Superstar country music artists Alabama are coming to Union Bank & Trust Pavilion in Portsmouth on Sunday, May 20, 2018. Montgomery Gentry provides the opening performance. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

From humble beginnings picking cotton, Alabama went on to sell more than 73 million albums while changing the face and sound of country music. Most impressive among the band’s success are the 21 consecutive No. 1 hits they recorded, an achievement likely never to be equaled in any musical genre. Alabama has 43 No. 1 singles during its career. Many of these hit songs are considered modern country classics and among the most memorable in country music history.

In the 40-plus years since Randy Owen, Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry left Fort Payne, Alabama introduced rock-style guitars, lights, pyrotechnics and sounds to country audiences.

Sparkling harmonies, irresistible stage presence, and world-class songwriting influenced almost every major country music artist on today’s charts: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Florida George Line, Trisha Yearwood, Rascal Flats, Eli Young Band, and Jamie Johnson. Rock superstars such as Jon Bon Jovi and Ed Sheeran cite Alabama are core influences on their music.

Alabama scored almost 180 international awards including CMA Awards, Grammy Awards and ACM Awards. The band has 21 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum albums and was named RIAA’s Country Group of the Century. The band is in the Country Music Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Alabama has raised more than $250 million for charity.

Montgomery Gentry’s next album “Here’s To You” will be released in Feb., 2018 and will go on the road to present it to its huge fan base.

The emotional return to stage is the first time Eddie Montgomery will be touring without his partner, the late Troy Gentry who died in a helicopter accident last September.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the band’s chart-topping music. The show promises a retrospective of greatest hits blended with songs from the anticipated new recording. Montgomery Gentry has recorded 14 Top 10 hits, including five to reach No. 1 on the charts.

Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry were inducted into the venerable Grand Ole Opry in 2009.

Tickets are on sale now at the Union Bank & Trust Pavilion Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or purchase online at ticketmaster.com.