Tag: Tapings

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Hall of Fame News Taping Recap

Taping Recap: ACL 10th Annual Hall of Fame 2024

On the precipice of ACL’s 50th anniversary, folks filed into Austin City Limits’ studio home ACL Live at The Moody Theater on September 5 to witness Garth Brooks’ induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, thus kicking off 50th anniversary celebrations with a hoot and holler heard round our great state. We knew the 10th Anniversary Austin City Limits Annual Hall of Fame Honors was going to be special, but nothing could have prepared us for a night the Austin American-Statesman declared a “raucous hoedown,” evoking the spirit of old Austin drawn from late nights at honky tonks, sharing beers with friends and strangers.

For the first time in the decade-long history of the ACL Hall of Fame, only one inductee was honored, making it all the more special of a celebration. Established in 2014, the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame recognizes legendary musicians and key individuals who have been instrumental in making television’s longest-running popular music show an institution. The ACL HoF is a historical archive, educational resource and celebration of ACL and the Austin spirit, capturing milestones in the history of the show and celebrating the performers who have graced its iconic stage. A longtime friend of the show, Brooks made his ACL debut in 1990 during Season 15 at the beginning of his career, and anchored ACL’s 25th Anniversary broadcast season with a pair of appearances in 2000 (and closing down Studio 6A on the UT campus before ACL moved its studio downtown), and made his celebrated return almost a quarter of a century later to the ACL stage, something he and executive producer Terry Lickona spoke of doing way back in Season 25. 

Following remarks from Chet Garner of The Daytripper and Austin PBS CEO Luis Patiño, a video tribute took guests on a journey through Brooks’ past Austin City Limits appearances. Next, executive producer Terry Lickona took the stage to present Brooks with the award of the evening. Overwhelmed with emotion, Garth stood back from the award podium for a beat, taking in the unending cheers from the studio audience. Joking about putting his award next to wife Trisha’s Yearwood’s (Yearwood was inducted in 2023), Brooks gave a rollicking acceptance speech before posing with the studio audience behind him for a crowd selfie. 

Brooks kicked off the night with unrivaled energy in what would turn out to be a career-spanning stadium-worthy performance, clocking in at over two hours. Playing a medley of songs that influenced his roots and served as a music lesson for the audience, including “Unchained Melody” and “Hallelujah,” Brooks warmed the audience up before his incredible 9-piece band joined him onstage for “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).” “We’re gonna have fun tonight,” laughed Brooks as he and his band tore through hit after hit, including crowd favorites “Two Piña Coladas,” and “Thunder Rolls.” 

Brooks picked up a stack of papers with previously submitted audience requests written on them. He theatrically called out the requesters, asked them to stand, and interacted with them in a heartfelt way before playing requests; “Unanswered Prayers,” “It’s Your Song,” and more. When Brooks reached the last request, he read it animatedly, “Garth, I love you but…. can you bring out Trisha?” The audience was out of their seats, cheering, at that point. Trisha Yearwood joined her husband and now fellow ACL Hall of Fame icon onstage for an acoustic version of their “In Another’s Eyes” and a rousing solo rendition of her fan-favorite “She’s in Love With a Boy.”

At that point the studio audience was probably wondering if it could get any better than that. Brooks took a pause to introduce his longtime band, calling out backing vocalist Robert Bailey Jr. A little lively back and forth revealed Bailey Jr. had appeared in the legendary movie Animal House (as a member of Otis Day & The Knights), and led to Bailey Jr. performing a roof-rattling cover of the movie’s iconic “Shout!” joined by the band. Brooks then paid moving tribute to the night’s other man of the hour, longtime ACL executive producer Terry Lickona, dedicating “The Dance,” to him and describing Lickona as “the beating heart of the show.” From there, the grand finale had everyone out of their seats, clapping, dancing in a joyous crowd-singalong. Brooks brought the house down with his biggest hit, “Friends in Low Places,” ending the unforgettable night on a perfect note with his Austin friends. Before exiting the stage, Brooks and band bowed and waved to the audience. It almost seemed like Brooks would have stayed onstage all night, taking requests. That’s how much he loves his fans. 

Highlights from Brooks’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air as a special hourlong Austin City Limits broadcast in early 2025 to celebrate the program’s golden anniversary Season 50. 

The series’ anniversary season launches on PBS on September 28, 2024 with a season premiere featuring an hour with Kacey Musgraves.

© 8 Ten, Inc.
© 8 Ten, Inc.
© 8 Ten, Inc.
© 8 Ten, Inc.
© 8 Ten, Inc.

Garth Brooks performs at 10th Annual ACL Hall of Fame, 2024. Photos courtesy of © 8 Ten, Inc.

SETLIST:

“Don’t Close Your Eyes”

“Three Wooden Crosses”

“Night Moves”

“Unchained Melody/Hallelujah/Girl Crush/perfect”

“Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old”

“Two of a Kind”

“Beaches of Cheyenne”

“Two Pina Coladas”

“The River”

“Turn the Page”

“Thunder Rolls”

Request Songs:

“Unanswered Prayers”

“It’s Your Song”

“We Shall Be Free”

“In Another’s Eyes” (w/Trisha Yearwood)

“She’s in Love With the Boy” (w/ Trisha Yearwood)

“Calling Baton Rouge”

“Shout” (performed by Robert Bailey)

“The Dance”

“Piano Man”

“You Never Even Called Me by My Name”

“Friends in Low Places”

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News Taping Recap

Taping Recap: Wynonna

September 3, 2024 – Country superstar Wynonna returned to the Austin City Limits stage Tuesday evening for the first time since her episode in 1997 for Season 22. “If you’re here for the first time, it’s about freakin’ time,” joked Wynonna to the exuberant studio audience. Bringing her vivacious showmanship and flair for onstage glam with her, Wynonna took the stage in a bejeweled velvet suit, with her unmistakable mane of perfectly coiffed red hair. Her career-spanning hour included classic chart-toppers from her legendary solo career, as well deeply personal new material, and tried-and-true hits from The Judds catalog. 

Wynonna kicked the hour off with “What It Takes” and “I Saw The Light,” from her 1992 self-titled solo debut. Pausing between songs to tell stories and check in with the audience, it was clear the intimate studio setting offered a place where Wynonna’s humility and care for her fanbase could shine. “I have a fan who’s been with me since 1984. She’s been to 47 states. In country music, we stick with one another,” said the singer/songwriter. 

“I’ve sung a lot of songs about love,” said Wynonna ahead of “Cry Myself To Sleep” from 1984 album Wynonna & Naomi. “This isn’t one of them. I’d like to dedicate this to my first ex-husband,” she continued to the cheering crowd. 

She then gave a raw and heartfelt account of personal hardships she’s endured over the last two years, including the loss of her mother and second half of The Judds.“I thought I would die of a broken heart, but instead I went on tour,” said Wynonna, describing the healing power of music and the unyielding support of her fans. She went on to introduce “It’s All Downhill From Ashland,” and “Broken And Blessed,” written alongside husband and drummer Cactus Moser, and never before performed live. Though candid with the audience about being nervous to perform them, she delivered the two new songs beautifully to an enraptured audience, people standing from their seats after each song in two impassioned standing ovations. Wynonna bowed, taking in the love from the audience, visibly moved. 

The second half of the hour was an electric joyride through some of the greatest hits from The Judds and Wynonna’s solo careers, including “Tell Me Why,” “Grandpa,” Why Not Me,” and, to close out the set, “No One Else on Earth.” By the end of the night, the studio audience was on their feet yet again giving the country legend standing ovation after standing ovation. You can catch Wynonna’s Austin City Limits episode when it airs on PBS later this year as part of our anniversary Season 50.

Wynonna performs on Austin City Limits, September 3, 2024. Photos by Scott Newton.

Listen to the full set list from the Austin City Limits taping below:

BAND CREDITS:

Wynonna Judd – Lead Vocals, Guitar

Cactus Moser – Drums, BV

Dow Tomlin – Bass

Justin Weaver – Guitar, BV

Aaron Currie – Guitar

KC Martin – Keys, Organ 

Josh Shilling – Keys, Organ, Accordion, BV

Jay Carlile – BV, Percussion 

Matt Combs – Fiddle 

Carlos Sosa – Sax

Fernando Castillo – Trumpet 

Raul Vallejo – Trombone

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Taping Recap

Taping Recap: Gracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams holds a guitar and smiles
Gracie Abrams on Austin City Limits, 2024. Photo by Scott Newton.

A long line of fans gathered outside Austin City Limits studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater, as early as 4 A.M. on the morning of Gracie Abrams’ highly anticipated Austin City Limits taping debut, many sporting hair bows of the popular coquette aesthetic currently making rounds on social media and arguably inspired by Gracie herself during her 2022 This Is What It Feels Like headline tour. Now sporting a chic bob, oversized denim and dress shirt, the metamorphosed Abrams made an understated, mature entrance to the ACL stage Tuesday night to a house packed with ecstatic fans chanting her name in unison. 

More than accustomed to performing to massive arenas, having supported both Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift’s world tours as an opener, the stripped down intimacy of the ACL studio audience brought out a special magic from the singer-songwriter and her four-piece band. “I’m so grateful to be here. Thank you to ACL for having us,” said Abrams midway through her hourlong set, taking time to scan the audience and wave to excited fans.

With her recent sophomore album The Secret of Us as the centerpiece of her set, Abrams shared with the crowd that this was the first time she and her band had the opportunity to run through the new songs onstage. “It’s really lucky to get to [perform new songs] in a setting like this,” she continued. 

Abrams and company kicked off the top of the hour with a trio of highlights from The Secret of Us, “Risk,” “Blowing Smoke,” and “I Love You, I’m Sorry.” Right off the bat, the adoring studio audience sang along to every word, which doesn’t come as a surprise since Abram’s latest release has been making headlines and topping Billboard charts in both the US ad UK since its release in June. Throwing it back with “21,” “Friend,” and “I miss you, I’m sorry,” off her breakout 2020 EP minor, Abrams expertly balanced new material with fan favorites. 

Within minutes of Abram’s radiant set coming to a close with “Free Now,” online Gracie Abrams fan accounts posted designed setlists and reviews of the performance. Word travels fast –  especially with Abrams’ fan base demographic. Fan accounts, studio audience, and crew alike can all agree Abrams made a remarkable debut on Austin City Limits we won’t soon forget. Make sure you follow us to find out more about how to watch the episode when it airs and streams this fall on PBS as part of Austin City Limits upcoming Anniversary Season 50.

Gracie Abrams performs on Austin City Limits, July 30, 2024. Photos by Scott Newton.

Listen to the full set list from the Austin City Limits taping below:

BAND CREDITS:

Gracie Abrams – Artist, Guitar, Keys 

Cooper Cowgill – Bassist & Musical Director 

Casey Kalmenson – Keys, Guitar, Vocals 

Elle Puckett – Guitar, Vocals 

Gabe Smith – Drums & Vocals

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News Taping Recap

Taping Recap: Hurray For The Riff Raff

“This is a dream come true to finally have the honor of taping an [episode of] Austin City Limits,” said singer/songwriter Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff Tuesday night. In their debut appearance on the show, Segarra took the stage humbly, waving at the studio audience, dressed in chaps and a leather vest with a scorpion and the bold lettering of ”Colossus” on the back. Backed by a four-piece band, Segarra made the hour a dusky, nostalgic venture through Hurray’s acclaimed latest release and ninth studio album, The Past Is Still Alive, drifting through personal stories of their past and heavily influenced by the proverbial and literal “ride” life can take you on. 

Hurray kicked off the set following the album sequencing with “Alibi,” “Buffalo” and “Hawkmoon,” which Segarra declared a trans song and dedicated to “Miss Jonathan, wherever you are,” a muse of theirs whom they met in their early travels as a young runaway. Next up was a trip back in time to 2022 album LIFE ON EARTH with “RHODODENDRON,” Segarra taking pause to regard the studio audience and speak about their latest album. Next up was “Dynamo,” “Snake Plant,” and “Colossus of the Roads,” which Segarra wrote for queer people and fringe communities shortly after the Club Q shooting in Colorado. 

“The next song is over ten years old,” said Segarra as an introduction to “The Body Electric” off 2014 album Small Town Heroes. By the time the band arrived at “Vetiver,” “Hourglass,” and “The World is Dangerous” off the latest album, it truly felt like a journey had been taken across America, exposing its dark underbelly but at times managing to bring out flashes of silver linings laced with perspective only time can achieve. It comes as no surprise elements of the album were lifted from Segarra’s phase of cross-country train travel inspired by Woody Guthrie songs and a poet’s sensibility. 

Ending the evening with an encore performance of “Ogallala,” named after a city in Nebraska, Segarra soaked in the audience’s applause, bowing deeply and once again waving with gratitude to the live audience. We sure hope Hurray for the Riff Raff’s travels bring them back through Austin again one day soon. You can catch Hurray For The Riff Raff’s Austin City Limits episode when it airs on PBS later this year as part of our anniversary Season 50. 

Hurray For The Riff Raff performs on Austin City Limits, July 2, 2024. Photos by Scott Newton.

Listen to the full set list from the Austin City Limits taping below:

BAND CREDITS:

Alynda Segarra – Singer/Songwriter

Nnamdi Ogbonnaya – Bass, Backup Vocals 

Parker Grogan – Guitar, Backup Vocals

Marcus Drake – Drums 

Lynn Ligammari – Saxophone

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Taping Recap

Taping Recap: The War And Treaty

The War And Treaty perform on Austin City Limits

Backed by an incredible seven-piece band, Nashville-based husband and wife duo Michael and Tanya Trotter, AKA The War And Treaty, dazzled Austin City Limits last week for a second time. Their first performance on ACL was during the pandemic, so the Grammy-nominated duo unfortunately taped their debut episode to a limited audience. This time around, the dynamic pair took the stage to a high-energy, captivated live audience who hung on their every lyric, offering multiple standing ovations throughout the night. 

“Can we take you to church tonight?” asked Michael Trotter Jr. of the audience early in their set, kicking off the hour with “Till the Walls Fall,” and new track “Tunnel Vision,” to be released on their forthcoming album (set for a 2025 release). After a soulful, “Are you Ready to Love Me,” the duo took a breath, a crew member running out to blot the sweat from powerhouse singer Michael Trotter Jr. He then introduced “Blank Page” as the song that garnered he and Tanya  “a couple of firsts in our lives. “It got us our first Academy of Country Music Award nomination, our first Country Music Association award nomination, and first Grammy nomination…” continued Trotter Jr. As The War And Treaty continued into highlights “That’s How Love is Made,” “Yesterday’s Burn,” and “Reminisce,” it was more than apparent, from their otherworldly vocal harmonies to their onstage chemistry, that the duo is sonically synced in a way that’s deeply rooted with love for each other and for what they do. They held hands during a few of their songs. Taking a moment before “Stealin’ A Kiss” to describe their first date and how they came to fall in love, the stories the duo told behind some of their songs were equally as entertaining as the songs themselves. 

The set took a turn to introspection, as U.S. War Veteran Michael Trotter Jr. prefaced “Skyscraper” with some background on his two tours in Iraq, and the decisions in his life that led him there. Shouting out his “battle buddies,” Trotter Jr. said, “I want to dedicate this song to everyone here.” From there, the talented pair  closed out their set with the upbeat “Called You by Your Name,” featuring spirited violin from Chelsey Green, followed by “Leads Me Home.” 

“Happy 50th Anniversary, Austin City Limits,” shouted Trotter Jr. as he recognized each band member, cuing the audience for applause for each talented person. As The War And Treaty left the stage to an audience on their feet, applauding, one thing was certain: bringing them back to the Austin City Limits stage for a proper live taping was the best decision we could have made. The War And Treaty’s taping will air this fall as part of Austin City Limits’ golden 50th anniversary season. 

The War And Treaty performs on Austin City Limits, June 28, 2024. Photos by Scott Newton.

Listen to the full set list from the Austin City Limits taping below: (Note that “Till the Walls Fall,” “Tunnel Vision,” “Reminisce,” and “Skyscraper” were performed but are not currently available on Spotify.)

BAND CREDITS:

Michael Trotter, Jr. – Piano, Vocals 

Tanya Blount Trotter – Vocals 

Max Brown – Lead Guitar 

Jonathan “Bam” Holmes – Drums

Tom Davis – Bass

Terrance “Slim” Holmes – Hammond Organ 

Ben Murray – Pedal Steel Joe 

Jordan – Trumpet 

Chelsey Green – Violin

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Featured News Taping Announcement

New Taping: Hurray for the Riff Raff

Hurray for the Riff Raff

Austin City Limits is excited to announce a new summer taping, Hurray for the Riff Raff, to be included in the stellar lineup of Season 50 performances. Hurray for the Riff Raff will make their debut on ACL Tuesday, July 2 in support of their latest release, The Past Is Still Alive.

Hurray for the Riff Raff. Photo by Tommy Kha.

Hurray for the Riff Raff’s latest release, The Past Is Still Alive, finds bandleader Alynda Segarra (they/them) being called “one of America’s best songwriters” (Vulture). Recently released on Nonesuch Records, The Past Is Still Alive is the record of Segarra’s life so far. Finding fans in everyone from Elton John to poet Eileen Myles, it has been hailed as “the next great American road album” (The Atlantic), through which Hurray for the Riff Raff is “etching their own story into the American songbook, and asserting that they belong there” (The New York Times). Pitchfork named it Best New Music, NPR Music‘s Ann Powers drew comparisons to Joni Mitchell’s Hejira and Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels On a Gravel Road, and in a sweeping cover story, Paste declared it “the most important album of the 2020s so far.” Produced by Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Indigo Girls, Waxahatchee), The Past Is Still Alive is both a memoir and a roadmap to America’s fringes, as Segarra uses portraits of their radical, itinerant experiences to deliver profound reflections on time, memory and loss. Segarra is 36, or a little less than halfway through the average American lifespan. In that comparatively brief time, though, the Hurray for the Riff Raff founder has been something of a modern Huck Finn, an itinerant traveler whose adventures prompt art that reminds us there are always other ways to live. Segarra’s poetic power proves why they have become a pan-everything fixture of the modern folk movement, illustrating inequality and independence, and navigating chaos and trauma with a sense of wonder and want. With The Past Is Still Alive, their ninth studio album, Segarra finally tells the story themselves, speckling stirring reflections on love, loss, and the end or evolution of the United States with foundational scenes from their own life. “It felt like a trust fall, or a letting go of this idea of proving something to the music industry—how I can be more digestible, modifiable, sellable,” Segarra says. “I feel like I’m closer to what I actually have to share.” 


We’re thrilled to welcome Hurray for the Riff Raff to the ACL stage for our milestone 50th season. Want to be part of our audience? We will post information on how to get free passes a week in advance of the taping. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for notice of postings. The broadcast episode will air on PBS this fall as part of our anniversary Season 50