BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene

HOUSTON -  Hours before Super Bowl kickoff, the Fan Plaza surrounding NRG Stadium was buzzing with music.

On one stage, Nashville country-rock band Sixwire, known for their gig as Rayna James’ (Connie Britton) band on “Nashville” as well as the backing band for HLN’s Robin Meade at her live shows, kicked into high gear.

After their performance, the band’s drummer, Chuck Tilley, said he’s cheering for an Atlanta Falcons win because of his allegiance to his alma mater, the University of Alabama, and its famous wide receiver, Julio Jones.

“Julio is my hero,” he said. “I’ve been a fan of his since he was a freshman. I really want this win for him."

RELATED: Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy talk Patriots, Super Bowl and Howard Stern

About the Author

Keep Reading

A holiday-themed "Shark Tank" episode on Dec. 10, 2025, features Sandy Springs entrepreneur Kate Stice Stewart and her Bauble Stockings. (Disney/Christopher Willard)

Credit: Disney

Featured

A MARTA operator is seen inside the control room of one of the new MARTA trains during the unveiling of these trains on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez