By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
September 12, 2003
Phoning from Athens, Ga., Patterson Hood is a little spacey. Sick and stuffy, the singer/guitarist for Drive-By Truckers was happy for a little diversion from Kleenex and chicken soup. His band will be in Chicago this weekend for a two-night stint at the Abbey Pub (call 773-478-4408) to promote their new CD, “Decoration Day” (New West Records).
“We’re a Southern band,” says Hood. “Rock was invented in the South for all practical purposes, but musicians from the South sometimes get a little attitude from Northerners.”
Now pass the cough medicine and listen up.
His Okie connection: We stayed with this guy in Normal, Oklahoma, while he was making “Okie Noodling.” I thought I knew rednecks, but [the film] is about the most redneck thing I’ve ever seen.
Latest DVD acquisition: I just got the first season of “Six Feet Under.”
Making movies: Our [2001 album] “Southern Rock Opera” started out as an outline for a screenplay. I am writing a screenplay but it’s beating me! I’ve been working on it since 1985. Hopefully I’ll have a third draft finished by 2005 and I can say I finished something in 20 years.
CDs you’re listening to: I’m on a big [David] Bowie kick. I like Neil Young and Crazy Horse. I’m a huge Todd Rundgren fan. I love the new Guided By Voices record.
Rumor you hope is true: Someone said that Neil Young really likes what we’re doing.
Break a stereotype about Southerners: A lot of that stuff about Southern men being chivalrous is a myth.
Meeting Lynyrd Skynyrd: They didn’t say they liked our music, but they were very nice and they didn’t have us killed. That’s a victory in itself.
What people think your music sounds like: God-awful Skynyrd ripoff.
What you think your music sounds like: Rock ‘n’ roll. People seem to think that is an outdated description, but it’s appropriate.
What you do on the road: Work on music. We brainstorm like crazy about every idea we might have.
What your bandmates do that drive you crazy: Some of them play video games. Video games drive me crazy.
What you’d do if you were more disciplined: I’d write more on the road! There are too many distractions.
One of the best parts about touring: Getting to hear all the regional accents. I have an appreciation for them all.
On your love of Chicago: We were supposed to leave after one show in the winter and it snowed a little bit. We used that as an excuse to stay longer. We could’ve gone back home right away but we love Chicago and wanted to stay another day.
Favorite Chicago restaurant: La Luce (1393 W. Lake). It looks like something out of “The Sopranos” and has the best Italian food.
Why Chicago rocks: Because we were playing to 25 people in other cities. Then we got to Chicago and the line was around the block at the Hideout.
Favorite Chicago clubs to play: Schubas, the Abbey Pub and the Hideout.
