Two of the best in the business.

There’s no doubt that the alternative country scene is not only the most popular that it’s ever been, but also arguably the most talented as well. While it seems as if the likes of Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson have risen to the top in popularity, countless other acts have proven time and time again that they deserve to be put into these conversations as well. Of course, you can look to the likes of Whiskey Myers, Flatland Cavalry, Colter Wall, Shane Smith & the Saints and more.

Despite there being so much talent, when it comes to who many rank as the best band and duo, chances are a majority of independent country fans will point to the likes of Turnpike Troubadours and Muscadine Bloodline, respectively.

With Turnpike, they hardly need an introduction. With six albums’ worth of what can only be described as brilliance over the past 15 years, the Oklahomans have proven time and time again why many (myself included) view them as the greatest country band of all time. Simply put, they’re everything you want out of a modern country band. Between frontman, Evan Felker’s, masterful writing ability, Kyle Nix’s brilliant fiddle work on each album, RC Edward’s equally stellar songwriting and bass work and Ryan Engleman’s always-slick guitar riffs, Turnpike is the quintessential country band of the 21st century.

As for Muscadine, the duo comprised of Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton has been on an absolute tear as of late. In addition to releasing a staggering seven projects over the decade so far, they’ve finally been catching some mainstream buzz as of late. Notably, they’ve scored Duo of the Year nominations two years in a row at the ACM Awards. Couple that with opening up for the likes of superstars like Post Malone and Lainey Wilson, the Alabama natives have been on an absolute tear.

Lately, the two indie stars have been out on the road together, with Muscadine serving as direct support for Turnpike for the entirety of their tour, which kicked off in Chicago back in June and wraps up in October.

Given that Turnpike was a huge influence on Muncaster and Stanton’s sound, with the duo even teaming up with Nix on their single, “Tickets to Turnpike,” back in 2024, it seemed like only a matter of time before the two powerhouses teamed up for a live performance at a show.

Taking to Instagram, Muscadine uploaded footage from their June 13th show in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Here, the two teamed up for the Oklahoma band’s 2012 fan-favorite track, “Gin, Smoke, Lies.” In the caption, the duo noted how incredible the tour has been so far, expressing how much of an honor it is to share the stage with one of their biggest influences.

“This tour with Turnpike Troubadours has been incredible. We’ve looked up to this band our whole career from the songwriting, the albums and how they’ve paved their own way. It’s such an honor to share the stage with them and watch them every night.”

Unsurprisingly, the two groups absolutely kill it, with Muncaster and Stanton taking the first verse before Felker joins in on the chorus. In particular, hearing the three come together on the chorus is nothing short of chill-inducing if you’re an alternative country fan. Simply put, it’s a must-watch.

Watch here: