Can they Hold Steady with DMB fans?

Hold Steady During an interview last summer, Alejandro Escovedo said the toughest gig you can play is opening for the Dave Matthews Band.

Because the crowd just doesn't listen. It's there to party.

That's not going to stop The Hold Steady from trying.

The Minneapolis band (via Brooklyn) has signed on as surprise guests to tour with the DMB this summer, including Post-Gazette Pavilion dates on June 19 and 20.

The Hold Steady plays a style of post-punk - somewhere between the Replacements and the E Street Band - that is not likely to appeal to DMB fans, who are generally more partial to virtuosic jamming.

The Hold Steady puts a big emphasis on Craig Finn's lyrics (about drugged-out party girls) that are likely to get lost in the shuffle during a shed show.

Let's hope in Burgettstown they don't showered with boos.

Comment below, or register to comment

 

Posted Feb 19 2009, 03:50 PM by Scott Mervis
Filed under: ,

Comments

Brian K. wrote re: Can they Hold Steady with DMB fans?
on Fri, Feb 20 2009 2:40 PM

I am issuing my vote of no confidence in the DMB crowd. I kept thinking on the one hand, it's nice they get this exposure, but no one's going to care. It's such a shame and makes my soul hurt a bit. It's also a little strange that last time they played here, there was no alcohol allowed in the building, and now there will be all the (way, way overpriced) beer anyone can drink, and it won't mean anything.

I am not a DMB fan by any means, but I do respect that Matthews tries to get openers that have some musical integrity and can enlighten his audience. So, here's to him for at least trying.

schizo wrote re: Can they Hold Steady with DMB fans?
on Sat, Feb 21 2009 8:44 AM

Wow, thanks for the news... we're FINALLY getting some good DMB openers in Pittsburgh! It sure beats most of the bums they usually bring to town.

I'm sure the reaction will be overwhelming indifference, with a few hardcore Hold Steady fans rocking out. Nobody would get booed at a DMB show... 80% of the crowd doesn't come inside until after the opener is done playing anyway.