Sweetheart of the Rodeo 50th Anniversary Concert

The Sweetheart of the Rodeo 50th Anniversary Concert Tour, featuring former members of The Byrds, Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, was re-created with videos made by fans (see closing credits) that attended the concert in various cities across America.
Text and graphics help tell the story behind this compilation video -- also featuring Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives -- the 1968 album and 2018 tour.

[@stephenpoe7382]

I had been a Byrds fan since back in the day, and my now departed ex Patty thought she was the Sweetheart of the Rodeo - we saw the Byrds back then. My son took me to the 50th Anniversary concert in Raleigh NC to celebrate my 78th birthday. What a treat that was, and one of the best times I have ever had at a concert. And being taken by my son made it even more special. The music lives on, and it was just great seeing Marty playing the B-bender. That is quite a story on it's own - go look up the KZbin interview about his meeting Clarence's brother Roland when Marty was 14, and how he came to own the B-bender. It couldn't be in any better hands Wow, what a history. Cheers

[@keithcaudill4111]

Ditto 😂😊

[@Wharfomatic]

Just watching Kenny Vaughan play is worth the viewing time. This is great.

[@squeakeththewheel]

Reliving my teenage years. Love it. Chris Hillman was always amazingly diverse. The 8 Miles High at the end is awesome. Chris is rocking it.

[@greghenderson4582]

This is as close to a Byrds reunion as there will ever be and Clarence is there via Marty Stuarts talented hands !!! The only concert I have ever went to that make me cry happy tears !!!

[@bendrew6356]

I havent heard such a good recreation of these runes...astonishing!

[@michaelprince9572]

SIMPLY THE BEST OF FOLK ROCK IN THE WORLD EVER" MCGUINN, HILLMAN AND STUART; SWEETHEART OF THE RODEO, 50TH ANNIVERSARY THE MASTERS CLASS OF FOLK FOR THOSE THAT HAVE NO IDEA OF REAL MUSIC PLAYED BY THE BEST"!

[@larryklawiter9168]

The Superlatives are a musical treasure. Marty is a guy with such deep roots in country, bluegrass, rockabilly, rock, and whatever moves him. He is clearly having the time of his life on this night!

[@johnrichardson1917]

If their latest effort, Altitude, didn't show that, Nothing Will! Fantastic display of what they picked up during the past 5 years touring with , some of The Greatest in Music , history! Namely, Hillman, McGuinn and Miller!

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Interesting how he is playing Clarence Whites B Bender Telecaster. Real talent on guitar

[@direwolf6234]

wow .. chris scruggs is so talented .. bass / guitar / and a very fine pedal steel ...

[@howardsavin7824]

Became a fan the Summer of 1965 and still goin’.

[@danbernstein4694]

I very clearly remembering buying this album on a snowy December 28, 1968. I paid $2.99. It has shaped my musical interests ever since.

[@timcoughlin7774]

How cool was for Marty Stuart and his band. There would be a limp in my throat playing those songs with the Byrds.

[@Highland804]

I was at the second night at Theatre At The Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. I was blown away! It was also my first time seeing Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives, but it was definitely not the last!

[@racializedkanadian]

Perfect lineup. What a band, what a treat for the soul !

[@paulj.ingram2839]

The album cover is a Jo Mora painting. Jo lived in Carmel, CA. Many of his art is in the Monterey Museum of Art. The Sweetheart was from the California Rodeo in Salinas in the 20’s.

[@flautalee3090]

Ty!❤

[@margaretross9150]

I hope through some method of communication with the afterlife Gram Parsons knows that Sweetheart is now a beloved masterpiece. He put a lot of work and heart into the album.

[@RonnieTheSim]

I believe he probably does know, but if not, Emmylou will fill him in when she gets there.

[@samuelhodges8208]

Marty Stuart makes any band the best.

[@arthuroffen7879]

Amen!!

[@susanferguson8799]

Been a massive Byrds fan since Mr Tambourine Man and I've loved Chris Hillman since then. Wish he would tour in England while I'm still compos mentis enough to appreciate his music!!!

[@brianwiseman194]

Just wonderful! I would have loved to have seen this show. A great pity that the tour did not get to the UK where the Byrds are still held in huge esteem.

[@robertlagan8441]

Agree completely… still very popular in UK

[@robertlagan8441]

Lucky that the tour happened at all thankfully

[@johnhitz1185]

😊 Great! My father-in-law watched Marty's show every time it was on. I've always dug this album and Farther Along by the Byrds. John Hartford and Clarence White were there in spirit.🙉

[@daneslinger3204]

Saw it at the Ryman ! Once in a lifetime! My childhood heros and the savior of Country Music in one show ...awesome video!

[@LarryNeie-lj7zc]

Time Between a great forgotten Byrds country rock tune from the Younger Than Yesterday album. I still have it on original vinyl and on CD.

[@stefanhall3219]

I wish that I had been there! I usually don't like flashbacks to the past,but I ready, willing, and able for this one.!

[@friedrich1957]

Thank you. So many songs from my distant past...and less distant. Bringing in the Superlatives was genius.

[@Ken-uo7iw]

This tour was Marty's idea & his agent booked it.

[@thefilmandmusic]

My god there needs to be an official vid of this … Thanks to the people who got this together … It sounds great

[@DonMaslanka]

Saw this at the Egg in Albany NY. Jaw dropping performance by MS and the Superlatives. Marty is a true master!!!

[@revon0521]

There's way more talent than one stage can possibly hold and every player deserves a spotlight but I hold Hillman in high regard for his ability to command an audience and recall tiny factoids that manage to place 50 years of fine musical artistry on the stage that it deserves. Thank you for compiling this outstanding historical document.

[@tato4612]

The spirit of Clearance White continues forever in every great b-bender player 😊

[@thomasmartinscott]

What a great compilation! What great tour. I would have loved to have been a part of it.

[@davidhelwig3722]

Had the pleasure and privilege of seeing the Tour at the Carnegie, Homestead (Pittsburgh) and was very happy to see Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives at a free outdoor show two nights ago. Never knew the later were Dick Dale aficionados. Great show.

[@aroe3896]

I have a hunch I'll watch this regularly 🙂but I do regret not getting tickets before their show sold-out in Durham, NC 😞

[@tonymurphy528]

Thanks for posting this piece of history, I only wish I could have been there. This should be a full length documentary.

[@4Naturalgreen]

Music is love. This is the proof.

[@MajorCornell]

I was in L. A. When they played. It was magical.

[@michaelmoskovitz5680]

On behalf of the markets that were bypassed by this tour, thank you for stitching together this performance.

[@namcat53]

Love the psychedelic solo Marty!!! Well done. Perfect!

[@rdekemper]

Masters all, at work….🎸

[@chuckinterrante4986]

I got to see this show in Austin. Right up there with some of the best music I've ever "seen."

[@ianmunday7574]

Pure quality. Love it!

[@andyinoregon]

Can't believe it's been more than 32 years since my wife and I first laid eyes and ears on guitarist Kenny Vaughan ( in the cowboy hat here) playing for Sweethearts of the Rodeo (named after The Byrds album, of course) at the 1988 Washington County Fair in Hillsboro, Oregon. While getting their autographs after the show, I asked Kristine and Janis where they got the guitarist with the Buddy Holly glasses and they told me they stole him away from Denver, Colorado.

[@flautalee3090]

Wow, you saw Kenny when he was a youngster! How wonderful!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤🎉

[@andyinoregon]

@@flautalee3090 I sat in the county fair grandstand that July afternoon with my binoculars trained oh Kenny Vaughan's Fender Strat, because the sound coming off those strings was so impressive. Saw him a second time that year when Sweethearts played Portland's Country Music on the Waterfront Festival. I got to talk to him a bit after their set, as he was collecting his equipment from the stage, and he couldn't have been more generous with his time.

[@flautalee3090]

@@andyinoregon That is so great!

[@azizshowery296]

WHAT A SHOW! When it can make you move and sing every song, it has the power to change your life and make it merrier.

[@kevinolear6717]

Thanks for the work you put into this. I was able to see this show in Atlanta.

[@Kmag61]

Been a Byrds fan since high school 1965, have a number of Roger's albums. He & Chris Hillman moved to Nashville some years ago.

[@catdaddy3302]

I still have that album. I didn’t realize it until recently that my old friend, Jim Dickinson (Of Memphis) was the Byrd’s manager up until that album was recorded.

[@flautalee3090]

This is fabulous work! What a great concert! I’ve heard clips of this show but not like this. Much appreciated, truly. ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@pointillist]

Terrific compilation, and imaginatively conceived! Kind of a "Sweethearts Plus". Marty and the band are the band to go to for this, Kenny Vaughn, Chris Scruggs, Harry Stinson, all of them exceptional performers and instrumentalists. I felt that Gram Parsons received less credit than deserved for his contributions to Sweetheart, but I also consider "Hickory Wind" the better choice between songs at that moment in time as described in the documentary. I'm more than pleased to see the ghosts of Clarence White and Gram Parsons alive and well. Thank you.

[@Cap683]

Much agreed. The best songs on the album are done by Gram Parsons. He was the real deal.

[@dennisgurley4622]

I saw the show at The Ryman In Nashville.. goosebumps the entire show

[@rbdemp]

Yep! Electricity from the first chord. Also, kind of an appropriate return to the scene of the crime.

[@fordsrestorations970]

I do my part to let people know about Marty Stuart's music nowadays because I didn't know ! But When I found out ,I said this is really good☝...seriously

[@zenartist]

I was lucky enough to see this show in Albany .. one of my favorite shows

[@francisarbelo8099]

I saw Marty and the band in St. Louis on 2016....I totally missed this gem. Glad I went down this rabbit hole!!!

[@AmosBHaven]

I loved when Marty had Roger on RFD TV back in the day? Love THIS that they toured together EVEN MORE!

[@flautalee3090]

I would love for them to do this show again…such great music.❤

[@jonalexander8935]

Kenny is a guitar monster! one of the most dynamic players around...

[@gregorydvorsky6070]

Big fan of them all ❤ Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@charlesholloway7979]

Beacon Theater....Hopewell Va......one of the finest concerts I've ever attended....been at it for over 50 years

[@danteramone5790]

muchísimas gracias....... I was super fortunate to get to fly to SF to see this in the Mountain Winery in Saratoga

[@henryb160]

Marty Stuart is a true mater of that B-guitar. Outstanding soloing!

[@2dayvid]

Wow! This is awesome! I've been a Byrds fan since High School in the late 60s. I've met Roger and Camilla several times and Chris once. Although I tried hard to get to see this show in Cleveland, I didn't make it. Thanks so much for compiling, editing, and posting this! I wish I could add this to my extensive Byrds cd and dvd collection.

[@jamesmarcinizyn2572]

Incredible musicianship. Really enjoyed. Good job by all putting this together. I’ll be watching it again soon.

[@ralphcarneymovies1919]

Saw a gig on the tour at the Akron Civic Theater. So beautiful. Thanks to all.

[@JohnDriver-k8y]

The original album changed my life for the better ,Ya'''ll !!! > Thanx Forever ! >>> J D

[@74umgrad]

I saw this show in Rockville, Maryland, in early December, 2018. It remains one of the best shows I've seen in more than 50 years of attending concerts. This compilation is magnificent; Bravo!

[@edw2dz568]

Couldn't agree more on naming it one of the best concerts ever. I'm hopeful fans that didn't have the opportunity to see the show in person appreciate it as much as those of us lucky enough to sit in the audience.

[@blueshadow49]

I realize I found this video a little after it had been posted, but I have to say a "BIG THANK YOU" for sharing it. What a GREAT CONCERT it would be to see in person. Marty Stuart has a great band and they all work well with Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman...the idols of my youth. Such GOOD MUSIC.

[@dragonflysutra3232]

This is so fantastic to see. As a massive Byrds fan but live in the UK, I did not get to see the tour and I was so gutted. But watching this is such a great experience. Thanks so much.

[@edw2dz568]

You are most welcome. The video is for all Byrds fans but especially those unable to see the all too short tour.

[@flyingburritobro68]

Nice version of Hickory Wind with Chris H on vocals

[@shannondawn44]

That beautiful guitar . Sounds amazing Roger McGuinn .

[@alistairallen829]

Marty is an amazing mandolin player and a pretty damn good guitarist,.He would tell you himself he could never flat pick like C.W. as long as he has a hole in his but! What has really impressed that after buying the iconic guitar from Mrs. White Clarence's famed Telecaster with B Bender, he has worked and practiced tirelessly with loads of effort on the technique that Clarence used in these songs? it really is terrific, he has made Clarence's guitar live again. The man himself would be so proud of you Marty. Ally.

[@wildeman1253]

Awesome! Very inspiring.. thanks

[@flautalee3090]

This would be a wonderful concert to reprise post-pandemic! Do note Marty Stuart & the Marvelous Superlatives rounding out this superband ~ and also how I found my way to this video. Terrific!

[@iknowbut1919]

Always been my favorite album. 😂❤

[@chrisworrall8870]

A very special moment in time. Thank you!

[@edw2dz568]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and respond.

[@edwardmulholland7912]

It’s a real shame that this tour wasn’t released officially or that they didn’t tour Europe where The Byrds are still revered. Thank you for putting together this wonderful video and to be fair it puts most official live releases to shame. McGuinn and Hillman were obviously enjoying themselves and Marty and his band are simply incredible. Is there anyone out there who could recommend some of Marty’s albums?

[@Suomitenango]

It's been a while since you asked, but depends on what attributes of Stuart's music you like most. I ran across him on his RFD-TV show over 12-13 years ago, and that's where I got started. Sorry if this is too much information! I like both his traditional country and also the trippier stuff he and his band have been doing most recently. I haven't heard much of his work from late 80s backward, but I think his stuff gets most interesting from The Pilgrim (which has been rereleased with additional content) and forward, plus two or three earlier ones such as "This One's Gonna Hurt You". His Superlatives work starts with 2005's Souls Chapel which pays homage to co-Mississippi native Pops Staples with a blues/gospel theme. "Badlands" is a different kind of album but the title track is great. Don't Ignore "Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions" on this list, it's not a compilation at all, and it's a good album featuring another Byrds derivative, "Hummingbyrd". I think it sets the tone for his future work. Compadres is a good compilation of collaborative efforts between Stuart and various other singers. Stuart and the Superlatives cover a lot of musical ground, I think it's all worth exploring. Definitely don't miss the last two, Way Out West and Altitude, but depending on your interest level you could start all the way back at The Pilgrim and work your way forward. I pick that one because he thought enough of it to re-release an expanded version of it, and it features an all-star cast of country and bluegrass greats, plus Mike Campbell. www.allmusic.com/artist/marty-stuart-mn0000378041/discography/all

[@edwardmulholland7912]

@@Suomitenango Thank you!

[@Suomitenango]

@@edwardmulholland7912 After this I listened to The Pilgrim Deluxe Edition from front to back. I'd never heard the extra content before, but it stands up with the rest of the original album. Gave me confidence to back that album up as a great place to start. There are some albums from earlier that are also very good, but I am thinking it's around the time of The Pilgrim that Marty described some sort of epiphany as the industry-described "country music" coming out of his radio didn't seem to line up with the rural countryside where he was driving, and that steered the future direction of his musical career to celebrating, embracing, and promoting the more traditional sounds, instruments, and artists. Not to say that Marty's older work was all modern, but The Pilgrim is somewhat of a "Continental Divide" of his career, and could be thought of as Marty's take on a thematic "Red-Headed Stranger"-type album. He would have been roughly 40 when he conceived it.

[@edwardmulholland7912]

@@Suomitenango I’m going to start looking for his work. Thank you for the advice. I’ve seen some live shows on KZbin and him and the band are incredible!

[@crazyleslie]

Thank goodness Marty Stuart and his superlative band helped pull this together! Loved it so much, we saw the show in Los Angeles at the Ace.

[@trevorrush3481]

I feel very lucky to have seen Marty and Superlatives several times at Stoughton Opera House in Wisconsin and Roger McQuinn also came there as a Solo act playing and talking-I didn’t think it could possibly be topped- so thanks for compiling and sharing this ❤❤

[@Ram44]

Marty is like having Gram Parsons and Clarence White in ONE human. INCREDIBLE talent!!! Thank you so much for sharing this video. Did you compile and edit this? Great job to whoever did!

[@edw2dz568]

Marty and his band were a perfect choice for the anniversary tour. I did compile and edit. The idea was to provide as much of a complete concert video as possible for those fans who did not have the opportunity to attend. My thanks to all who posted their videos.

[@robemeny3444]

@C R likewise Clarence, imagine what those two are up to up there!

[@robemeny3444]

@C R likewise Clarence, imagine what those two are cooking up in the heavens

[@stevemullary8658]

Clarance White and Danny Gatton, long live the greatest unknown guitarists ever.

[@danielcombs3207]

Don’t forget The Superlatives. For Marty they’re like the Heartbreakers were for Tom Petty.

[@markmelvin299]

What a fantastic video compilation of some wonderful tunes, wonderfully played by some wonderful musicians. Thanks for taking the time to put this altogether and load it for the rest of us to enjoy. Really made my day today. Thank you.

[@shafersongs]

Saw the very last show of the tour in Fort Lauderdale. It was exceptionally good show, but then they are exceptionally good musicians..

[@jamescombs65]

Hey thank you for compiling these and presenting them this way - really appreciate it

[@Mulavi]

Came here after watching Joe Chambers interview Marty. Wow. I have a whole new level of appreciation for Marty Stuart.

[@carlosrincon1551]

He’s a legend in his own right.

[@stevecochrane6948]

Thank you!

[@johncrace911]

I have met both Roger and Marty. They were very nice guys. Marty let me hold the TELE

[@Liamyyz]

Was at the show at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, MA, just a fantastic night!

[@number6jb]

The last show at The Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale was professionally captured with a Go Pro by Marty's roadie, Lammers. Only for "archival" purposes, he told me a few weeks later at their performance at The Brown County Playhouse in Nashville, Indiana. A PERFECT opportunity was missed when the tour hit The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas where Austin City Limits is performed. The theater wanted to preserve the show. Could not come to terms with McGuinn. This also according to Lammers the roadie... BTW, I saw SIX shows. Akron, Louisville, The Ryman and THREE of the Florida shows including that last Fort Lauderdale show with the bonus Gene Clark tracks.

[@edw2dz568]

Very interesting. I too held out hope for an ACL taping.

[@grahamclews1571]

Such an awesome show.. thanks for putting this together and posting it.. Marty Stuart and his band are so great

[@cherylfreeland-lyszczarz9158]

Beautiful! How can anyone down vote this??

[@edw2dz568]

Appreciate that. Glad you liked it.

[@caran26]

A masterful collection with such good sound quality and views, thanks for making this wonderful compilation

[@edw2dz568]

Appreciate your kind comments. Putting it together was a delight.

[@popev3887]

OH is there hardly anything more beautiful sounding than an Rickenbacker 12 string guitar....Answer...NO..

[@catdaddy3302]

Equal Opportunity Offender he influenced a lot of guitar players. Don’t forget the sound of Clarence White’s tricked out telecaster.

[@terset9912]

the Truetone interview with Kenny Vaughn brought me here.... I enjoyed this concert footage immensely, thank you for sharing... only improvement I can think of is if Croz could have joined them for a couple of numbers.

[@timtilton4261]

Thanks edw2dz! This is fantastic! I'm sure this involved an awful lot of work! You did a wonderful job! Enjoyed every minute of it! Thanks again!

[@edw2dz568]

enjoyed every minute I spent putting it together. really appreciate your comments.

[@drewheyman7173]

Catching this just before I get to see Roger play his solo show in Gilbert AZ, October 2024

[@MichaelHattem]

Can't offer enough thanks for doing this.

[@thekarachannel4281]

Thanks for dong this. For some reason, management did not want any fan shot video which is truly short sighted.

[@christianbelanger621]

Saw them in Akron. Drove 900 km the day of the show, rode back the other way the next day. Probably sang You Ain't Going Nowhere 20 times during that trip

[@kyle_in_tex8422]

Good job putting this together. I still have the original vinyl in my "stack".

[@denissparks2133]

Thanks for posting this! Long time Byrds fan

[@michaelkelly7701]

This is superb! Well done to all involved in capturing the performances and putting it together…👏

[@holboroman]

Man, thank you so much. Your effort is valued. Great music!

[@JangleBoxPedals]

Thank you so very much for this wonderful compilation. As a fan from the beginning, this was so meaningful to me, and this video brings back wonderful memories of the two shows I was able to see.

[@edw2dz568]

Thanks so much. Sharing my wonderful memory of the show in Nashville was the principal objective in putting this together.

[@SergeCeyral]

Kenny Vaughn is such a wonderful successor to the great late Clarence White...

[@KingBabyProductions1]

This is really good. Not bad for "audience participant" recordings. Well-worth watching.

[@billdirienzomusic]

Great job piecing together the show! We were at the last night in Ft Lauderdale! What an awesome night that was!

[@edw2dz568]

Thanks, Bill. I envy the Ft. Lauderdale fans. You heard two songs in the encore not played at any other show to my knowledge.

[@Gerardoooooooo]

Thanks very much for this video!

[@musicman1115]

Thanks ...what a great band

[@edw2dz568]

Glad you liked it. Marty and the Superlatives were a perfect complement to Roger and Chris.

[@ericrose3877]

JUST GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!!!