Honky Tonk Time Machine: Sold-Out ‘90s Country All-Star Salute Rocks Huntsville
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The neon lights of the 1990s burned brighter than ever this past Thursday night, February 5, 2026, as the Von Braun Center transformed into a massive honky tonk. The “All-Star Salute To ‘90s Country: Honky Tonk Time Machine” brought over 30 legendary artists to the stage for a marathon of hits that proved the decade’s enduring grip on the American heartstring.
The atmosphere was electric long before the first note. A sold-out crowd, with ages ranging from 5 to 85, filled the downtown venue. From the moment the house lights dimmed, the audience remained on their feet, dancing in the aisles and singing every word to the soundtrack of their lives.
A Night of Chart-Toppers and Tributes
The evening was a masterclass in country music history, featuring 17 number-one hits and emotional tributes to the legends who have passed. Darryl Worley delivered a stirring rendition of Randy Travis’s “Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart,” while Jamey Johnson brought the house down with a soulful cover of George Jones’s “Choices.”
One of the most poignant moments of the night featured Tony Rich performing “Nobody Knows” in honor of the late Kevin Sharp, and a collective celebration of the late Daryle Singletary during a star-studded performance of “Too Much Fun.”
The “Love-Fest” Backstage
For the artists involved, the night was as much about the community as it was about the music.
“This event was a reunion of sorts for so many of these artists,” said executive producer Bob Romeo. “Some still continue to tour while others not so much; however, backstage was nothing short of a love-fest.”
Executive producer Frank Matassa of LMA Productions, Inc., emphasized the undeniable impact of the era. “Watching the audience sing the words to practically every song back to the artists… proved what an impact ‘90s Country music had. The final television show is going to be something very special for the audience no matter what age is watching.”
The Full Set List: Honky Tonk Time Machine
For those who missed the live event—which was filmed for a highly anticipated upcoming television broadcast—here is the complete rundown of the performances that rocked Huntsville:
Notable Absences and Pre-Show Vibes
The evening kicked off with high energy thanks to Eric Blankenship, who warmed up the crowd with favorites by Joe Diffie, Toby Keith, and Gary Stewart.
While the lineup was massive, a few legends were missed. Several artists were unable to attend due to health issues, including Tanya Tucker, Danny Shirley (Confederate Railroad), Doug Stone, and Collin Raye. Additionally, Tracy Lawrence, Aaron Lewis, and Michael Ray were absent due to prior tour booking conflicts.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting the announcement of the air date for the television special, which promises to bring the magic of Huntsville to living rooms nationwide.