Drive- By Truckers Frontman Patterson Hood talks about the departure of bandmate Jason Isbell from Drive By Truckers. Mike Cooley, @JasonIsbell, @PattersonHood - @dbtrockshow Marc Maron Podcast Clip
I would have loved to have heard that whole interview, but it's nice to hear Patterson talk openly and honestly about Jason and their relationship.Those are three talented songwriters for sure and while they put out some phenomenal records together, Jason has really shone brightly since leaving DBT'.And it's nice to hear Patterson acknowledge his gift.
The good news is they got past it. Jason was, by all accounts including his own, out of control in terms of substance abuse and was married to the bass player then divorced, That's an impossible dynamic to keep going in any band. Jason got sober and had success, and the Drive By Truckers survived and thrived post Isbell. And they still talk today and occasionally play together, no ill will, all water under the bridge. Given the history, and the volatile situation, that's the best case scenario. Jason Isbell has said even his own father thought he might be a goner in terms of addiction, he really thought at one point that an early grave was more likely than recovery. Goes to show that even down in the dirt addicts can sometimes defy all expectations and not only get sober, but do amazing things in sobriety as Jason Isbell has done.
No matter what the subject matter is Jason’s music always has a beauty to it….like it’s undeniable….I’ve heard certain songs of his that at times have made me cry & I don’t even know what the song is about 🤷🏼♂️but it has a feeling that can just stab you right in the heart ….in the best way 😉y’all be safe🖤
I think I first discovered The Drive by Truckers in 1999? I think around the time Pizza Deliverance was released. I lived in Atlanta, Georgia at the time and at that time, they used to play at the Star Community bar in Little Five Points and a couple years later at the Earl in the East Atlanta Village all the time. I saw them play a few times with Rob Malone (Patterson often called Rob "the Devil" back then ) on guitar (and vocals on a couple of songs). Around this time it was kind of a thing for DBT to play the Earl in East Atlanta right before Thanksgiving. sometime around 2001 I went to see them play at the Earl for that thanksgiving show. It was sponsored by PBR lol. It just so happened that Jason Isbell walked out on the stage that night instead of Rob Malone. The band went right into the set without saying a word. They played 4 or 5 songs before taking a breath. Everyone in the crowd was stunned to see this new guy in place of Rob, and in the momentary silence that occurred when the band finally took a breath- someone yelled "where's the Devil !!" Cooley calmly replied " The devil went down to Georgia, too bad thew band was in Oklahoma at the time" Patterson promptly introduced Jason and coined his nickname "Nearly Famous". I have a PBR sign autographed by the entire band and Isbell signed it "Nearly Famous, Jason Isbell"
DBT is a great band and really original. I think that Jason just about exploded under them, but it was just something they all needed and needed to go through.
It’s funny how most musicians write their best stuff while on drugs yet Isbell gets sober and writes, IMO, a top 5 album of all time in Southeastern. I liked his previous first 3 solo albums but I think before Southeastern his best song he wrote was God Damn Lonely Love with DBT’s. A song I’ve covered 100 times and is so well written and has one of my favorite chord progressions with the bridge. Em, C, G, F#/D with the D string open then pressed down on D#/Eflat, Em, C, then ending on Cminor. I grew up on Elliott Smith so I know good chord progressions and that one is a damn great one.
The band I was working with in 2005 played with DBT at the Riverfront Parking Deck in Wilmington NC. Amazing show! Those guys were real friendly and brought a high energy, great show! We had played right before them at Smilefest 10 the night before and the shocked look on all those smiling hippies faces was gold! 😂
DBT I saw twice, before Isbell and after, at TINY venues in Iowa City, IA. Legendary shows. Especially The Mill. Played the entirety of Southern Rock Opera in the 2nd half of that show. Valentine’s Day. In a snowstorm.
I was at the Mill show in February during the snow storm. Not many there. I was drinling pretty heavily at the time. They were so kind to my dumbass. They played every song I yelled out and autographed a poster for me. Best rock show I ever saw! Finally getting my hearing back.
@@johnhamer1277 that was an incredible night. I was a student at the time, and i have vivid memories of trudging in knee deep snow over the Riverside St bridge back home
There’s really no debate that kicking Jason out was the best thing that’s ever happened to his career. Pretty sure he’d say it was personally as well. He probably already has. Being the guitarist for what would become a legendary band, and then having them tell you to hit the road for not having your shit together could’ve gone very, very bad. To his credit, it ended up being the biggest blessing. As for their records, love Decoration Day and Dirty South, with Southern Rock Opera, then Gangstabilly and A Blessing and a Curse not far behind. And the first half of The Big To Do is fantastic. So far, life and other music has gotten in the way of getting into the rest.
They were like a a claymore mine….Southern Rock Opera is the best Skynyrd tribute and ode to the South as will ever be…good to see them all living thru it
I had no idea Patterson was on WTF. I used to listen to Maron back when podcasts first kinda came into vogue but haven't in years. I'll have to check this one out
Glad to see everyone is getting along. Patterson & Cooly(sic) are still as good & ex members like Jason are doing well. I’m old, but I am so thankful for those that gave me a chance. Parties involved should realize ,as I do, that they, are fortunate to have the connection to one another, otherwise - ? I’d love to see these guys- sometime in the future do a reunion. Any thoughts?
Even without everything else, I think Jason probably had to leave eventually. He's too much of a songwriter, and a deeply personal songwriter to boot, to wind up as anything but a solo artist.
They just don't give a shit about commercial success. I think they're way better now. Maybe toned down a bit, but still fantastic. 21st century USA hits home for sure.
