During Alabama’s remarkable rise to fame, the band experienced several challenges behind the scenes, including a notable quarrel between Mark Herndon (the band’s drummer) and Randy Owen, the lead singer and one of the founding members of the band. While Alabama’s success was unparalleled, the tensions between these two key members are part of the band’s more complicated history.
The issues between Herndon and Owen primarily stemmed from differences related to band dynamics, financial disputes, and the pressures of touring and maintaining a high-profile career. Both individuals were integral to the success of Alabama, but as with many long-running musical partnerships, differences in vision, personalities, and business decisions began to surface over time.
One of the core reasons for the tension was related to the band’s finances. As Alabama’s popularity soared, the members were seeing massive success and financial rewards, but Mark Herndon, who had been part of the band for many years, felt that his contributions were not being fully recognized, particularly when it came to how the royalties and earnings were divided among the members. It is reported that Herndon felt he was not receiving an equitable share compared to the founding members, particularly Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook.
These financial disagreements escalated over the years, as Herndon believed his role as a drummer was undervalued in comparison to the other members, who were also vocalists and songwriters. These disputes contributed to the growing divide between him and Owen, especially as tensions grew surrounding the band’s business dealings.
Another contributing factor was the issue of leadership within the band. As the lead singer and main songwriter, Randy Owen naturally took on a significant leadership role. However, Mark Herndon, who had been with the band for years, likely felt the weight of the band’s decisions was disproportionately on Owen and the other founding members, without enough consultation with him.
Herndon was reportedly frustrated by the direction the band was taking in the late 1980s and early 1990s. While Alabama continued to achieve great success, the dynamics between the band members began to shift. Some members of the group, including Herndon, felt there was a lack of open communication and that decisions were made without a proper discussion among all members. The growth of Owen’s influence within the band, both creatively and professionally, led to a sense of resentment from Herndon, who felt more like an outsider in the decision-making process despite his long-standing role in the group.
Alabama’s success came with a heavy touring schedule, and the constant pressure of performing and being on the road added additional stress to the already strained relationships within the band. The long hours and time away from their families created tensions not only between Mark Herndon and Randy Owen but also between other members of the band. The physical and mental toll of constantly being on the road may have worsened existing issues, leading to more frustration and misunderstandings among the members.
In 1993, Mark Herndon was dismissed from the band, officially marking the end of his long tenure with Alabama. While the band cited personal reasons for his departure, there are strong indications that the disagreements between Herndon and Owen played a role in this decision. After his departure, Herndon openly discussed his dissatisfaction with the way the band was managed, including the decision-making processes and his feelings of being excluded from key aspects of the band’s operations.
Herndon’s departure marked a shift in Alabama’s dynamics, and although the band continued to perform successfully, the absence of Herndon signified the end of an era. Despite the public rift, it’s worth noting that Mark Herndon and Randy Owen have both publicly stated that they have moved on from their disputes, and as of recent years, there have been efforts to reconcile their differences, even if the wounds from their time together in the band remain part of their history.
The quarrel between Mark Herndon and Randy Owen remains a notable chapter in the history of Alabama, one of country music’s most successful bands. The band’s legacy is built on their musical achievements, but the tensions between its members remind us that even the most successful acts are not immune to internal struggles. The disagreements also underscore the importance of teamwork, communication, and shared vision within a group, particularly when success brings immense pressure.
Despite the personal challenges, Alabama’s contributions to country music continue to stand the test of time. Both Herndon and Owen have had their individual journeys, with Herndon pursuing various musical projects after his departure from Alabama, while Randy Owen has continued his successful solo career. The story of their disputes, however, serves as a reminder of the human side of music and the complexity of musical partnerships.