Old 97's performing during the Love & Lightstream Backyard Concert Series at the Haute Spot Music Venue in Cedar Park, Texas on June 4, 2021, with Rhett Miller, Ken Bethea, Murry Hammond, and Philip Peeples. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Old 97's are an alt-country band originally based in Dallas, Texas The group formed in 1993 and took their name from a song popularized by Johnny Cash, "Wreck of the Old '97". They describe themselves as a rock band with influences as varied as the Kinks, the Beatles, Pixies, David Bowie, X, and Merle Haggard.
There aren’t more than a handful of bands in history who can claim to have an intact, unchanged line-up as they approach twenty-five years together. There is, of course, no real blueprint or rulebook for sustaining the kind of chemistry that Miller, Bethea, Hammond, and Peeples enjoy.
“I think our longevity can be attributed primarily to our friendship and ability to overcome those moments when egos want to overtake and obliterate everything in their path,” says Miller. “We experienced the hype of the old business model, with all of its excess and idiocy, and also the deconstruction of that model and the advent of the new world, and been able to maintain a fundamental love for each other.
"As always, one of the best live bands, the best kept secret around."Old 97's was the main act at the Haute Spot Music Venue with guests The 40 Acre Mule and Joshua Ray Walker. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Space in Evanston, Illinois on November 12, 2021.
"The group performed with high energy for an hour and 45 minutes, straight, no breaks. Great performance. If you don't know about the Old 97's, you are missing a great band."
"Unbelievably wonderful! Don't go unless you plan to dance and sweat. Old 97s put on the most reliably kick ass rock show around and have been doing so for years."
"Great show! Band came out swinging and absolutely did not let up. I've seen the Old 97s several times now and this was my favorite. They played some of my old favorites that I've rarely heard them do live. And the crowd! The crowd was so into it. Everyone was screaming and singing along. Great vibe."
"Always a throw down with the Old 97’s. This show didn’t disappoint. Gracias!"
"Brilliant show as always! It was hot as balls and they still gave their all!"
Love & Lightstream
Love & Lightstream is an experienced concert promoter and events production team in Austin, Texas. They produce their own events and also function as the primary promoter and live music booker for Haute Spot venue in Cedar Park, Texas. The company was born during the pandemic and focuses on the safe and sustainable return of live music.
Haute Spot
Haute Spot is a premier live music venue located in the heart of Central Texas, offering a full-service restaurant and event space for concerts, wedding, conferences, meetings, and more. The venue recently renovated the interior and exterior space. Chief Events Officer Tom Spano described the changes as "The project adds a full kitchen for catering partners, a bridal suite, and a shade structure for daytime guests. It feels like you’re watching a concert in your backyard, that's how we wanted to make it feel." Other new features include a larger stage, an outdoor bar, a turf lawn and an "Instagrammable secret garden" for photos.
Love & Lightstream
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Old 97's
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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