The question of who is currently backing the "Queen of Country" on stage is more than just a simple list of names; it’s a story of resilience, tragedy, and a musical legacy that spans decades. As of December 2025, Reba McEntire continues her massive "Reba: Live in Concert Tour," and the musicians who stand behind her represent some of the finest talent in Nashville, carrying the torch of an ensemble with a profound and heartbreaking history.
The current lineup of Reba’s touring band is a tightly-knit, high-caliber group of artists known for their flawless execution and deep understanding of her iconic catalog, from her early hits like "Can't Even Get The Blues" to her latest work. While the specific names of every current member are often kept private by her management team, the musicianship on display during her 2025 tour dates is consistently lauded by critics and fans alike.
Reba McEntire: A Profile of The Queen of Country
Reba Nell McEntire, known simply as Reba, is an American country music singer, actress, and businesswoman. Her career is one of the most successful in music history, earning her the title "The Queen of Country."
- Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
- Born: March 28, 1955
- Hometown: McAlester, Oklahoma
- Genre: Country
- Signature Titles: The Queen of Country, Country Music Icon, The Voice Coach
- Career Milestones: Over 75 million records sold worldwide, multiple Grammy Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Acting Career: Starred in the popular television sitcom Reba and the Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun.
- Recent Activity (2024/2025): Hosting the ACM Awards for the 17th time, serving as a coach on NBC's The Voice, and headlining the "Reba: Live in Concert Tour."
The Defining Tragedy: The 1991 Plane Crash and The Band’s Legacy
No discussion of Reba McEntire's band can be complete without acknowledging the devastating event of March 16, 1991. This tragedy fundamentally shaped Reba’s life and the spirit of every subsequent musician who has played with her.
In the early morning hours after a performance in San Diego, California, a small plane carrying eight members of her band and her tour manager crashed into a mountain. Reba herself was not on the plane, having stayed behind with her then-husband, but the loss was immense and immediate.
The Musicians Lost in the 1991 Crash
The eight individuals lost were vital members of her touring family, many of whom were featured on her 1989 album, Reba McEntire Live.
- Chris Austin: Fiddler and Multi-Instrumentalist
- Kirk Cappello: Band Leader and Keyboardist
- Joey Cigainero: Keyboardist
- Paula Kaye Evans: Backup Singer
- Jim Hammon: Tour Manager
- Terry Jackson: Bassist
- Michael Thomas: Guitarist
- Tony Saputo: Drummer
The aftermath of the crash led to one of the most critically acclaimed and emotionally raw albums of her career, For My Broken Heart, which served as a tribute to her fallen bandmates. The album’s success cemented her role as an artist who could turn personal tragedy into universal, powerful music.
The Current Ensemble: Musicianship and The 2025 Tour
The band that currently tours with Reba McEntire is a testament to the enduring power of her music and the respect she commands in the country music industry. While specific names are not consistently published in tour press, the ensemble is known for its professionalism and ability to replicate the complex arrangements of her diverse catalog, from traditional country to her pop-crossover hits.
The Role of the Modern Touring Band
In the world of major touring artists like Reba, the band members are often session musicians or established touring professionals who are contracted for their specific expertise. Their roles are crucial and demanding:
- Musical Director: This key figure is responsible for the entire live sound, arranging the music, and leading the band on stage. While the current director's name is not public, this role is critical to the success of the "Reba: Live in Concert Tour."
- The Core Instruments: The band typically includes a lead guitarist, a bass player, a drummer, and a keyboardist/pianist, often with additional musicians for fiddle, steel guitar, and background vocals to capture the authentic country sound.
- High-Caliber Talent: Musicians in Reba's band are required to be versatile, moving seamlessly between the high-energy rock-infused tracks and the delicate, emotional ballads that define her career.
The current tour, which features special guests like Terri Clark on select dates, showcases a band that is both technically brilliant and emotionally connected to the material.
Topical Entities and The Band’s Enduring Influence
The story of Reba’s band is a powerful chapter in country music history, ensuring that the names of the lost musicians—Chris Austin, Kirk Cappello, and the others—are remembered alongside her biggest hits. This legacy creates a unique atmosphere for the current band, who are not just playing music but honoring a memory.
The current band continues to perform at high-profile events, including her hosting duties at the ACM Awards and her role as a coach on The Voice, where her live performances often feature a scaled-down version of her full touring ensemble. Her ability to consistently deliver a world-class live show, decades into her career, is a direct reflection of the caliber and dedication of the musicians she chooses to work with.
Ultimately, while the specific names of the 2025 band members may remain in the touring credits, their collective sound is unmistakable: the powerful, enduring backdrop for one of country music's greatest voices. They are the latest chapter in a story of loss and renewal that has defined the live performance career of Reba McEntire.
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