Drive-by Truckers is the best rock n’ roll band touring right now. And, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is the happiest place on Earth. So it made a certain amount of sense that the two met at Magnolia Fest last weekend. What may not be as clear is why DBT played the 11:30 slot Saturday night. What else could Mag Fest do? The great Mavis Staples played before the great Willie Nelson in the prime time slots. Legends win that battle every time; and I suppose they deserve it. But Drive-by Truckers is consistently, overwhelmingly tight- night in and night out. Even with a hint of being over-served, and while battling some sound issues, they killed it for two hours. It was reaffirmation for me that I will not miss them when they get close, and will do what I can to make my way to the Spirit of the Suwannee as often as possible.
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is just such a cool spot. Hundreds of acres on the banks of the gorgeous Suwannee River are all that they sound like they would be. Oak tree canopies, cypress tree lined ponds, and good vibes abound for four days of incredible music in a beautiful setting. The experience is epitomized by the amphitheater stage- a natural amphitheater draped by the aforementioned canopy. It is nothing short of magical. The bigger names can’t fit there which adds to an intimacy. But it is big enough to have hosted the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Stephen Marley (who may have been the second best “show” of the entire festival), and Drive-by Truckers during Mag Fest. The alternative showcase is the Meadow Stage, which hosted names like Willie Nelson, John Prine, and Mavis Staples on this particular go round. All of those were worthy viewings, but it was Drive-by Truckers ending off Saturday night that really delivered the blissful climax. Willie’s set was not quite what it has been in years past. It is still Willie Damn Nelson, but the sound wasn’t quite right and dare I say he may be finally showing his age. And Mavis Staples was wonderful when she was on stage, but her googly hip kept the former member of the Staples Singers backstage or seated for a good portion of her set. DBT was more than happy to pick up the slack. They came on right at 11:30 to an enthusiastic crowd that was plenty lubed up and ready for a raucous show.
Therein lies the almost oxymoronic reality of Drive-by Truckers. Their music is rowdy and whiskey-soaked and often dark-themed, but they are such incredible musicians that the experience feels like a perfectly crafted performance party. The two hours were filled with almost no banter other that Patterson Hood’s outstanding story-telling around a couple of songs and Mike Cooley’s well received joke about no one sneaking off to take a piss while the boys played a new song. Both frontmen are rockstars in the truest sense, but ones that seem like they would be the coolest guy at the party because they are just that awesome at life, not because they take themselves overly seriously. Mag Fest makes you want to go back there (and see Drive-by Truckers) every weekend. And if I could, I would. Guess we will just have to wait until Springfest brings a former Trucker in March.
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