since they've come out of retirement the harmonies and the guitar playing still spot on with the music is missing definite piece that refined the music they made prior to retire in 2005 Alabama will always be the greatest country band but they really need to find a way to bring mark back to fill out the sound that made them the success that they were

After what they did to Mark, I quit listening to them. To lot of us ,Mark will always be a part of Alabama. By the way,Sally how's it feel to see your dad get busted for drugs?

Everybody thinks Mark was done wrong well they better look deeper than that he done alot to make him leave Alabama they asked him to leave

I'm very disappointed Alabama screwd Mark.

Really like mark. We all thought he was full fledged member. They could have handled it a lot better .in the end..randy is Alabama. Teddy and jeff could have been replaced easily

Ultimately, Mark's story is a great example that celebrities should not be put on a pedestal. The the ones flying the Christian flag highest are often the lowest of the low in real life. The guys in Alabama essentially played characters in order to sell more albums. In real life, they are NOTHING like the characters that they portray in interviews and concerts.

I can see why he is a former.

Maybe he should not have kept the merchandising money that was not rightfully his. That led to his dismissal. He knew that money was not his, yet he tried to keep it. Not much integrity there if you ask me.

Damn it's nwa all over again and yes I'm aware of the different music type.

He said himself that he went along with it, and he accepted the pay he was given. Why complain now?

And it should be noted Mark won the lawsuit, and the band had to pay for his legal fees.

Randy Owens Jeff cook Teddy gentry we're cousins not mark herndon the three were cousins and Mark was hired as their drummer. these for in my book made the group Alabama. I still love their music to me they're the best country music band if all time. I was sry to see them go their separate ways.

That couch is disgusting

He was in it for the money & when he left he sued & when fans wouldn't back him he came back & said oh it wasn't for the money it was to be a partner. In the begining he wanted money! Tell the truth!

Ronnie Tutt was treated the same way by Elvis, most underpaid drummer in the world relative to talent.

Mark must realize that he had a very small contribution to the bands success. GOOD drummers are a dime a dozen. You got paid well and got to enjoy the lime light. Enjoy the fact you had a good run and get over it!!!