Dave Matthews Band Nod to Johnny Cash, Jake Renick Simpson Joins Matthews for Duo Tune
Image by Sanjay Suchak via Dave Matthews Band Facebook
Dave Matthews Band returned the stage last night at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY. The group had been off since Saturday because Tuesday’s show at Jones Beach was postponed due to weather considerations until July 29.
During DMB’s weekend performances in Saratoga, the group was joined by violin Jake Renick Simpson for much of the night. On both Friday and Saturday Simpson contributed to nine songs. On Wednesday at Darien Lake the total moved up to ten as Simpson found himself contributing to a song in the slot that traditionally presents a solo Matthews selection. Simpson appeared for “Everyday,” then remained through the end of the set, appearing on “American Baby,” “Jimi Thing, “Satellite,” “Pantala Naga Pampa,” “Rapunzel,” “Tripping Billies” and “Don’t Drink the Water.”
Then, when Matthews appeared to open the encore, rather than doing so by himself, he brought out the fiddle player. The two musicians then performed “Paper Town” a new original that Matthews wrote for the documentary of the same name. He debuted the song on May 16 and every version has had a guest violin player, first Casey Driessen, then Tatiana Hargreaves (6/5/26), followed by Driessen again on 6/10/26 and now Simpson.
Last night’s show also included a rarity, as the group performed “Long Black Veil for the first time since 9/23/23, a span of 140 shows. Prior to that appearance the song had last surfaced on 6/17/17. The tune was originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell, although it became a Johnny Cash live staple over the years.
Dave Matthews Band’s next show is tomorrow in Burgettstown, PA.
Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien Center, NY
Stay (Wasting Time)
What Would You Say
Typical Situation
Grace Is Gone
Recently
Monsters
You Might Die Trying
Gravedigger
Long Black Veil
Can’t Stop
Everyday *
American Baby *
Jimi Thing *
Satellite *
Pantala Naga Pampa * →
Rapunzel *
Tripping Billies *
Don’t Drink the Water *
–Encore–
Paper Town * +
The Last Stop *
Show Notes:
* Jake Simpson
+ Dave Matthews
