Drive-By Truckers Announce Tour to Celebrate Southern Rock Opera
Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers recently shared, “We never said we’d never do it again. We’ve just said ‘not now’ for years.” Today, “now” has been determined: Starting June 7 in Indianapolis, the band will kick off a thirty-nine-show tour performing their acclaimed 2001 double-album, Southern Rock Opera, in its entirety. This announcement is like a dream come true for longtime fans, as some songs from the album, such as “The Southern Thing” and “Angels and Fuselage,” have rarely been performed or not heard in years.
The narrative of the album has become legendary, depicting Southern identity through the journey of a native son aspiring to become a rock star, much like his idol Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Throughout the album, the band addresses the South’s history, race relations, and youthful excess, all while delivering powerful rock reminiscent of Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers. Recording this project spanned nearly six years and nearly led to band breakups, solidifying its place as a monumental achievement in rock history.
Exclusive Interview: Reflections on Reintroducing the Album
When asked why now was the right time for this tour, Hood explained that various factors converged. The band is not prepared to create new material yet, having pursued other projects, and fans have consistently requested the album’s return. Hood humorously noted that Cooley has always said, “We’ll do it when we can do it on ice,” emphasizing the energy and effort required to properly honor the album. After much discussion over the years, they decided this year was ideal for following through on the promise.
Hood admitted to revisiting the material after a long time, enjoying the process of practicing songs they typically don’t focus on, reflecting on the album’s continued relevance. Although set in the seventies and eighties, the themes resonate strongly with current societal issues, highlighting alarming backslides in progress over the past decade.
Addressing the song “The Southern Thing,” Hood shared that while he considers it a standout guitar piece, he’s often felt it fell short of its intended message. He described how audiences reacted to it, noting the challenges faced when larger crowds interpreted the song differently than he hoped. The song, meant to illustrate the diverse perspectives of Southerners, became a point of concern for the band when it attracted unexpected representations.
As for the song “The Three Great Alabama Icons,” Hood acknowledged the potential for updates now that time has passed and cultural contexts have shifted. Although some prominent figures like George Wallace may not dominate the conversation, their legacies continue to shape discussions about current events and societal norms.
In terms of keeping the tour fresh, Hood mentioned that while they typically don’t perform encores or pre-planned set lists, this tour will likely include a different set of songs after the album performance. Some newer songs will also be integrated into the show, such as “Primer Coat,” connecting their past with the present as they pay homage to their roots in a celebratory yet reflective manner.
