Jason Isbell Waves "Bye" To Drive-By Truckers
Sad news for Drive-By Trucker lovers, as one-third of the band's ass-whuppin' three axe attack has decided to part ways with the band, amicably. Jason Isbell joined the group after the band's breakthrough Southern Rock Opera and wrote his way into the hearts of Hood, Cooley, and the steady-growing legion of DBT fans. Lest you doubt the amicability of his departure, think about this: Jason's wife Shonna Tucker remains in the Truckers. So, that's one good-natured band split. Or a divorce in the making. The band explained via MySpace:
It's with a wide range of emotions and feelings that I'm announcing that we have parted ways with Jason. The split, which I consider extremely amicable is the result of a period of personal and artistic growth from all sides which has left us with differing dreams and goals.
Jason joined our band, mid-tour, in the fall of 2001, shortly after the release of our 4th album (Southern Rock Opera). His impact on the band was immediate and profound, bringing an awe-inspiring combination of vocal range, guitar dexterity, and amazing songwriting and leading us into an era of creativity that has resulted in three albums that I will be proud of for as long as I live.Throwing a dent in the "amicability theory," however, is this blunt message on Jason's MySpace:Life in a band is always a delicate balancing act of personal and musical chemistries. Having been in bands for most of my life, I still marvel that any band stays together for longer than a year. Especially if the band in question spends anywhere from 150-220 days a year on the road, as our band has done since 1998. That said, I have also likened this band to a family. A big, messy, sometimes dysfunctional one, but a family full of love all the same. It is in this spirit that I plan on Jason continuing to be a part of our lives wherever our roads and dreams take us in the immediate future.
Jason is about to embark on a tour (including a leg of dates with Son Volt) with his stellar band and will be releasing (finally) his amazing solo album "Sirens of the Ditch" < July 10 from New West Records > . We all are wishing him nothing but the absolute best on every step that plays before him.
Cooley and I will have played together for 22 years this summer and DBT is about to begin it's 12th year of existence on the very day that we will be going into the studio to begin recording our 8th album. Cooley recently sent me a demo of five new songs and yesterday I demoed nine new ones for consideration. In addition to Shonna and Brad (who is coming up on ten years in the band) John Neff will be playing with us full time, playing both guitar and pedal steel. John was a founding member of the band in 96 and has already played on four of our albums and has been on the road with us, full time for going on two years.
It is my sincere and and adamant hope that everyone will support all of us, and by that I mean our band and Jason's, as we deal with this transition. Jason's tenure in this band has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me on a personal and musical level and our love for him and his music is in no way changed or endangered by our collective decision to move into different directions.
In addition to the upcoming THE DIRT UNDERNEATH tour and the recording of our next album, we will also be playing some special ROCK SHOW dates this summer and hope to do another leg or two of THE DIRT UNDERNEATH in the fall.
As always, the bond that we have with each other, as well as with the folks that come to our shows and listen to our records has always been one of the things that has set this band apart. We plan to continue on in that tradition and spirit and hope you will come with us as we attempt to tell another tale and Rock the nights away a little while
longer.Sincerely Yours,
Patterson Hood
Drive-By Truckers
April 6, 2007
I am not in the Drive By Truckers anymore. Go figure. I wish them luck. I will not answer questions about it.Hmm. Anyway, head over there to hear some of Jason's solo stuff and check some of his tour dates. Just make sure not to ask him any questions about it.
Posted at 4:23 PM
Tags: Drive-By Truckers | Jason Isbell
That blows.
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But at least it wasn't Cooley.
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This is sad news, but also a great opportunity for Jason to better demonstrate his songwriting and guitar-playing talents.
I've written my thoughts on DBT and Jason's departure over at my blog, The Weight. Check it out here: http://theweightonline.blogspot.com/2007/04/jason-isbell-leaves-truckers.html
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I'm not one to start rumors, but I have no problem continuing them :) I've heard that Shonna and Jason have been over for a few months now.
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Also, his profile picture was him holding up a card advertising his album and the release date in one hand...and flicking off the camera in the other. I believe it was posted today, but I could be wrong. And his new blog post says "If I could change it, I would."
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John Neff is also the chief blogger at Autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/john-neff/
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From Jason Isbell's latest blog entry: "I ask that you continue to support the Truckers (they are still friends of mine)... If you have inquiries, I think Patterson's blog on the DBT page is answer enough. It's well put."
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Nooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
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I've heard that Shonna and Jason have been over for a few months now.
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that has been my understanding for quite some time now as well.
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No one is going to talk about how bad this band is?
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Nope, yep - that's because they're one of the best American bands and this is sad news
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"No one is going to talk about how bad this band is?"
Just you. Most everyone else knows how completely incredible they are. Enjoy your solitude.
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I always felt Isbell was an real important part of the band. He wrote some great songs. It'll be weird not to hear Outfit at a Truckers show from now on.
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at least his solo record is finally gonna come out!
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Saw Jasons solo show in Decatur Alabama in late February. I'd say its over with Shonna. Saw Jason lovin all over some little hottie. Funny thing is she looked like a mini-me Shonna. The show was great........now we have two shows to go see.
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The whole was greater than the sum of the parts as they say. DBT had the greatest 3 guitar attack since rossington/collins/king. Guys, reconsider. That DBT southern thang is bigger than any of you realize. Here's to hoping we can all get along and get back together.
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i'm saddened by this news. along with the seemingly continued absence of texas shows. but, if future albums contain everything we can relate to, and some of the grim things we can't... it won't be the end of the world. this is bad, though.
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I've always had my concerns about a marriage between bandmates. Thank God for John Neff.
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I must have had my head in a hole because i have just found out about this departure, i assure you us north of the border will continue supporting both drive by and jason...we never had a chance to see blessing done live here in vancouver
peace to all
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i've seen several interviews with the truckers, and jason has always been MIA...i just thought he was shy.
i love DBT and will continue to be a fan, but i ADORE jason isbell and can't wait to hear his solo stuff. the stuff i HAVE heard is amazing...as i would expect.
best luck to both worlds...and here's to hoping they both make stops in tampa/st. pete real soon.
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he and shonna are no longer together.... they've been done for a while.
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It's a real shame that Jason has left the band. How many bands can boast 3 great singer/songwriter/guitarists ? I think "Decoration day" is one of the Truckers finest songs. Jason is a real nice guy too and I'm sorry to hear that he and Shonna have split. Best wishes to DBT and Jason for the future.
P.G.
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I don't know what happened but DBT is still gonna be geat and so is Jason Isbell. Jason is one of the brightest guys I have ever had a conversation with (when they opened for Skynrd in Columbus GA)and he is a fine songwriter and guitar player who is Never Gonna Change, he ain't doin' nothin' wrong.
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I don't know what happened but DBT is still gonna be geat and so is Jason Isbell. Jason is one of the brightest guys I have ever had a conversation with (when they opened for Skynrd in Columbus GA)and he is a fine songwriter and guitar player who is Never Gonna Change, he ain't doin' nothin' wrong.
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can't wait to hear Jason's album and see him play out again!
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Both Jason and DBT will be in New York City for shows on July 19th. Coincidence maybe.
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Jason Isbell is going to be playing in Philly on July 14th. The show is at the North Star Bar and starts at 9 PM. E-mail me if you want directions
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Jason Isbell is currently on a very extensive tour in support of his new album "Sirens of the Ditch"! Don't forget to show some love!
Sat 07.07.07 - Sheffield, AL - Muscle Shoals Music Hall w/ Sons of Roswell, Lauderdale
Mon 07.09.07 - Athens, GA - 40 Watt w/ Justin Townes Earle
Tue 07.10.07 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl w/ Justin Townes Earle, Ben Trickey
Thu 07.12.07 - Raleigh, NC - Hideaway BBQ w/ Justin Townes Earle
Fri 07.13.07 - Richmond, VA - Canal Club w/ Justin Townes Earle, Wrinkleneck Mules
Sat 07.14.07 - Philadelphia, PA - North Star w/ Justin Townes Earle
Sun 07.15.07 - New London, CT - Sailfest FREE
Mon 07.16.07 - Boston, MA - TT the Bear's w/ Justin Townes Earle, Barn Burning
Wed 07.18.07 - Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel w/ Justin Townes Earle
Thu 07.19.07 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge w/ Justin Townes Earle
Fri 07.20.07 - State College, PA - Lulus w/ Justin Townes Earle
Sat 07.21.07 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls w/ Justin Townes Earle
Sun 07.22.07 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom w/ Justin Townes Earle
Tue 07.24.07 - Toronto, ONT - El Mocambo
Wed 07.25.07 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
Thu 07.26.07 - Cincinnati, OH - Lite Brite Test on Fountain Square - FREE
Fri 07.27.07 - Madison, WI The Terrace - FREE
Sat 07.28.07 - Minneapolis, MN - 400 Bar w/ Travelers of Myth
Wed 08.01.07 - Seattle, WA The Crocodile
Thu 08.02.07 - Vancouver, BC - Media Club
Fri 08.03.07 - Portland, OR - Dante's w/ Mike D and Thee Loyal Bastards
Sat 08.04.07 - San Francisco, CA - Cafe Du Nord
Mon 08.06.07 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
Tue 08.07.07 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
Thu 08.09.07 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge w/ Centro-matic \
Fri 08.10.07 - Lincoln, NE - Knickerbockers w/ Centro-matic
Sat 08.11.07 - Lawrence, KS - Bottleneck w/ Centro-matic
Sun 08.12.07 - Denton, TX - Hailey's
Tue 08.14.07 - Austin, TX - Mohawk w/ Centro-matic
Wed 08.15.07 - Houston, TX - Walter's on Washington w/ Centro-matic
Thu 08.16.07 - Baton Rouge, LA - Chelsea's w/ Centro-matic
Fri 08.17.07 - Orlando, FL - The Social w/Will Hoge and Centro-matic
Sat 08.18.07 - Tampa, FL - The Crowbar w/Centro-matic
Mon 08.20.07 - Charlotte, NC - Amos Southend w/ Centro-matic & Hot Rod Grease Lightning
Wed 08.22.07 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle Tavern and Music Hall w/ Centro-matic
Thu 08.23.07 - Louisville, KY - Phoenix Hill w/ Centro-matic
Fri 08.24.07 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge w/ Centro-matic & Sons of Roswell
Sat 08.25.07 - Birmingham, AL - Stokin' the Fire at Sloss Furnace
Fri 08.31.07 - Chattanooga, TN - Rhythm and Brews
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