Drive-By Truckers
Biography
Since their inception in 1996, Drive-By Truckers have carved out a unique niche in the music scene with their raw, unflinching storytelling, heavy-hitting guitar riffs, and blend of Alternative and Southern rock. Founded by Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, Drive-By Truckers have released 14 studio albums and played more than 2,500 shows over the last three decades. Notable members include long-time drummer Brad Morgan and current members Jay Gonzalez and Matt Patton, who have helped define the band’s evolving sound.
The band’s work has often reflected the state of American society, particularly through their celebrated trilogy of albums — American Band (ATO, 2016), The Unraveling (ATO, 2020), and The New OK (ATO, 2020) — which marked a bold foray into politically charged and topical songwriting, earning acclaim for its insightful commentary and fearless expression.
In 2022, they released Welcome 2 Club XIII (ATO), an introspective look back at their early days and the realities of adult life and parenting. The band continued revisiting key moments from their past with The Complete Dirty South in 2023 and the deluxe reissue of Southern Rock Opera in 2024, followed by a reissue of American Band that reaffirmed the album’s ongoing cultural resonance. The deep-dive into their own legacy continues with the release of Definitive Decoration Day in November 2025, a comprehensive and expanded edition of their beloved 2003 album that first solidified them as one of America’s great rock storytellers.
As they continue to push boundaries and explore new musical territories, Drive-By Truckers remain a vital and dynamic force in rock music — celebrated for their powerful narratives, unflinching honesty, and unwavering dedication to their craft.
Video & Press
Watch Jason Isbell & Drive-By Truckers Reunite for “Hell No, I Ain’t Happy” on Colbert
[Brooklyn Vegan] By Andrew Sacher As promised, Jason Isbell reunited with his former band the Drive-By Truckers for the first time since leaving the band in 2007 to perform on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night (12/2). They played “Hell No, I Ain’t Happy” to help celebrate the new “definitive” reissue of 2003’s Decoration Day (the first DBT album that Isbell […]
Drive-By Truckers Announce U.S. Spring Tour With Margo Cilker, Lydia Loveless
[Glide Magazine] Drive-By Truckers have announced plans for a US spring tour. Headline dates get underway March 9, 2023, at Indianapolis IN’s The Vogue and then travel through mid-May. Highlights include the band’s annual four-day “HeAthen’s Homecoming” celebration at Athens, GA’s famed 40 Watt (March 29-April 1) as well as two-night stands at Saxapahaw, NC’s Haw […]
Stereogum Review: Drive-By Truckers – “The Driver”
[Stereogum] By Brantley Guitierrez Next month, Southern rock road-dog legends Drive-By Truckers will release album number 14. The band recorded Welcome 2 Club XIII live-in-studio in Athens, Georgia with producer David Barbe, and the LP features backing vocals from people like Margo Price and former R.E.M. member Mike Mills. We’ve already posted the title track and “Every Single Storied […]
The Key to the Longevity of the Drive-By Truckers
From Southern rock band to ‘American Band,’ the Truckers have thrived and evolved [Washington Post] By Stephen Deusner The Drive-By Truckers turned 25 earlier this year — a considerable feat for any rock-and-roll group, much less one that had no expectations beyond its first recording session. With an extremely devoted fan base and a reputation as […]