Battle of the Vices

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By James Ziegenfus on 08/20/2008

Filed under: SOON

I'm hard-pressed to think of a band I've seen drink more during a show than The Hold Steady. They're the only band I've ever seen begin a set with a full bottle of Maker's Mark and end 45 minutes later with an empty one. And that's not even the extent of their drinking. Whether it contributes positively or not to their raw performances and Craig Finn's wordiness is up to the audience. (I don't think many who see the Hold Steady seem to mind, regardless of how sloppy they may get over a night.)

(clockwise from left: The Hold Steady, cigarettes, Drive-By Truckers, Maker's Mark. What will happen when they all collide on the same tour this fall?)

Similarly, I can't think of anyone I've seen recently who smokes more during a show than Drive-By Truckers' Mike Cooley. Maybe I've just happened to see them when he really has an urge to smoke or maybe it seems like a lot since most of the shows I see are at smoke-free venues, but the guy is like a chimney.

In a clear attempt to create the rowdiest rock shows of the fall, these two bands will be touring together and bringing havoc all over the country with the Rock and Roll Means Well Tour. If you do choose to see this riff-heavy double bill, you'll be entertained with stories about Charlemagne, Holly, and Chester that'll make you wish your life had stories as good.

Tags: Battle of the Vices, Drive-By Truckers, The Hold Steady