Chances are if you’re from Texas, you’ve heard of Old 97’s. Formed in 1993, Old 97’s are often recognized as one of the leading pioneers of the al-country movement in the 90s alongside Drive-By Truckers and The Jayhawks. Headed by lead singer and Austinite Rhett Miller, Old 97’s have been heralded as a great live band, despite claims that the group never rehearses their act.
Despite their explosion on the alternative country rock scene (with high hopes of overtaking grunge as a national trend), Old 97’s were dropped from the Elektra label in 2001 following the release of their fifth studio album. After a couple of inactive years and settling down, Old 97’s returned in full force with 2004’s Drag It Up, and they’ve been chugging along strong since then. In 2013 the band released Old 97’s & Waylon Jennings, an EP of demo recordings from the 90s alongside the now-deceased country giant himself. 2014 marks the release of their latest and highest performing studio album, Most Messed Up, which debuted at #30 in the Billboard Top 200.
Old 97’s next performance will be Friday, October 17th at Stubb’s.
– Jack Anderson
