Jason Isbell was 22 years old when he joined the Drive-By Truckers in 2001. Over the next few years, he did some great work with that band, writing and singing lead on some of the best songs from their classic 2003 album Decoration Day. Isbell left the band to go solo in 2007, and after struggling for a while, he found his way to roots-rock stardom. This past Saturday, Isbell rejoined the Drive-By Truckers for an entire set — his first with the band in 19 years.
This past weekend, Jason Isbell and his 400 Unit headlined both days of Isbell's own ShoalsFest at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama. Other acts on the bill included Jeff Tweedy, SG Goodman, Willow Avalon, and Steve Trash. But the real draw must've been the Isbell rejoining the Drive-By Truckers, who played Decoration Day in full for the first time ever.
Things have always been cordial between Isbell and the Truckers. After a few one-off reunions with his old bandmates, Isbell got back together with them to play one song on Colbert last year. In April, Isbell's 400 Unit and the Drive-By Truckers both played the Sun, Sand & Soul festival in Miramar Beach, Florida, and DBT's Patterson Hood joined Isbell onstage.
Isbell and the 400 Unit ended their Friday night ShoalsFest headlining set when Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley joined them for a cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World," a song that the 400 Unit had never played live before.
The next day, Isbell and the Drive-By Truckers played all of Decoration Day and a few more songs together. Introducing "Outfit," his great song about his father's advice, Isbell told the crowd, "My dad and my mom, they're here. When I first went on the road with these fellas, they were terrified. And turns out, I was the bigger dumbass than any of these guys was. They were a good influence — you know, overall." Check out some fan videos below.
