Longtime country favorites Alabama [ tickets ] have added about 30 new cities to their farewell tour, a move that will keep the band on the road well into 2004.

Alabama launched what it said will be its final tour, dubbed The American Farewell Tour, in June. The additional dates were added "due to extraordinary fan response and overwhelming ticket demand," according to promoter Clear Channel Entertainment.

Clear Channel reports that the tour's first leg visited 40 markets, drew more than 400,000 fans, and logged ticket sales of more than $20 million.

"We anticipated a successful turn-out and have enjoyed an overwhelming response," Clear Channel's Brian O'Connell said in a statement. "But, the fans and ticket sales have clearly demonstrated The Alabama Band is still in demand and aren't done yet."

Added Alabama lead singer Randy Owen: "I had hoped Clear Channel might extend The American Farewell Tour to allow us to perform in places that weren't on the original tour schedule. It gives us a chance to play for these fans."

During the tour's first leg, Alabama's concerts have run for three-plus hours and have featured many of the 60-plus Top 10 hits from the band's lengthy career, including "Mountain Music," "Feels So Right" and "Dixieland Delight."

Alabama's latest album, "In the Mood: Love Songs," landed in stores in February. The set contains 21 of the group's previously released ballads, as well as two new tracks, "I'm in the Mood" and "The Living Years."