In tune with the Tide: The beat goes on with Bryant-Denny playlist

Ask anyone who attended the Alabama-Texas A&M game Saturday, and they will tell you Bryant-Denny Stadium made for a raucous atmosphere for the visiting team in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban confirmed this during his post-game interview.

With a capacity to hold 101,821 rowdy fanatics, Bryant-Denny provides one of the most exciting fan experiences in all of college football. The Crimson Tide’s first night game where it showcased the stadium’s LED lights came against Tennessee in 2019. That just added an element to the electrifying atmosphere.

Adding to the exhilarating environment inside Bryant-Denny is the stadium’s playlist, which features some of the most iconic tracks that are beloved by Alabama fans.

Let’s take a look at some of the songs that have become staples of the Alabama football fan experience.

“Thunderstruck” — AC/DC

One of the greatest pump-up songs in all of sports, “Thunderstruck” is featured during the Tide’s pre-game field entrance. The stadium’s four corner big screens provide fans an inside view of Saban leading his team onto the field while AC/DC lead guitarist Angus Young’s iconic intro is played. Another one of the hard rock band’s hit songs, “Hell’s Bells,” is played prior to each defensive third-down play.

“Mr. Brightside” — The Killers

Just as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” is to Gen X, The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” is widely considered to be the Millennial generation’s ballad. Led by the student section, the upbeat song’s lyrics make for an enthusiastic sing-along for younger fans.

“Friends in Low Places” — Garth Brooks

Speaking of sing-along songs, perhaps no other tune in country music is more recognizable than “Friends in Low Places.” Given that Garth Brooks is a timeless artist who boasts one of the world’s most loyal fanbases, fans of all ages can enjoy the lead song from the country singer’s 1990 hit album, “No Fences.”

NOTE: While we could not locate a video recorded inside the stadium, John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” has become another fan-favorite country song featured on Bryant-Denny’s playlist.

“Dixieland Delight” — Alabama

Of course, any list of fan-favorite songs played in Bryant-Denny would not be complete without a mention of “Dixieland Delight.” The iconic classic country song was placed on a brief hiatus in 2014 due to the “f*** Auburn” chant that rang each time the chorus was played.

However, UA administration launched a “Dixieland Delight Done Right” campaign that encouraged fans to drop profanity from the chant. The effort proved to be successful in 2018 as the song made its return. The campaign was bolstered by a PA-driven “beat Auburn” yell that drowns out any vulgarity chanted by rebellious fans.

“Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd

This southern rock anthem needs no description. Visit any bar or event in the state — or around the country for that matter — and you can count on any Tide fan in attendance to bellow out “Roll Tide” during the chorus each time the song is played.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL