Photo by Jeff Coffin

On July 25, 2023, the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Ga., witnessed a night to remember as the Dave Matthews Band delivered a memorable performance enriched by the musical brilliance of special guest Chuck Leavell. The former Allman Brothers keyboardist and longtime Rolling Stones sideman graced the stage in his home state for three songs from his prior outfits.

While this marked Leavell’s first time sitting in with Dave Matthews Band, he is no stranger to the band’s frontman, Dave Matthews – the two have previously collaborated during Matthews’ guest appearances with The Rolling Stones. Furthermore, Leavell and Dave Matthews Band’s bassist Stefan Lessard also worked with Gov’t Mule, adding camaraderie to the evening. The show, as a whole, featured an impressive repertoire that seamlessly blended songs from Leavell’s esteemed bands, the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones, with Dave Mattews Band numbers.

Kicking off the night was a special treat for fans, as the song “Spaceman” was played as a set opener for the first time since 2014 and as a show opener since 2010. The band showcased their musical versatility as they moved through a diverse setlist, including favorites like “One Sweet World,” “Fool in the Rain,” and “You Might Die Trying.”

Leavell’s masterful touch on the keyboard first came into the frame during “Melissa,” a song the band had recently covered with fellow Allman Brothers alumni Warren Haynes. Following the favorite, the ensemble dished out “Grace Is Gone.” Another evening highlight from the collaboration was the debut performance of “Honky Tonk Women.” After Leavell left the stage, they continued with favorites like “Satellite,” “So Damn Lucky,” “Madman’s Eyes” and more.

As the night drew to a close, Dave Matthews Band treated the audience to a heartfelt solo performance by Matthews, playing the hauntingly beautiful “Baby Blue,” a song that had not been played live since 2012. The show’s grand finale was an exhilarating rendition of “Two Step,” featuring an explosive intro of “Time Bomb.”

Dave Matthews Band’s tour will continue with a performance at the Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Ala. See a collection of photos and a video shared by Dave Mattews Band saxophonist Jeff Coffin below.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jeff Coffin (@jeffcoffin)

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jeff Coffin (@jeffcoffin)

Dave Matthews Band
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Alpharetta, Ga.
July 25, 2023

Set: Spaceman, #27, One Sweet World, Walk Around the Moon, Fool in the Rain, American Baby Intro, So Right, Monsters, You Might Die Trying, Melissa*, Grace Is Gone*, Honky Tonk Women*, Looking for a Vein, Satellite, So Damn Lucky, Madman’s Eyes, Lie in Our Graves, Water Into Wine, You & Me, Pantala Naga Pampa, Rapunzel

Enc.: Baby Blue, Two Step (Time Bomb intro)

*/ with Chuck Leavell