Danny Clinch
The Drive-By Truckers’ Two-Night Stand Q&A with Patterson Hood
T
he Georgia Theatre is back, and as we all should have expected, Drive-By Truckers are slated to do a two-night weekend stint in the newly renovated Athens landmark. These shows will provide the Theatre with a further christening, allowing the venue to explode back into life as she sheds her after(re)birth. Truckers vocalist and guitarist Patterson Hood was kind enough to share some thoughts and memories of the Theatre, while also getting us up-to-speed on the DBTs’ current ventures. Flagpole: Rough estimate: how many times do you think you’ve played the Georgia Theatre? Patterson Hood: A few times solo, maybe five or six times with DBT. FP: Of all those DBT Georgia Theatre shows, which ones stick out in your mind the most and why? PH: The one in fall of ‘03 (Decoration Day Tour) when Brad [Morgan] and Kimberly [Morgan] got married that day and we all celebrated onstage was a great one, and my favorites were the last two times, which was The Dirt Underneath Tour (spring ‘07), where we played acoustic. Those were extra-special. I also really have fond memories of a solo show I did there with Todd Snyder. Not sure what year, maybe ‘02 or ‘03. FP: Do you remember where you were and/ or what you were doing when you heard the news of the Georgia Theatre fire? How did you react? PH: I was in Louisville, KY playing a solo tour with The Screwtopians. My friend Jenn, who worked across the street, sent me a photo of the fire, and then my wife called crying. We were all really upset. When I got home a week later it was still smoking. I was scared that it was the end. FP: How would you describe the Theatre’s role in the Drive-By Truckers’ career so far? PH: It’s a wonderful room with a long, great history and such an important part of Athens life and culture—not to mention the architecture and its significance to the downtown infrastructure. FP: What are some of your fondest memories of shows you attended (not as a performer) at the Theatre? PH: Last night (Aug. 1) was by far my fondest memory of all. The Glands are my all-
time favorite band from Athens (their second album is my all-time favorite Athens album and one of my all-time faves period). I felt like I was witnessing two things that easily could have never happened ever again. The show was amazing, and the room is truly better than ever. It sounded perfect, and what a wonderful vibe.
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FP: What made you decide to release a cover, instead of an original song, as the first single from Go-Go Boots? PH: The band has nothing to do with things like that. That is all based on the label and the feedback they get from radio. I think they thought it had the best chance of getting radio play, and it actually did. I agreed with the decision, and it has been by far our most played song ever. Go-Go Boots is on its way to being our best-selling album. It’s one of my favorites. “Everybody Needs Love” is indeed a cover, but I knew Eddie Hinton (who wrote and first performed it). He was almost like part of my family, and I am very proud to be a part of more people finding out about him and his incredible music. FP: Can Truckers fans expect any wild surprises when you return to the Theatre? Has something been brewing these past two years that will likely melt a face or two? PH: Faces will be melted. That’s about all I can say. FP: When are you going to hang up this music thing, stop playing on “Letterman” and get jobs driving rigs? Do any of you even have a Class-A commercial driver’s license? PH: No, we just play them on TV. I think I will keep the job I have—if possible. FP: Is there anything else you’d like Truckers fans and/or newcomers to know? PH: I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of the grand re-opening celebration for the rebirth of the Georgia Theatre. We will be playing with our beloved friends Centro-matic, and it will be a stellar weekend. Kevin Craig
WHO: Drive-By Truckers WHERE: The Georgia Theatre WHEN: Friday, Aug. 12 & Saturday, Aug. 13 HOW MUCH: SOLD OUT!
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AUGUST 10, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM
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