Fans have a lawyer to thank for Dave Matthews Band.
Future front man Dave Matthews was a struggling songwriter tending bar when a lawyer encouraged
him to record demos of his songs.
Those demos were then used to eventually recruit the band’s founding members bassist Stefan Lessard, violinist Boyd Tinsley, drummer Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore—sadly, Moore died in 2008 from complications stemming from an ATV accident.
The early Dave Matthews Band made a name for themselves via their live shows. In a very short time the band was playing regular gigs at major clubs in the Charlotte area.
In 1993, the band released their first full length studio album, “Remember Two Things.” The album eventually went platinum—an incredible feat for an independent release. The album was also the only release to identify the band as “The” Dave Matthews Band.
In 1996, their second major label studio album, “Crash,” earned the band national fame and attention. "So Much to Say," a track from the album, won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Throughout the 1990’s DMB continued to draw big crowds at arenas and music festivals. Due to their improvisational-style live shows and their strenuous touring schedule, Dave Matthews Band was often compared to the Grateful Dead, a comparison usually meant as an insult.
In the studio, Dave Matthews Band was able to capture the excitement of their live shows to record and release six platinum or multi-platinum albums. They collaborated with legendary producer Steve Lillywhite on their first three releases as well as a leaked album of unreleased tracks.
The band has also released nine live albums and numerous other live performances that are only available for purchase on the band’s website.
In 2004, one of the band’s tour buses dumped 800 pounds of liquid human waste through the grate on the Kinzie Street Bridge in Chicago. The waste fell on passengers aboard a sightseeing boat that was cruising along the Chicago River.
For retribution, the band donated $100,000 to local environmental groups and paid $200,000 to settle a civil lawsuit out of court.
Dave Matthews Band is set to release their seventh official studio album in early June of 2009.
So for those who enjoy exciting and funky live music, and who love the atmoshere and vibe of a live concert, attending Dave Mathews Band this year is a must. Dave's on tour again and we've got the tickets for you.