Drive-By Truckers

If you like your music on the boot stomping, head nodding, southern rocking side of things then you should take the next opportunity to see DBT - you'll quickly understand what it is about the band and their music that creates such a fervent and passionate fan base around them.

You'd have to go a long way to see a better, more engaging front man than Patterson Hood. He feels every word of every song, every night. Mike Cooley, the band's other main singer and writer along with Patterson has a more laid back, country vibe to his delivery and guitar playing but his songs are no less intelligent or heart felt and, well, he's just so goddamn cool. With multi instrumentalist Jay Gonzales, Brad Morgan on drums and Matt Patton on bass this is a band that clearly enjoys what they do and are doing it as well or better now than I have ever seen before.

That said, one highlight from my first DBT show at the Manchester Academy 2 was a 15+ minute rendition of one of Patterson's narrated story songs - 18 Wheels of Love - that are so suited to his rich, Southern drawl, that had the Manchester crowd hooting and a-hollering like the good old Southern boys and girls that we had all become for the night.

Then there was Steve McQueen last time out at the Manchester Ritz which had the sprung floor bouncing like nothing I've ever seen and one of my personal favourites Let There be Rock which is always great live and which has something in for everyone to relate to. And if you like to see a band in their own hometown then their annual Homecoming shows in January/February at the legendary 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia are not to be missed. You'd be surprised how many people travel not just from all over the US, but from all over the world to catch these shows every year - its a 3 night rock n roll experience like no other, in a great part of the world surrounded by good people. If you're lucky enough to see them play their version of People Who Died you'll never forget it. But then perhaps you'll read this, go to the next DBT show and see for yourself what its all about. It'll change you and only for the better.

If you can't get to a live show sign on to the fans forum website at threedimesdown.com - every show is there for you to see. It's no substitute for the real thing but it'll get you in the mood. As one guy told me on my first Homecoming trip to Athens - "this band is gooder 'n sheeit!"

Well...Well ..Well (as RL Burnside would say )I had the best night ever...my ears are still looking for themselves. They are now ringing loudly like a constant white noise. However , this Gramma doesn't mind because she likes to be close and personal to the people who like to "rock the house" AND the Drive by Truckers are some of those people. I saw them in Waterloo, Ontario Canada on friday night and man, what a show!!!. The setting is intimate with a snug stage in an upstairs dance hall that holds maybe 300 people. The hall was originally one of Waterloo's first singles clubs back in the 60's and now the grand children of those beautiful single moms and dads are jiving and rocking to some of the best music around Patterson's energy and commitment to ensuring his fans go away well sated with the beauty of the song is just amazing. Mike's voice carried some powerful lyrics and that young Matt on base...well he just brought it on with devotion and a constant smile of pleasure on his pretty little face. This ole gal was moved by the powerful guitar playing and steady drumming that I need to go to Muscle Shoals and kiss the ground !! What feeling these southern boys have. I saw the Truckers at Saugeen Summer Nights (near out cabin in the woods) 3 years ago on a big ole open air stage and was very impressed..bought the CD...well ....seeing them in the intimate setting of The Starlight Lounge in Waterloo was an event not to be surpassed. Loud and Proud they were...romantic and honest...true to their roots and so professional that I know they carry their music in their blood. Boys that can rock the house...boys that can bring you to dance away your woes...boys that can appreciate the small town fans who live so far away. A show of shows...I"m glad this ole gal rocked inches away from such lovely and talented young men. I bought the T-shirt !!!!!!!!!! Ha.. Honestly a fan with great respect for the talent and devotion of such remarkable people. Elfie Polzin a.k.a Mrs Keebler ox

I held onto a slight hope that Jason Isbell (who had just performed in Lyons the night before) might join the Truckers at Red Rocks, but I wasn’t all that surprised when he was a no-show. Isbell will always be the lost voice for anyone who has been a fan of the band for a long time, but he’s not the only missing Trucker — the absence of Shonna and Neff has been felt for a few years now as well. It took a little time for Jay Gonzalez to solidify himself as a true member, and I had an extremely hard time with Matt Patton when he joined on bass, but I should have never doubted Patterson Hood. Change is always hard, especially when you’ve followed a band like family, but change can be good as well. The Drive-By Truckers made use of a beyond sold-out crowd at the most iconic venue in the United States to show the world that while the whiskey might not be flowing like wine anymore, there is literally nothing missing from their sound. As Hood, Cooley and Patton came together in a small circle center-stage, guitars blazing a path to the people in the cheap seats, they made a declaration that was impossible to ignore. Taking a cue from Neil Young and Crazy Horse, they decided not to dwell on their surroundings. Who needs to talk about a venue when you can rock the hell out of it instead! - See more at: http://ilistensoyoudonthaveto.com/2015/08/17/drive-by-truckers-alabama-shakes-red-rocks-08-16-15/#sthash.i73NtNHs.dpuf

Tremendous show in every way! Teragram Ballroom is THE live music venue in LA. State of the art sound and lighting. Opening act, Lydia Lovelace and her band were fantastic. Great stage presence, command and good songs. Look out for her - she's the real deal
DBT - simply amazing! Beautifully crafted songs often dealing with important issues and personal stories delivered with raw power and conviction. I think the show was close to 3 hours of pure bliss and I loved the way DBT handled the couple of knuckleheads in the crowd at the beginning by pointing them out and telling them to GTFO. What an evening!

This is an acoustic show, so quite the opposite of the truckers normal loud rock shows. But man were these guys on fire. Got to hear a bunch of songs you don't normally get to hear and acoustic versions of some classics. They sounded great and looked like they were having a good time up there. As long as you go into the show knowing it's going to be quiet and laid back, you will have a great time. Do not miss this, especially if you are a long time fan.

It's been awhile since I saw a show that reinvigorated my love for rock n' roll and although the Drive-by Truckers are not rock purists, their brand of rock n' roll with some country snarl thrown in definitely gave me hope that rock lives - and rock with a message that's provocative and timely. The Drive-by Truckers are one of the most important bands in America right now and it was a joy to see them live. Can't wait to see them again.

I've seen Drive By Truckers in a big festival setting and in a small local theater, they never disappoint! Although I have to say the smell of Jack Daniels coming down from the stage of that small venue just adds to the experience.
The energy on stage just pulls you in, no matter the venue. They are entertaining, they play for the crowd and play off the crowd. I always catch their show when I have the chance. If you can, check them out.

They are always great. The venue is new, but still working out the kinks. The sound was not great. The crowd was disappointing. Not the bands fault. They are so good live but last night was a perfect example of why bands don't come here. A weak crown in terms of numbers and energy.

This show was AMAZING! It's Great to Be Alive is a fantastic album that I never get sick of! Thayer Sarrano was a great opener and nice addition to the end of the show! The crowd was super into it and I wish the Truckers would come to Cincinnati more!! DBT!!!!

Wow, what a show. This was #10 for me and I can honestly say it was the best show I have seen (post Iz & Shonna). The set list was DEEP and the energy was through the roof. DBT never ceases to surprise me by getting better every time.