Authentic Unlimited

From East Tennessee.
Formed in 2022. The core of this band was the final configuration of Doyle Lawson’s band Quicksilver when he retired in December 2021.
From the Quicksilver band: Eli Johnston (banj0), Jerry Cole (bass) and Stephen Burwell (fiddle). New members: Jesse Brock (mandolin) and John Meador (guitar). Meador previously played with his family band Kentucky Just Us.
The name of the band was suggested by Doyle Lawson. Because several band members were songwriters, they had unlimited material. And since they were committed to playing authentic bluegrass music, “Authentic Unlimited” emerged as their band name. They also discovered that their initials AU is the symbol for gold on the periodic table. The symbol comes from the Latin word aurum, which means “shining dawn” or “gold.” So they incorporated AU into their band imaging to represent that they are now the “gold standard” for bluegrass music.
2022, released first self-titled album (Billy Blue) and simultaneously released The Gospel Sessions, Volume 1 (Billy Blue).
2023 (November 24), made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
2024, released So Much for Forever album (Billy Blue) and simultaneously released The Gospel Sessions, Volume 2 (Billy Blue).
2025, John Meador left the group to join Vince Gill’s touring band and pursue a solo career. He was replaced by Colton Baker (formerly with IIIrd Tyme Out).