”Ghost Riders in the Sky” has been one of favorite songs, or alternatively, guitar instrumentals since the late 1950s. Among the best versions I had collected prior to Outlaws coming on the scene: Vaughan Monroe; Johnny Cash; Marty Robbins; and Roy Clark. Outlaws gave the song a thorough arena rock upgrade, and I like to listen to the live performances of the various lineups the band has weathered through. Currently the 2017 lineup playing at small venues have imho the best sound quality and a solid duo of lead guitarists who deliver the goods as well or better than their predecessors. I agree with you to the extent that Outlaws pioneered the elevation of the verses to virtual dark metal ferocity and intensity. But I respectfully push gently back against the notion that Outlaws own the song, because there are so many versions performed in different styles that it is like comparing apples to motowns. So I am seizing the opportunity to introduce to the community of fellow and sister Outlaws fans the following two modern re-arrangements created by two family bands that support their Christian music catalog by performing secular pieces with a level of virtuosity that I am confident present and past Outlaws shredders would cheerfully applaud. I had no idea these bands played Christian music until after I discovered these two versions of “Ghost Riders in the Sky”. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, along with all the other worthy versions. I’m still waiting for Buckethead to weigh in on it (assuming he hasn’t already). The version by Southern Raised shows bluegrass influences, whereas the other, by the brilliant Annie Moses Band, sounds quasi-ELO-ish (even including two gifted and - not that you care - gorgeous ladies on violin and vocals. ruclips.net/video/f4D_tAyF_iY/видео.html ruclips.net/video/oG85zhpgmJY/видео.html Btw, the Annie Moses Band includes an unexpectedly brilliant, slow burn guitar solo towards the end , which dovetails its 24th fret wailing climax with the first yippee eye yay of the goosebump-triggering chorus.
There are quite a bit of southern rock bands out there that never got the recognition they deserve and The Outlaws is one of them. They are a kick ass band with some great songs 😎😉👍🎼🎶🎸🇺🇸
I also saw them in 81at JFK in philly the only thing I was disappointed in was Danny Joe Brown wasn’t with Molly Hatchet other than that it was a great concert
Why not do that now? I do that all the time. Some of the greatest new bands are playing in bars an clubs and play for $10-$15 a ticket.. You can still do all the same stuff..IN fact it is getting more legal all the time. 420 legal in many states! Get out there and ROCK everyone!
A strat never sounded better than in the hands of hughie. He had a style of playing that just can't be duplicated. One hell of a guitar picker. Awsome band.
Saw them as openers for 38 spl. A year later they were headliners and 38spl. Was opening for them. Good times. Would gladly drive 100 miles to see them play.
When I saw 38 Special in '86-'87 my ex took me trying to fix us Bon Jovi opened for them 😳 I loved the Outlaws unfortunately didn't ever get to see them.😢✌️❤️🌼
I saw this concert back in 1981, I was stationed at Fort Hood and believe I went to Austin. They opened for UFO. This was on their Ghost Riders Tour, UFO was on their Wild, Willing and Innocent Tour. They rocked the heck out of this one, the screen in back actually had a herd of long horns with red eyes glowing. Modern bands suck compared to what used to be!
Damn, that background going with them playing this song must've been fucking cool. I'd had loved to see that!! I wish I could've been there to see that!
OMG I saw this tour too in Buffalo and I had forgotten the longhorns with the glowing eyes till you mentioned it! I do remember this song was the last song of the encore the night I saw them.
I’m 48, my dad’s favorite band, and has always been one of mine, is the Outlaws. This album was on repeat in my house growing up as a kid. Absolutely loved it. On your in Leesburg, Va in January 2025!!
Love this - back in the day when you actually had to play music instead of surround yourself with costumes and dancers to distract from your lack of talent. These guys obviously had a blast playing this.
Coincidentally, Bassist, Rick Cua (striped shirt, goofy glasses) wrote and sings a song called "Back in the Day" which includes the line "Back in the day, when music was music, and bands really played" on his band, Blues Counsel's recently released new album.
Saw them twice in the 70s, opened for Skynyrd and Marshall Tucker. My friend told me he saw them open for Dave Mason in 2023 and they were excellent! Been trying ever since to see them near Wisconsin but no luck. Don't know who's left but it would be nostalgic!
one of the best southern rockers ever...i saw them every time they came here....i saw them with Molly Hatchet when Molly Hatchet's first album came out...had front row seats....it was the PLAYIN' TO WIN tour....still have my concert program
In ‘79 they did a benefit for a young girl with some disease outside Philly. One of older friends had done roadwork for them so was able to get me in. It was a small show and I can still remember sitting off stage by the stairs drinking a Genesse cream ale and being surrounded by sound. My days are getting shorter so memories like this are awesome.
I saw this concert, Johnny Van Zant and Foghat performed with them in Atlanta at the Omni, we had box seats on the floor. The whole floor was filled with the Outlaws m/c. What a great night that was.
HAd the privilege of seeing the Henry Paul band open a show for them with Molly hatch second and them closing back in the day one of the best shows and I literally have seen hundreds over my 63 lives of life over the years that I ever saw
Agreed but originally it was a Western in 1948/9 (Stan Jones). It's one of the top 100 westerns of all time...according to the Western Writers of America. The song was released by several singers over the decades. You'd be surprised. Check it out. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(Ghost)_Riders_in_the_Sky:_A_Cowboy_Legend
I am 60 and saw them live in 1980 with foghat, in Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York and it was a great concert and that was a year before this recording ,and that concert was as great as this one is
seen them in NYC at the old Palladium 1980 and then pier 54 on my Birthday 1981, with great friends who are now ghost riders NEVER forget them, OUTLAWS Forever...... RIP all.......
Damn..I Love them all...Man I grew up in Tampa 1970 to present , growing up in Town and Country and going to Lowry Park ( before it was anything) watching Huey and the boys jam under the "shell" for nothing, not a dime,(other than the dime bag or 2 we had ) this was before anyone really even knew them...man what a time ,love em
.......and that is how it s done ......saw them opening for Molly Hatched in Germany Essen Grugahalle 1983. They took no prisoners and started hier show with this song. Still remember it just like yesterday. I feel sorry that I missed Billy Jones. Molly Hatched appeared with Danny Joe Brown, Dave Hlubek, Duane Roland, Riff West, Bruce Crump and Bobby Ingram. I feel sorry as well, that I missed Steve Holland......luv ur music, attitude and southern vibes from down there🙏keep it up
Saw them in May of 1981 at Kings Dominion amusement park, north of Richmond, Va. High school Sr night. Great show! Billy Jones was still with them on lead guitar.
Outlaws opened for Skynyrd at the Spectrum in Philadelphia in 76, great show. Ashame this live music is gone. Still listening today. Hughie and Billy almost stole the show. Than Ronnie and the boys came on. Both were great.
I bought High Tides Forever when it's been released, still got it nowadays and guess I been listening to it a little less than 100 000 times since then :))
This is brooks Rountree from Akron Ohio got a love this video Freddy really rocked it out I think he really had a lot to do with the success of this song
The Outlaws were originally going to play the Spectrum with Iron Maiden opening... For some reason they changed the venue to the Tower and recorded it for MTV I was there!
Summer of '80 in New Orleans. Lunch at Busters in the Quarter and hurricanes at Pat O'briens all. night. long. One of the best summers of my life. Where are you now Laura Daniels?
Saw them at Willowbrook ballroom In Willowbrook IL about this time. The Willowbrook ballroom is the beginning of the Resurrection Mary legend and can be spooky a hell
I remember seeing the Denim jean jackets with bands like Molly Hatchet, .38 Special, Allman bros.& Outlaws painted on the back. Even the heavy metal bands as well like Iron Maiden. Great artwork on most of them.
A Classic Southern Rock Band that never got it's equal due. Yes they charted & they had a good run. Mention the Outlaws now as you would the Allman Brothers band & lynyrd skynyrd, most people would say "Who". In my book equal guitars to any other Southern Rock band.
With ALL THE RESPECT IN THE WORLD to those who made this amazing song legendary, The Outlaws made the best version imo.
They own this ,hands down ! 😎👌👍❤
Agreed....saw em play it front row Long Beach Arena 81-82 awesome! Them and Molly Hatchet...
Eric Underwood class of 81 Downey High School California
Agreed👍
You got that right!
”Ghost Riders in the Sky” has been one of favorite songs, or alternatively, guitar instrumentals since the late 1950s. Among the best versions I had collected prior to Outlaws coming on the scene: Vaughan Monroe; Johnny Cash; Marty Robbins; and Roy Clark. Outlaws gave the song a thorough arena rock upgrade, and I like to listen to the live performances of the various lineups the band has weathered through. Currently the 2017 lineup playing at small venues have imho the best sound quality and a solid duo of lead guitarists who deliver the goods as well or better than their predecessors. I agree with you to the extent that Outlaws pioneered the elevation of the verses to virtual dark metal ferocity and intensity. But I respectfully push gently back against the notion that Outlaws own the song, because there are so many versions performed in different styles that it is like comparing apples to motowns. So I am seizing the opportunity to introduce to the community of fellow and sister Outlaws fans the following two modern re-arrangements created by two family bands that support their Christian music catalog by performing secular pieces with a level of virtuosity that I am confident present and past Outlaws shredders would cheerfully applaud. I had no idea these bands played Christian music until after I discovered these two versions of “Ghost Riders in the Sky”. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, along with all the other worthy versions. I’m still waiting for Buckethead to weigh in on it (assuming he hasn’t already). The version by Southern Raised shows bluegrass influences, whereas the other, by the brilliant Annie Moses Band, sounds quasi-ELO-ish (even including two gifted and - not that you care - gorgeous ladies on violin and vocals.
ruclips.net/video/f4D_tAyF_iY/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/oG85zhpgmJY/видео.html
Btw, the Annie Moses Band includes an unexpectedly brilliant, slow burn guitar solo towards the end , which dovetails its 24th fret wailing climax with the first yippee eye yay of the goosebump-triggering chorus.
Hands down nothing compares to this version
Absolutely
May we never forget hughie Thomasson
With all due respect to The Man in Black and The Highwaymen, among others, This is The Ultimate Version of This Classic.
Avec le nombre de guitariste c'est toujours audiblelameilleure version
There are quite a bit of southern rock bands out there that never got the recognition they deserve and The Outlaws is one of them. They are a kick ass band with some great songs 😎😉👍🎼🎶🎸🇺🇸
From Tampa, FL Florida's Guitar Army.
Saw these guys at RFK in 81 with Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, Marshall Tucker, and The Allman Brothers.
HemiHead664 - I would have loved to have seen that concert. I was 19 and those were my favorites!!
Now THAT'S one helluva lineup...
I also saw them in 81at JFK in philly the only thing I was disappointed in was Danny Joe Brown wasn’t with Molly Hatchet other than that it was a great concert
circa 79 . My First Concert . John Cougar . Molly Hatchet .. Headline :OUTLAWS !!!
Musta been a helluva night.............
People who lived at the same time that The Outlaws now can rest truly in peace with a smile on their faces. :)
Remember when you could just load up your buddies in the car and go see a kick ass concert with not a care in the world?
Good times
And not spend a fortune!
Why not do that now? I do that all the time. Some of the greatest new bands are playing in bars an clubs and play for $10-$15 a ticket.. You can still do all the same stuff..IN fact it is getting more legal all the time. 420 legal in many states! Get out there and ROCK everyone!
I sure do since I saw the Outlaws live on this very tour LOL
We must never let this art form and truly American born freedom die. PICK UP YOUR AXES AND JAM!!!!!! I AM
A strat never sounded better than in the hands of hughie. He had a style of playing that just can't be duplicated. One hell of a guitar picker. Awsome band.
I worked with his brother Sonny for a year in 1987. Saw them play at USF Sundome, they kicked ass.
Saw them as openers for 38 spl. A year later they were headliners and 38spl. Was opening for them. Good times. Would gladly drive 100 miles to see them play.
When I saw 38 Special in '86-'87 my ex took me trying to fix us Bon Jovi opened for them 😳 I loved the Outlaws unfortunately didn't ever get to see them.😢✌️❤️🌼
Saw them open for Skynyrd and Marshall Tucker in the 70s. Sorry! 😊
This has to be one of the greatest guitar Duos of all time No Doubt!
Others written and performed this song, but the Outlaws made it legendary!!
Old Neil levang did the instrumental on the L Welk show in 1961,check it out,but the outlaws made it ,you said it,legendary.
Just the best Southern Fried Rock on the Planet! Hughie! RIP brother!!!
I saw this concert back in 1981, I was stationed at Fort Hood and believe I went to Austin. They opened for UFO. This was on their Ghost Riders Tour, UFO was on their Wild, Willing and Innocent Tour. They rocked the heck out of this one, the screen in back actually had a herd of long horns with red eyes glowing. Modern bands suck compared to what used to be!
Die hard UFO fan here as well.... Mist underrated band ever
Was there at the municipal
1/12 Cav, 1st CD 1980-81! They played this a lot on KLBJ.
Damn, that background going with them playing this song must've been fucking cool. I'd had loved to see that!! I wish I could've been there to see that!
OMG I saw this tour too in Buffalo and I had forgotten the longhorns with the glowing eyes till you mentioned it! I do remember this song was the last song of the encore the night I saw them.
I’m 48, my dad’s favorite band, and has always been one of mine, is the Outlaws. This album was on repeat in my house growing up as a kid. Absolutely loved it. On your in Leesburg, Va in January 2025!!
Love this - back in the day when you actually had to play music instead of surround yourself with costumes and dancers to distract from your lack of talent. These guys obviously had a blast playing this.
+Chuck Heeman And they rehearsed their songs until they got them right.
Very true i lived music back then and proud of it 🎸✌🎸
Saw them at Three Rivers Stadium with Marshal Tucker and Lynard Skynard in 1977. Good memories!
Coincidentally, Bassist, Rick Cua (striped shirt, goofy glasses) wrote and sings a song called "Back in the Day" which includes the line "Back in the day, when music was music, and bands really played" on his band, Blues Counsel's recently released new album.
All while playing a song from a genera far different than what they normally played.
I absolutely love the OUTLAWS version of this song. I saw them in 81' when they opened for Black Sabbath.
Was it BS or Ozzie Osbourne's band? Bec that was the band I saw in 1981. Motorhead was the opening act.
@@msr1116 It was Black Sabbath fronted by Ronnie James Dio.
Saw this tour in Phoenix. The Outlaws opened for Black Sabbath.
@@burtyoung2971 Holy hell, what a show that must've been.
@@mikejoslin6107 - 1980
The Outlaws, best live album in my 63 years. God they were great .👍
scariest crowd I ever saw was Outlaws 1986 Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, I was 16. Silver medal to Danzig's first tour 1988
Saw them twice in the 70s, opened for Skynyrd and Marshall Tucker. My friend told me he saw them open for Dave Mason in 2023 and they were excellent! Been trying ever since to see them near Wisconsin but no luck. Don't know who's left but it would be nostalgic!
I`m so glad that in my lifetime,I got to hear this!
one of the best southern rockers ever...i saw them every time they came here....i saw them with Molly Hatchet when Molly Hatchet's first album came out...had front row seats....it was the PLAYIN' TO WIN tour....still have my concert program
The Florida Guitar Army!
Skynard the other Fl guitar army
Amen!!!
Actually I think it was thin Lizzy that started the duelling guitars thing but the outlaws perfected it
In ‘79 they did a benefit for a young girl with some disease outside Philly. One of older friends had done roadwork for them so was able to get me in. It was a small show and I can still remember sitting off stage by the stairs drinking a Genesse cream ale and being surrounded by sound. My days are getting shorter so memories like this are awesome.
This is the best version of this song ever made!!
What an amazing band! right up there with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Great Southern Rock
I was there in Calgary!!! These guys made the guitars speak. So wicked!!!! Mob Rules tour~
My first time in Boston, 1986 Orpheum Theatre . The Outlaws and Steve Ray Vaughn best show ever .
The Outlaws
Amazing Guitarris
Hugh Edward Thomasson, Jr. R.I.P. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I remember this video being one of the first live concert videos that the MTV showed when it first came on the air in back in 1981-82.
👍👍👍
👍👍me as well!!!!
Love this.My husband was singer of a band.they did great and Michael's voice was right on. Man it's been awhile since I last heard this.✌️
Miss you Hughie!!!!! A great man and a great talent!
I saw this concert, Johnny Van Zant and Foghat performed with them in Atlanta at the Omni, we had box seats on the floor. The whole floor was filled with the Outlaws m/c. What a great night that was.
Northern IL University circa 1979. At the Fieldhouse.
HAd the privilege of seeing the Henry Paul band open a show for them with Molly hatch second and them closing back in the day one of the best shows and I literally have seen hundreds over my 63 lives of life over the years that I ever saw
Man I sure miss the 80s heavy metal era these guys kicked ass on this song
I've always loved this song. Had to learn it and play it with my music class in front of the entire school. Johnny Cash does it justice as well.
Check out the duet version Johnny did with Willie Nelson, loose and easy-going but just as cool
out laws rock man songs like this live on forever you just can't replace this stuff
Cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride.
Chasing the Devils herd across an endless sky.
Just Southern Badass!!
Agreed but originally it was a Western in 1948/9 (Stan Jones). It's one of the top 100 westerns of all time...according to the Western Writers of America. The song was released by several singers over the decades. You'd be surprised. Check it out. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(Ghost)_Riders_in_the_Sky:_A_Cowboy_Legend
Saw them open for Marshall Tucker and the Allmans at Balboa Stadium in San Diego in Oct 1975. It was a good day.
A huge hit on the radio when I was ten...loved it ever since.
I am 60 and saw them live in 1980 with foghat, in Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York and it was a great concert and that was a year before this recording ,and that concert was as great as this one is
seen them in NYC at the old Palladium 1980 and then pier 54 on my Birthday 1981, with great friends who are now ghost riders
NEVER forget them, OUTLAWS Forever...... RIP all.......
Vintage Outlaws with Huey at the reigns. What a great band and what a great version of this classic. Love ya, brothers!
This is what the devil sounds like on a cold, dark, Florida winters night when the moon is full. We need more like this.
Damn..I Love them all...Man I grew up in Tampa 1970 to present , growing up in Town and Country and going to Lowry Park ( before it was anything) watching Huey and the boys jam under the "shell" for nothing, not a dime,(other than the dime bag or 2 we had ) this was before anyone really even knew them...man what a time ,love em
Holy God! At the 4.00 minute mark my faith in mankind is restored.
Made me look, uh I mean listen (and look)
the jamming begins....
.......and that is how it s done ......saw them opening for Molly Hatched in Germany Essen Grugahalle 1983.
They took no prisoners and started hier show with this song. Still remember it just like yesterday. I feel sorry that I missed Billy Jones.
Molly Hatched appeared with Danny Joe Brown, Dave Hlubek, Duane Roland, Riff West, Bruce Crump and Bobby Ingram. I feel sorry as well, that I missed Steve Holland......luv ur music, attitude and southern vibes from down there🙏keep it up
Saw them in May of 1981 at Kings Dominion amusement park, north of Richmond, Va. High school Sr night. Great show! Billy Jones was still with them on lead guitar.
triple guitar threat. foundation of southern rock.
Hello from Switzerland!
Thomas, a great fan since 35 years.
I stand with those Outlaws! 🎶✌️🎶♥️
Outlaws opened for Skynyrd at the Spectrum in Philadelphia in 76, great show. Ashame this live music is gone. Still listening today. Hughie and Billy almost stole the show. Than Ronnie and the boys came on. Both were great.
Seen them live they kicked ass it was them and marshal Tucker band
The Outlaws kick ass!
hughie will never be forgotten
Freddie Salem lives by me now. Nicest, most down to earth guy you could ever meet.
Sicklix Wish Freddie would consider guest appearances with the Outlaws.....So underrated but man could he fill it with Hughie........
Freddie was a scream met him when they toured with Foghat and yes great guy
Would like to see him again. Freddie is a great guy. Great fun on the road with the band
Sicklix I've met several of my musical heroes and it's always nice when they are exactly like you hoped they would be. Wish I could've met Hughie.
Not so good guitar player..
WHUPPASS!! Wish it was 20 minutes instead of 6 minutes!!
Man can this band shred on those guitars
Yes! And let's not forget the drummer
Great song. Awesome rendition!
I bought High Tides Forever when it's been released, still got it nowadays and guess I been listening to it a little less than 100 000 times since then :))
This is brooks Rountree from Akron Ohio got a love this video Freddy really rocked it out I think he really had a lot to do with the success of this song
I would give anything to see them live! 🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️❤️❤️
They were awesome live! They still play but most original guys are dead. Henry Paul still going. Saw latest version just over a month ago.
wow breathing life into a classic well done !!!!
Outstanding
The Outlaws were originally going to play the Spectrum with Iron Maiden opening... For some reason they changed the venue to the Tower and recorded it for MTV I was there!
I well remember this on MTV.
Cowboy Country to Heavy Metal in 4 minutes. Outlaw Rock!
Seen them at Stone Pony Asbury park NJ , prolly 81 good ole days !! Bunch of other southern rock tours . Tucker , ABB , charlie d ,
Man Hughie was so awesome!
Summer of '80 in New Orleans. Lunch at Busters in the Quarter and hurricanes at Pat O'briens all. night. long. One of the best summers of my life. Where are you now Laura Daniels?
Me too. Thank you ❤️😊
Eine der besten Live-Versionen!
Gratuliere! Hammermäßig 🎼🎶🎶🎶💯
The Florida Guitar Army! The Outlaws!
killing sound folks.......greetings from Greece!
sem comentário esse som. muito bom..😎😎
Forget the date. The Electric Cowboy Festival in Columbia Tennessee. Dam what a good time and show ❤❤❤u gies
LEGENDARIOS 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶
Saw them at Willowbrook ballroom In Willowbrook IL about this time. The Willowbrook ballroom is the beginning of the Resurrection Mary legend and can be spooky a hell
Awesome just awesome. Seen these guy's Rock out in SC, Iowa April of 81.
Best version, Hands Down!
Saw them in 1974 in Central Park in New York for free .!!
I remember seeing the Denim jean jackets with bands like Molly Hatchet, .38 Special, Allman bros.& Outlaws painted on the back. Even the heavy metal bands as well like Iron Maiden. Great artwork on most of them.
breathtaking....thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Love the stage smoke !
Legends in their own time....If that don't get you goin, nothin will!!
Its pure magic fantastic rock
Saw them at Aragon B(r)a(w)llroom / Chicago in '79 as headliners, with Molly Hatchet and 38 Special, too! That triple-ax threat was just the best!!!
Seen this band in Florida, man they could really jam. They are sensational.
I like this version the best. I remember when this video came out
1976 with Marshall Tucker in L.A.!!!!
Off the charts
They use to play the old St Pete Bayfront Center in the 80s every year with Molly Hatchet. Never a bad show. Damn I miss these guys.
My favorite version of this song..
A legend!!!!!
One hell of a guitar solo.
I'll be an outlaw till the day I die...
A Classic Southern Rock Band that never got it's equal due. Yes they charted & they had a good run. Mention the Outlaws now as you would the Allman Brothers band & lynyrd skynyrd, most people would say "Who". In my book equal guitars to any other Southern Rock band.
Killer Strings ,,,,,,, what Guitar man wouldn't love this ....
Rick Cua, great bassist!!
He always makes it look so effortless
Saw them bout every time that were in Nashville. The last was a little bar in west Nashville with a little known Warren Haynes setting in for 3 songs.
Superb!
La mejor versión, que escuchado. Bien sureña de usa.