Doug Gray had just returned to South Carolina from his tour of duty in Vietnam when he picked up his guitar and started to jam with his friends. They pooled their money and rented a rehearsal space in an old warehouse for $20. It was Feb. 12, 1972, when a local concert promoter offered them an opening spot for the Allman Brothers. The band didn’t even have a name.
They had one key they shared that fit the door of the practice space. It hung from a keychain that said Marshall Tucker. F rom that, The Marshall Tucker Band was born. More than five decades later, the band has had hits including “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” and “Fire on the Mountain.”
Gray has been there every step of the way – until now. On Wednesday, the band announced that Gray, lead singer and founding member of the group, was taking a hiatus from the band’s tour due to health concerns. They didn’t say what kind. However, as planned, the Marshall Tucker Band will continue with its 2025 All Our Friends Tour.
“Taking care of business as I always do,” Gray said. “Thanks, and see you soon.”
“The band can’t wait to jam with JJ Grey & Mofro, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Jefferson Starship,” Gray said, encouraging fans to come out. “It’ll be a jam you’ll never forget.”
In 2021, Gray told People he was confident in the band’s dedication to its music and their fans.
“This foundation is so strong that it would take a hurricane to knock Marshall Tucker Band off its foundation,” he said.
And regardless of Gray’s health ailment, he’s determined to ensure MTB remains upright. The singer plans to stay fully involved in all aspects of the band leading up to his return to the tour.
“Everyone knows I’m not one to sit on my hands,” he explains. “I’ll be making sure all of the stars are aligned. Let’s rock!”
CONTINUE READING
They had one key they shared that fit the door of the practice space. It hung from a keychain that said Marshall Tucker. F rom that, The Marshall Tucker Band was born. More than five decades later, the band has had hits including “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” and “Fire on the Mountain.”
Gray has been there every step of the way – until now. On Wednesday, the band announced that Gray, lead singer and founding member of the group, was taking a hiatus from the band’s tour due to health concerns. They didn’t say what kind. However, as planned, the Marshall Tucker Band will continue with its 2025 All Our Friends Tour.
“Taking care of business as I always do,” Gray said. “Thanks, and see you soon.”
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Marshall Tucker Band Singer is “Taking Care of Business”
Gray does intend to return to the tour at some point. In the meantime, the band will continue with tour dates in May as planned, beginning May 9 in West Wendover, NV, at the Peppermill Concert Hall. The show also includes JJ Grey & Mofro, Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO), and Jefferson Starship.“The band can’t wait to jam with JJ Grey & Mofro, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Jefferson Starship,” Gray said, encouraging fans to come out. “It’ll be a jam you’ll never forget.”
In 2021, Gray told People he was confident in the band’s dedication to its music and their fans.
“This foundation is so strong that it would take a hurricane to knock Marshall Tucker Band off its foundation,” he said.
And regardless of Gray’s health ailment, he’s determined to ensure MTB remains upright. The singer plans to stay fully involved in all aspects of the band leading up to his return to the tour.
“Everyone knows I’m not one to sit on my hands,” he explains. “I’ll be making sure all of the stars are aligned. Let’s rock!”
