We finally got a moment to catch our breath after the studio taping marathon during the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Those of us working on the TV show barely made it to the festival grounds (if at all) since we had so much going on here. But from what we heard, the festival was a smashing success, so congratulations to all of our friends for putting on what some are calling the best ACL Fest yet.
So while most everyone was down in Zilker Park, we recorded some seriously incredible performances, with Manu Chao kicking it all off last Tuesday with his bounce-able, energetic, reggae-infused sound. The Drive-by Truckers then kicked some country-rock butt on Friday, proving they are one of the best live bands around. Friday found the studio audience singing along while Gnarls Barkley grooved onstage. An emotionally-charged set from the Swell Season followed on Saturday night - and people are still talking about surprise special guest Daniel Johnston’s first appearance on ACL with the band. And finally the Foo Fighters shut it down on Monday, possibly rocking Studio 6B harder than  it has ever been rocked. Thanks to everyone who came out to the shows, we really had fantastic audiences for each of the tapings and it really does make all the difference.
I’ll be back later in the week with more details about the tapings (and some photos), but for now check out the press coverage about the festival and the start of our 34th season, officially beginning this Saturday night, October 4th with a re-broadcast of the R.E.M. episode. If you haven’t seen it yet, it is great and really showcases the phenomenal album they released this year.
“Hitting the Radar: A Festival Soars in Austin,” The New York Times
“Foo Fighters, Raconteurs Rock Austin City Limits,” Billboard Magazine

Just a quick note to say the Drive-By Truckers taping was fantastic. It’s long been a dream of mine to see the Truckers on this stage, as it always seemed like their natural home. Fans already know that they’re one of the best live bands in rock & roll, and we’re happy to have a hand in sharing them with a wider audience.

This is also probably the first taping that ever choked me up. I didn’t realize the story that usually precedes “18 Wheels of Love” had changed. It was a beautiful thing.

The episode is likely to air at the end of January - check your local listings around then.

About four hours ago the 7th annual Austin City Limits Music Festival commenced at Zilker Park. For updates, live webcasts, setlists, and info on radio broadcasts, visit the festival’s website.

Meanwhile, we’ll be in the studio all weekend. As I write this entry, the Drive-by Truckers are tearing it up onstage.

Have a great festival weekend! Let us know what your favorite sets are in the comments.

…and Manu Chao on music. Go here for the review/interview.

Giveaway is over. Congratulations to our winners: Austin, Christopher, Carolyn, Tom, Dewi, Joseph, Tim, Julie, Jason, Bryson, Sarah, Len, Jeff, Henry, Patrick, Scarlett, Will, Marcus, Butch, James, Jennifer, Chris, Leslie, Eduardo, Benjamin, Kerri, Karlene, Brandon, Faith, and Kevin. See you tomorrow!

On seven highly acclaimed albums, including Decoration Day, The Dirty South and the massive Southern Rock Opera, the Drive-by Truckers survey the modern South with a complex blend of realism-tempered regional pride and compassionate but uncompromising analysis. Both celebrating the accomplishments and dissecting the flaws of Southern culture, the band’s intelligent narratives have garnered them a massive audience far beyond regional or national borders, resulting in ever-growing record sales, popular tours and multiple appearances at the major music festivals (including several stints at the Austin City Limits Music Festival). In celebration of the group’s latest album Brighter Than Creation’s Dark, the Drive-By Truckers will hit studio 6A for a set of smart, passionate rock ‘n’ roll.

We’ll be giving away 30 pair of general admission tickets to the taping, which is on Friday, Sept. 26, at 3 p.m. Submit your email here until Thursday (tomorrow) at noon; winners will be drawn at random. Winners will receive a confirmation email with details about their tickets.