MoB favorites the Drive-By Truckers have begun their Righteous Path Tour, but not without a slight setback. Patterson Hood has been ill with walking pneumonia, and while many bands would cancel their tour dates, the Truckers just trot out plan B. In this case, enter The Mike Cooley band. Mike’s been one of my favorite songwriters in the Drive-By Truckers and an evening of only Cooley penned tracks would be just fine by me.
Last week, for two nights in a row at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC the Truckers sans Patterson really brought it. Thanks to the internet, you can already listen/download both shows for your enjoyment/curiosity. Below, grab the MP3 of their cover of Neil Young’s “Rockin In The Free World” from the second night.
Related: Milwaukee Decider Interview: Drive-By Truckers
MP3: Drive-By Truckers – “Rockin In The Free World” (Neil Young)
Both nights were incredible. Luckily there were tapers there to document the shows. Cooley and the rest of the band really stepped up, even if it was partially with the help of Jack Daniels. Night 1, the band was visibly nervous going in, but steadied themselves and brought an amazing show. Highlights definitely included pulling a lucky fan out of the crowd to sing with the band.
Night 2 was just as good, but a lot smoother. Despite them never using a setlist, they still seemed to know where they were going with the show–complete control.
Not sure of what his name was, but one of the guitarists from Bloodkin played both nights with DBT, presumably playing Hood’s guitar parts. He definitely is owed part of the success of the shows.
listening to night 2, solid, seems like a great way for the band to really refine all the Cooley and Tucker repertoire. Love the new arrangements on Cottonseed and I’m Sorry Houston. Thanks for posting the Archive.org links, this is a rarity, just the same, get well Patterson, it’s strange to hear a Truckers show without your voice.
Have you heard if Patterson will be at the Milwaukee show? I stoked to see them.
Show is cancelled.
So bummed…
http://drivebytruckers.com/news.html
It will be rescheduled soon. Sucks, but will be worth the wait. Speedy recovery to Patterson!