Outlaw Country celebrates 50th anniversary of ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’

One of the most influential country-rock albums of all time, Sweetheart of the Rodeo by the Byrds is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Such a milestone calls for a celebration, and Byrds co-founders, Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman have teamed up for a historic U.S. tour, backed by Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives.

These very special concert dates will feature Sweetheart of the Rodeo performed in its entirety, along with other favorites from over the years, with Stuart playing the same ’54 Telecaster that the late Clarence White played on the original album.

Additionally, McGuinn, Hillman, and Stuart are marking the anniversary with a special for SiriusXM Outlaw Country (Ch. 60), recorded in Nashville prior to their appearance on Marty Stuart’s ‘Late Night Jam’ at the Ryman Auditorium during CMA Fest.

Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, and Marty Stuart’s exclusive one-hour Sweetheart of the Rodeo radio special premieres Friday, July 13 at 8 pm ET. Tune in to hear them reflect on the landmark album, including the addition of the late Gram Parsons to the band, and the Byrds infamous performance at the Grand Ole Opry in 1968, along with tracks from the album and original versions of songs that inspired the project.

Don’t miss rebroadcasts: Saturday, July 14 at 8 am & 5 pm ET; Sunday July 15 at 1 am, 12 pm & 9 pm ET.

Hear a preview of the special below: 

Sweetheart Of The Rodeo Tour Dates

July 24: Los Angeles, CA @ Ace Hotel [Sold Out]
July 25: Los Angeles, CA @ Ace Hotel
July 29: Saratoga, CA @ Mountain Winery
Sept. 17: Albany, NY @ Hart Theater @ The Egg
Sept. 18: Albany, NY @ Hart Theater @ The Egg [Sold Out]
Sept. 20: Hopewell, VA @ Beacon Theatre [Sold Out]
Sept. 24: New York, NY @ Town Hall
Sept. 26: Boston, MA @ The Emerson Colonial Theatre
Oct. 3: Akron, OH @ Akron Civic
Oct. 8: Nashville, TN @ The Ryman Auditorium
Oct. 10: Roanoke, VA  @ The Jefferson Center