Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit performed at Athens, Ga.’s Georgia Theatre on Monday night. The group played several tunes off their Georgia Blue benefit album, including Drivin’ N’ Cryin’s “Honeysuckle Blue” and The Black Crowes’ “Sometimes Salvation.” 

Given the location of the evening, Isbell & The 400 Unit made a nod to Athens’ heroes R.E.M., by debuting their take on 1992’s Automatic for the People classic, “Nightswimming” mid-set, after a celebratory performance of “Happy Birthday to You” for bassist Jimbo Hart. 

During the main set, Isbell and the Unit took on a variety of material, performing tunes off 2020’s Reunion and 2017’s The Nashville Sound.

The 18-song main set also included several tunes from Isbell’s time with Drive-By Truckers, another band with deep Athens roots, including “Goddamn Lonely Love,” “Outfit,” and “Never Gonna Change.” 

The night concluded with a special guest, Mike Mills, bassist for R.E.M. joining the ensemble on stage for “Driver 8” cover, followed by “Sometimes Salvation.” See the full setlist below. 

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit 

Georgia Theatre – Athens, Ga.

Jan. 24, 2022

Set I: What’ve I Done to Help, Hope the High Road, Happy Birthday to You, It Gets Easier, Something More Than Free, 24 Frames, Overseas, Nightswimming, Last of My Kind, The Life You Chose, Only Child, Goddamn Lovely Love, Be Afraid, If We Were Vampires, Honeysuckle Blue, Outfit, Cover Me Up, Never Gonna Change

Enc.: Driver 8, Sometimes Salvation