LHB remembrance to the A&M bonfire tragedy

[@arodpanzy]

I still remember performing this on the field. I was a freshman at the time. I remember being told that there wouldn't be any formation save for the one we went on the field with. No fanfare, no shouting about our team being better, just playing to the best of our ability in tribute to those that lost their lives. I never felt more proud to be a Longhorn than in that moment.

[@JosephKitchens99]

I was a Junior but was on the field as a first year SOB as well.

[@ericmitchell5350]

It was a beautiful tribute! Thanks from an Old Ag.

[@matttackel997]

I was there, 16 year old, future Aggie who grew up to despise Austin and her University. I have had the deepest respect for you all since that day. Thank you for such a moving and beautiful performance.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏 You don't really know what this meant to the families who lost their children and the Texas A&M family ❤️❤️❤️🛐🛐🛐 Thank you for sharing

[@russlindell]

I never saw UT the same way after this performance. That was the classiest thing I've ever seen. With much love. RWL '01

[@chrmorri]

Here Thank you Longhorn Band. I will never forget this tribute as long as I live. 11/18/99 We Will Never Forget

[@NoClassPranking]

I am a die hard Aggie fan, but when I saw for the first time, I couldn't help but cry. Its wonderful to see how the University of Texas paid their respects to one of their most fierce rivals. We may be rivals, but we are Texans. We are both apart of the greatest state in the world. God Bless Texas A&M and the University of Texas

[@spaik113]

"two institutions are great rivals, but more importantly, great friends who have the highest amount of respect for each other. may the longhorn spirit and the spirit of aggieland never die." powerful words. 10 years later, this performance is just as powerful. Thank you University of Texas. Thanks and Gig 'em.

[@jazzmaan707]

As a Longhorn since birth, I really felt bad for the Aggie students who died in that tragic accident. Although we had been rivals for more than a hundred years, as Texans we are related as brothers and sisters by being from the Great State of Texas. This was one of those moments, and the only moment, that I was not upset that A&M won the game. I was never more proud of the Longhorn Band, as when they played Taps and took their hats off.

[@dallascowboytouchdown4319]

I almost feel compelled to cry at this moving tribute even two decades after the fact

[@jacksora1]

Absolute class through and through. I am brought to tears to see the Texas and Aggie flags side-by-side. As a Texan and an Aggie, I am, to this day, moved by the class of the Longhorn band and the Longhorn fans on this day.

[@matttackel997]

every time I watch the video I'm just fine until they lower the UT flags and leave the TAMU flags held high. crushingly real reminder of the frailty of human life and how we all shall love one another regardless of affiliations.

[@chrmorri]

I am class of '02 and was at this Longhorn Band performance. That is the best I have ever hear Amazing Grace sound. To this day, I still come to tears and goosebumps when I hear video/sound clips of the Longhorn Band playing Amazing Grace as they did. I have no doubt in my mind that MY Aggie community would stand behind Longhorns in their time of need. Please, if you have an issue you don't understand, do not waste other human beings time by sharing it.

[@Just1Sambo]

Totally agree !

[@chipper1994]

I'm a Class of '94 Fighting Texas Aggie, I'm now 42 years old and my days as a student are all memories. I have to say that throughout my time as a student, going to the games between A&M and "t.u." I didn't much care for their/your school. My friends and I weren't treated well when we visited (I literally had Frat guys throw empty bottles of liquor at me)--and it was a heated rivalry. With that said, I remember the class shown throughout the Bonfire ordeal. I remember the words of Mack Brown, and I remember this performance--which had me in tears that day, and still gives me chills to this day, 15 years later. I still appreciate that act, and have never disliked the Longhorns since then...I even say, "U.T." now. Thank you to those that did this. Gig 'Em and Hook 'Em. We hope to resume the rivalry soon.

[@KimberWhite1]

I wish we played again, too. And I was hit in the head by a frozen orange thrown from an Aggie player once! Something to do with the Orange Bowl back in the late 80s. Glad we’re both OK now. ✌🏻

[@JosephKitchens99]

I was on the field in the Longhorn Band in 1999. This is the classiest thing I've ever been a part of. After seeing the Aggie football team on the news carring logs away from the pile instead of practicing for the ball game... I'm glad A&M won. They deserved it.

[@NoClassPranking]

I'm an Aggie, but even I have to admit this is showing a lot of class from the Longhorns. It just goes to show that we may have our differences, but at the end of the day, we are all citizens of the greatest state in the USA. Gig Em Aggies and Hook Em Horns!

[@JPJaaskelainen]

I'm a bleeding-maroon Aggie (Class of 91 -- WHOOP!), and I have to say this memorial by the Longhorn Band was one of the classiest acts I've ever seen. Much appreciated, y'all.

[@JARIITX]

That was a sad event in A&M history. I may be a UT fan, but beneath the rivalry, we are all Americans and Texans. God bless the fallen in this terrible tragedy and God bless the Lone Star State.

[@rossage06]

Too beautiful for words. I'm A&M class of 2006, and the Longhorn band is just incredible.

[@DELTA1978THETA]

This rivalry will NEVER be forgotten. As a Longhorn fan, I say thanks to the TRUE class of the A&M fans. Texas fans around Hawaii send their BEST well wishes to our the Aggies in their journey to victory in the SEC. God Bless you and Thank You for the TRUE class you show to us Longhorn fans. Even though I'm not an alumna or student Texas Austin, I am a die hard fan and wish the very best to our brothers in Aggie Land! HOOK EM HORNS AND GIG EM AGGIES!!

[@hairyscotman]

I was in the upper deck with tears streaming down my face during the playing of this song and taps...NEVER was I prouder to be a LONGHORN I was hoping that there would be a nice tribute to the ones that perished and this seemed/seems a perfect way to honor those poor students that died. May God Bless their souls...

[@AnnaRuby23]

Current TCU student but an Aggie at heart... and my boss is a Longhorn.. ha! At the end of the day, we are all Texans. We support each other through thick and thin. Texas did a great job paying respect. Let us never forget the 12 Aggies who perished. Thanks & Gig ‘Em, Go Frogs, and Hook ‘Em

[@xthekingoftownx]

makes me TRUELY proud to be a longhorn fan. You're not lying. True Class.

[@vince065us]

1999 was an emotional year for me.My dad passed in August,and we had our first Thanksgiving without him.Then this happend.I'm glad A&M won.

[@bobking84]

I was blessed to be in the stadium that day and not a dry eye in the house for sure. What an amazing moment in time this was. Made you proud to be a Texan no matter what colors you wore. Ever since that day I have resisted using the term "hate" to describe the UT / A&M rivalry. That word might apply to UT / OU or to A&M / Tech. But it does NOT apply to UT / A&M. Hopefully the moment is never forgotten and the special bond between the schools lasts. More like sibling rivalry I'd say.

[@teddyisme]

absolute class right there. I'm a diehard longhorn all my life, bleeding burnt orange and all - but this gives me goosebumps. Hook'em Ags, and Gig 'em Horns.

[@rdb1960]

I remember seeing this on television back in '99. It sent chills up and down my spine then, and still does when I watch these clips now. (Too bad the networks no longer broadcast the band half-time shows.) Just goes to show you that even though we're rivals, when push comes to shove, we're all Texans and we will stick together in adversity. Way to go band! You make me proud to be a Longhorn fan.

[@gosharks94]

im from california, but this is still a tear-jerker. what i liked about this, put rivalries aside, unite as one, and the band removing their hats...show of respect. Go Horns, Go Aggie. two class marching bands

[@jazzmaan707]

Although we were and shall always rivals, we are related through the state of Texas. May the Aggies be happy in the SEC. As a Longhorn, we wish you well.

[@DELTA1978THETA]

I am a Longhorn fan from Maui/Hawaii and this is "TRUE CLASS" right here. I cried when they played this. HOOK EM HORNS AND FIGHT ON AGGIES!!

[@txaggie2011]

it may be tense on Gameday and we may not ever get along, but a gracious gesture like shows outsiders just how much the aggies and longhorns do respect each other... even if it dosent always seem that way

[@jwc7215]

everything about this event brings me to tears...

[@hairyscotman]

I was to be at the bonfire that collapsed. I was flying from Seattle to go with my best friends and his wife and kids. I had just got off the phone with my friends when the tragedy took place. I'd hoped the LHB's halftime would included something honoring the Aggies. This tribute was an answered prayer. I can assure you there was not a dry eye in the place. I've never been prouder of the Univ. of TEXAS than on this day. GOD BLESS, those who died and their families and friends....

[@Tekisasubakani]

Shame this has been hijacked for flaming. As a Horn, I was proud that the band chose to honor those killed in the bonfire. I love the rivalry, but we're all Texans in the end. God bless the state, UT and A&M.

[@aznravechild6i9]

That was pure class. Nothing else needs to be said.

[@MercedesH835]

When it comes down to it, Longhorn or Aggie, we're all Texan, and that's all that matters at the end of the day. I'm a Longhorn, but I love those Aggies!

[@tommyk1000]

that was so moving. when in hard times, even UT and A&M have respect for eachother. i was there, and will never forget that they did that. Ag '01

[@GreeneBuckFarms]

18 november 1999, the bonfire built annually by Texas A&M students throughout the fall semester and lit before the annual rivalry game against t.u., fell killing 12 students. 12 students who made a sacrifice which embodies everything that being a part of the 12th man means. Never forget them Aggies.

[@lauriekendrick2121]

Tonight was the first time I’d seen this since watching the football game all those years ago. Still quite touching.. Especially moving when members of the LHB removed their hats in a typically Texan show of respect.

[@hairyscotman]

Today we play our final game.... It was this moment that is my proudest as a LONGHORN....

[@AndyTAMU05]

As a fourth generation Aggie, I will always say... ...GOD BLESS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS.

[@DELTA1978THETA]

THis still brings chills to me. I can't stop saying this but this is TRUE CLASS of U T to ATM. HOOK EM HORNS AND GIG EM AGGIES!!

[@BosPercussion]

Knowing the two leaders of the Aggie band for several years now, yes they would have come up with something duly appropriate.

[@dallascowboytouchdown4319]

Even though I didn't watch football or see this when it happened, i feel tears welling up

[@danv7514]

A real tear jerker this one. UT band was total class this day.

[@bobcatbandman12]

random UNC hat at 2:42 lol. but i was almost to tears during this.

[@KellyxFace]

awesome. gave me chills. whoop!

[@jazzmaan707]

Although we were and shall always rivals, we are related through the state of Texas. May the Aggies be happy in the SEC.

[@TexasAggie04]

not a dry eye in the house during this performance. Classy Texas, VERY classy!

[@Samaraskids]

@kfederer This is true. I've missed only a handful of games since I began to buy season tickets in the mid 80s and this is one of only two times I've ever seen the student section stand for another band(2001 game after 9/11 - OK State band is the other). While we are bitter rivals on the field, we are friends and family off of it and I have the utmost respect for the Longhorn Band for this touching tribute. Hook 'Em Horns and Gig 'Em Ags. Proud to be a Texan!

[@TXNole10]

I remember watching this in Florida, they cut to it during a halftime their. I may not be a Texan by birth, but I got here as quickly as possible! This was such a great moment, very classy and shows that no matter what, we are Texans! My sister in law went to UT and we have an Aggie cousin. Is it true, that the LHB, rarely removes their hats? I always forget to ask my SIL.

[@BosPercussion]

Yes, Kevin Sedatole was director then and is a good man of integrity. Disappointing loss for UT's band and the Baylor program as he is now in Michigan.

[@bobking84]

What the video didn't capture was a long line of white longhorn flags dipping in front of a single maroon A&M flag held high by a member of the LHB. That gesture sucked the air out of the stadium and the tears began to flow. The Aggies, btw, came from behind to beat a far superior Texas team that day. You knew it had to be, and the UT fans left the stadium more overpowered by the emotion of the day than disappointed by the loss to their rival.

[@KimberWhite1]

I’m amazed the band was able to learn these songs in less than a week. I imagine they memorize songs like this for tragedies. It was a beautiful tribute.

[@kevinreilly51]

Granted, I'd be surprised if any of those band members who didn't know the melody of amazing grace on their instruments (outside of the drum line of course) and even more so if there was a single trumpet who didn't know taps.

[@Just1Sambo]

Just watched The Million Dollar Band perform this piece selection also for the 9-11 tribute .... There's was different and awesome with bag pipes and much props ..... The Show Band Of The SouthWest needed no props ,no bagpipes .... Proud to be a Longhorn ....Amazing indeed ...Amazing Grace .

[@aaronpless]

I'm an aggie, and I must say that was pretty cool

[@dallascowboytouchdown4319]

Was there anybody who cried during this performance?

[@NeedADamnUserName]

UT showed so much class and respect. I was there and still get teary eyed watching this. Thank you from an Old Ag.

[@Aviewoftime]

Class!

[@brandonmaddox4862]

People from out of Texas might not understand the hats pff tribute but in Texas no matter where you’re from, taking off your hat is a sign of respect I was groomed to hate UT, my mom was an Aggie, but on this day I had infinite respect for the gesture of what they did Rivalries aside, we really do care about each other

[@rucksplash08]

The comments on this board are just outright sickening. I don't know how anyone could let hatred of a rival stoop to that level, particularly in their rival's time of need. I am a Longhorn, and I will always be a Longhorn. I can't stand the Aggies, but I stand beside them when they're in need. Hook 'em Horns and gig 'em Aggies!

[@tasiarogers8219]

I am a longhorn fan and an aggie fan to but I like the aggies more

[@darvish2012]

You CAN'T, let me repeat that, CAN NOT be both a longhorn and aggie fan. It is like the Yankees vs Red Sox. You can't be a fan of both. But you can respect the other one.

[@douglaspierce3277]

I hate Texas a&m with passion! U can’t be a fan of both teams cuz they hate each other so much! But UT is always the better team! 4 national championships 33 conference championships 4 heisman trophy winners! What does a&m have? Titles from the 1930s? Man that sucks! Come talk to me when y’all win a conference championship for the first time in 25 years!

[@txaggie2011]

Amen... Gig 'Em Horns

[@FedEx53]

I used to hate the Longhorns. And I enjoyed it. How the hell am I supposed to hate them after this?

[@jenniferfey]

In response to rockergirl83: Then you "pretty much" have no idea what you're talking about, because as an Aggie myslef--no matter how much we can despise t.u. at times--we're all Texans and still have the utmost respect for their institution. My sister is a senior at Texas and I'm a student at A&M. The rivalry is real, but the respect is greater. I am proud to be an Aggie, and equally proud to be a Longhorn sibling. Thanks and Gig 'Em.

[@HelloMyNameIsRyan]

True class. Hook 'em

[@brunderwood11]

hook em aggies!

[@rr7firefly]

Such an important event at 144p resolution...

[@alamoaggie]

@HamBurglerMan just so you know, in aggie terms there are two phrases: good bull and bad bull. obviously good bull is an act of goodness and bad bull is a bad act. just thought i'd let you know before you go judging people.

[@jmd3407]

How could you possibly "pretty much know they wouldn't?" Your comment is not only an insult to the Aggie family but to the human spirit. I would like to think, Aggie or Longhorn or neither, that humans would respond in kind to any tragedy as what happened with the bonfire

[@cloudsynth08]

Everyday, millions of poor children in the US go without healthcare, while you laugh at the dead of others...you're a model citizen.