Telluride celebrates 40 years May 26-27 at Flora-Bama
Telluride celebrates 40 years May 26-27 at Flora-Bama
By Fran Thompson
Even though he and his mates have been playing together for 40 years, Tulluride founding member Rick Carter can still name most of the late, great local bistros where Telluride cut its teeth – L.A. Pub & Grub, Margaritaville, The L.A. Getaway.
But he adds that there is something special about playing at the Flora-Bama, where Telluride will reunite with most of its original lineup for 6 p.m. Memorial Weekend gigs May 26-27 on the famed lounge’s tent stage.
Although Telluride has consistently reunited for one-offs in Birmingham ever since forming in 1977, the band has made a concerted effort to play more often in celebration of its 40th anniversary. 1
“We started at the Flora-Bama in ‘90 or ‘91. We were one of the first bands to come in there with drums,’’ Carter said. “I’ve played at the Flora-Bama every year since 1991. That’s a long time.’’
Carter will be joined by other original members Robert Churchill, Moose Harrell and Roger Bailey at the ‘Bama. Bass player Joe Breckenridge will be the newbie on stage, having joined the band in 1986.
“It’s fun for us to play together as musicians, but the interesting thing is after so many years it has become like a class reunion for our fans,’’ Carter said. “Especially at the ‘Bama, people come from all over the south. It’s a pretty big get-together.”
Telluride’s self titled debut was released during the 1980 Christmas season and spawned the still requested hit, ‘Birmingham Tonight.’
In 1985, the band was selected one of the top three bands in the country by the Miller Brewing. That led to a contract with RCA records and the single ‘Breaking Away,’ which Billboard termed “Alabama’s answer to Bob Seeger.”
Unfortunately, in 2006 a Nashville based band changed its name to TelluRide and began marketing themselves and collecting a fanbase under that name. But for Telluride’s fans – and there are thousands – the band will always maintain its legacy among Alabama finest group of musicians.
“We are getting together a bit more this year because its the 40th anniversary, but we don’t plan on stopping unless somebody drops dead,’’ Carter said. “I’d like to tell everyone thanks for 40 years of supporting us.’’