SOLD OUT ~ The Outlaws

For The Outlaws, it’s always been about the music. For more than 40 years, the Southern Rock legends have celebrated triumphs and endured tragedies to remain one of the most influential and best-loved bands of the genre. Today, The Outlaws have returned with new music, new focus, and an uncompromising new mission that makes it clear it’s about the band of brothers bound together by history, harmony and the road. It’s about a group that respects its legacy while refusing to be defined by the past. It’s about pride.

The Outlaws was formed in Tampa in 1972 and quickly became known for triple guitar rock attack and three- part country harmonies. At the urging of Ronnie Van Zant, The Outlaws were one of the first acts signed by Clive Davis to his new Arista label. Their first three albums, The Outlaws, Lady in Waiting, and Hurry Sundown, were gold and platinum landmarks. Known as “The Florida Guitar Army,” The Outlaws’ reputation grew as an incendiary live act touring with friends like The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band and the Charlie Daniels Band, as well as The Doobie Brothers, The Who, The Eagles and The Rolling Stones. The band experienced personnel changes and bitter battles over trademarks that left the band’s members and fans saddened and frustrated. When songwriter/vocalist/lead guitarist Hughie Thomasson died in 2007, it seemed as if The Outlaws had reached the end of the trail.

When founding member Henry Paul took leadership of the band in 2008, he put The Outlaws back on the path their fans knew and loved. “Audiences discovered that The Outlaws have something to say that is as engaging as when we began, which is why every night we perform, we give nothing less than everything we’ve got,” he said.

Then came It’s About Pride. It wasn’t only their mantra; it was their comeback album. When it debuted in 2012, it received critical acclaim. Original band member Henry Paul spoke of its importance to the band. “Because the band had been out of the public eye for so long, it was almost like starting over,” he said. “Because of the band’s history, we’re still seeing this as a new chapter. What our fans loved then is what they still love now, because we are just as good, or even better than we were.”

Today, The Outlaws consists of Paul, Dave Robbins on keyboard, Randy Threet on bass and vocals, Jeff Aulich on guitars, Jimmy Dormire on guitars, and Mike Bailey on drums. The group has been referred to as “Southern Rock’s Last Band Standing,” and they plan to stay that way. They’re still writing and recording new material and keeping the legacy of “The Guitar Army” alive.

For Paul, The Outlaws are back, still making music their way. “I want people to see our show, hear our new songs and realize that The Outlaws are back,” he said. “I want the fans to see the band’s growth and recognize the quality of the music. We’re focused on where we come from, where we’re headed, and how much fun we’re still having on the ride. Our goal is to unite the fans and bring the band back into the light. In a way, this is like a second chance at my first love. It’s about finishing what we started.”

It’s about the pride.