Dave Matthews Band

One aspect of my life that is really hard for people to understand is my obsession with the Dave Matthews Band. Ever since I heard this band for the first time I was hooked. The first song I ever heard was the song Rapunzel off of the Listener Supported CD. I listened to the CD back in 1999 and I just loved the musical and lyrical aspect of the band. I was so intrigued by Dave Matthews Band that I went to K-Mart and bought a Dave Matthews Band CD. Ironically, the CD I bought didn't even have the song Rapunzel on it. The CD I bought was Under the Table and Dreaming. The rest is history...

This past weekend I saw Dave Matthews Band for the 29th and 30th time. On August 1st and 2nd I will see him for the 31st and 32nd time. There are multiple reasons I see Dave Matthews Band this much. First of all, it's a great type of vacation. Seeing Dave Matthews Band is a great way for me to get away for a day or two and see my favorite band. It's great to unwind for a few days and see a great band.

Secondly, Dave Matthews Band is a great band to see live. It is not rare for Dave Matthews Band to play for two and a half to three hours each night. Dave Matthews Band consistently has one of the best light and sound displays of any other band I've ever seen. Their musicianship is showcased live by their improvisational ability. I'm always looking to see what they're going to do next because it changes year to year and show to show...which brings me to my next point.

Thirdly, Dave Matthews Band's live shows are constantly adapting and changing. Usually when I see Dave Matthews Bands I see him two nights in a row at one particular location. People ask me, "Doesn't he just play the same concert?" NOT AT ALL! There are obviously exceptions to this. For example, Dave Matthews Band just released their new album (Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King) so may repeat 2-3 of those songs in a two night stint; however, when Dave Matthews Band plays two nights in a row you usually hear 36-40 different songs over those two nights.

Fourthly, not only does Dave Matthews Band's live shows constantly change but their shows are always changing as well. For example, I have heard the song Ants Marching at least a dozen times but the song has changed so much from the first time I heard it in June of 2000. Songs are always changing and adapting and constantly display the bands musicianship and creativity.

Dave Matthews Band is my favorite band and, as sad as it sounds, I will probably go to a lot more concerts until he just stops playing. The video below is Dave Matthews Band playing the song #41. The song is entitled 41 because it's the 41st song that the band had written. The song showcases lyrical ability of Dave Matthews and the musicianship the band possesses. It's quite long but you should definitely watch it regardless.