By James Lundell
This summer the Dave Matthews Band toured the U.S. before the release of their upcoming album. Front man Dave Matthews told me before the first of two shows at Soldier Field in Chicago, “We like to test our new songs on tour before we release them on an album. The way our songs change from night to night is a reflection on how the fans like them. If we see a lot of fans up dancing around, we’ll play them louder, if we see they are just chilling we’ll just chill.” I made it to three shows on this tour, June 29 and 30 at Soldier Field and August 19 at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy Wisconsin. Out of the three shows I think the best was the first night at Soldier Field. I have never seen or heard a better show.
This is the set list from June 29 at Soldier Field:
41
Warehouse
What Would You Say
The Song That Jane Likes
Watchtower
Grey Street
Don’t Drink The Water
Say Goodbye
Lie In Our Graves
Bartender
36
JTR (John The Revalator)
Diggin’ a Ditch
Stay
Two Step
Drive In Drive Out
The second night at Soldier Field DMB was joined by soul legend, Al Green. Al joined the band for the filming of the upcoming I-MAX movie “All Access,” which also features artists like Trey Anastasio from Phish, and Carlos Santana. Al Green joined the band on stage for the song “Take Me To The River”. The second night was a good show, but it not nearly as long as the first night. The band played many new tunes such as, “Sweet Up & Down,” “Grace Is Gone,” “JTR,” “Long Black Veil,” and my favorite, “Grey Street.” The most unexpected thing of the night was Dave’s 15 minute guitar solo on “Jimi Thing.”
The new album is expected to be released in November and is rumored to be titled “Busted Stuff.” There are also many rumors that DMB will play two nights at the Metro Dome this winter. For up to date information on tour dates and DMB news, visit www.DMBML.com.