Hank Williams, Jr. + Alabama to Wrap Up SeaWorld Concert Series

Hank Williams, Jr. and Alabama have been announced as the final acts for the 2014 Bands, Brew & BBQ concert series at SeaWorld.

Williams will perform on Saturday (March 8), and Alabama will wrap up the concert series with an appearance on Sunday (March 9).

The back-to-back performances from two country legends will bring an end to a controversy that has surrounded the concert series since the release of a documentary titled 'Blackfish,' which raises questions about the ethics and safety of keeping killer whales in captivity.

Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and Trace Adkins are among the artists who canceled their appearances at the festival after the film’s allegations made headlines, while Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Justin Moore, Gretchen Wilson and Scotty McCreery have all appeared at the festival.

“I don’t agree with the way they treat their animals,” Nelson said when he pulled out of his appearance. “I understand that there are some natural-habitat zoos out there, which is probably OK,” he added. “But what they do at SeaWorld is not OK.”

Wilson and McCreery both said they weighed all sides of the issue carefully before deciding to proceed with their performances.

“I did my research…can’t wait to see my FANS on Saturday!” Wilson said of her decision.

“You know, there’s two sides to every story,” McCreery stated. “I’ve done my research, and I feel like it’s a fine decision to go out there and play SeaWorld.”

Williams has yet to comment publicly on his upcoming SeaWorld show, but Alabama tweeted about it after the announcement on Monday (March 3).

More information about the Band, Brew & BBQ lineup is available here.