Funky Facts About Dave Matthews Band
Also referred to as DMB, Dave Matthews Band was formed in 1991 in Charlottesville, Virginia, by Dave Matthews, Stefan Lessard, Carter Beauford, and LeRoi Moore. Signing to a major label in 1994, the group became known worldwide for their album Under the Table and Dreaming, and have continued to see success until this day. Regarded as a jam band, the group has a unique sound and a massive fan base that has been loyal throughout the decades. Take a look at some lesser-known facts about the group and learn what makes Dave Matthews Band tick.
Dave Matthews Moved Around A Lot In His Youth
As a young child, Matthews and his siblings were no stranger to travel, moving to different countries during his youth. He was born in South Africa, and when he was two years old moved from South Africa to Westchester County New York.
Not long after moving to the United States the family moved to England where they resided for a year. They then returned to New York only to move back to South Africa in 1977.
Matthews Left South Africa To Avoid Military Service
During apartheid, the South African Army had a conscription policy that forced white males to enlist in the military. So, in 1985, Matthews made the decision to leave the country in order to avoid having to join the military.
Matthews grew up as a Quaker and claimed that he didn't believe in violence, therefore, could not participate in the war. South Africa ended mandatory military service in 1993, although Matthews never returned.
They're Known For Giving Back
Dave Matthews and his band have been known for their philanthropic efforts and even have their own charity, the BAMA Works Fund. Founded in 1999, it was established to help the needs of disadvantaged youth, the environment, the arts, and a series of other organizations, contributing $8.5 million since it was first initiated.
The band has also been known to donate their time and energy outside of the United States, such as building a "Village Recovery Fund" after a tsunami hit Sri Lanka. Of course, they also frequently play and attend benefit concerts across the country.
Coming Up With The Band's Name
The name of the band and its close association with Dave Matthews did not come about because of Matthews' pride. When they had just formed, they were unsure of what to call themselves and still didn't have a name the first time they were booked for a show.
So, for their first flyer, band member Boyd Tinsley wrote down "Dave Matthews Band." They carried on with this name for their next few shows, but by the time they thought about changing it, their current moniker was already familiar to fans.
Their Bus Driver Got Into Some Legal Trouble Over Human Waste
In August 2004, Stefan Wohl, a Dave Matthews Band bus driver, was charged with dumping 800 pounds of sewage onto a sightseeing cruise on the Chicago River. Wohl was driving the empty tour bus when he decided to empty the septic tank while crossing the bridge. The sewage dumped onto people aboard the Little Lady tour boat below, resulting in the city filing a lawsuit against the band and Wohl.
They were charged with violating water pollution and public nuisance laws, in the amount of $70,000 in damages. The group suspended Wohl, who served 18 months probation, 150 hours of community service and paid a $10,000 fine. The band also gave $50,000 to the Chicago Park District and to the Friends of the Chicago River.
They Created Their Own Music Festivals
In 2011, the year that marked the band's twentieth anniversary, the group decided not to have any tours that year. Instead, they held four small music festivals under the title "Dave Matthews Band Caravan."
The event was hosted in Atlantic City, Chicago, New York, and Washington between the months of June and September. The events were a massive success and the Dave Matthews Band was joined by David Gray, The Flaming Lips, Damian Marle, Bassnectar, TR3, and others.
They Have Their Own Day
Coming together as a group in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1991, the city is considered to be the adopted home of the band. Beloved by the entire city, in 1994, the then-Mayor of Charlottesville, David J Toscano, announced that September 27 would from then on be known as Dave Matthews Band Day.
September 27 of that same year also marks the release of Under the Table and Dreaming, the band's debut studio album under Bearsville Studios.
They Have A Membership Program
Founded in 1998, Dave Matthews Band established an official fan base headquarters referred to as "The Warehouse." Requiring a membership, those who sign up are given early access to tickets, meet-and-greets with the band, exclusive merchandise, CDs, and more.
The cost to become a member is a fee of $35 dollars annually although you have to be 13 years old to be eligible. Currently, The Warehouse is owned by Live Nation who acquired Music Today back in 2006.
LeRoi Moore Died In A Sudden Accident
The last show with all five original band members took place on June 28, 2008, at the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, Virginia. Unfortunately, just two days later, saxophonist LeRoi Moore was injured in an ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville.
Although he was expected to make a full recovery, he suddenly passed away from complications from the accident on August 19. The band went on to release a statement about the incident and announced the death of their "dear friend" at their next show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
They Want Fans To Have Access To Their Music
Unlike many other bands, Dave Matthews Band shows are unique in that they encourage fans to tape shows on personal audio recorders to listen in their own time or trade and sell to other fans of the group.
This led the band to develop a very personalized and interactive fan base. Of course, eventually, this led to some issues with bootleggers with the rise of the Internet. The band still prides itself on selling "taper tickets" for those who want to record the concert.
Their First Performances Were Benefit Shows
Known for their philanthropic endeavors, it isn't surprising to learn that the band's first performances were benefit shows. In 1991 in Charlottesville, Virginia, they performed at the Middle East Children's Alliance Benefit and Earth Day Festival.
However, their first performances as an official band were at a private party in the town as well as two regular shows at nearby clubs. Many of the songs played were written by Matthews before the band was officially Dave Matthews Band. These included "I'll Be Back Up," "The Song That Jane Likes," and a few more.
Matthews Has Numerous Acting Credits
Although best known for his music, Matthews is also an amateur actor, performing in several productions at Charlottesville's Offstage Theater and Live Arts Theater. He also appeared in films such as Because of Winn-Dixie, Where the Red Fern Grows, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Don't Mess with the Zohan, among others.
Probably his most significant year in acting was in 2003, where he appeared in three films: The Other Side, In the Woods, and Just Go With It. He's also made a few appearances on television.
He's Played One Song More Than Others
Although the Dave Matthews Band is beloved for consistently playing fan-favorite songs throughout the years, there's one song that they've played more than all of the others. Yes, if you go to a Dave Matthews Band show, you're likely to hear the classics such as "Crash Into Me," "Crush," "Two Steps," among others.
However, the one you're more than likely going to be serenaded with is "Ants Marching," which has been played an estimated 1,150 times.
Their First Album, Remember Two Things, Went Platinum
On November 9, 1993, Dave Matthews Band released their first official album, Remember Two Things on their independent record label Bama Rags. The live songs on the record were recorded at The Flood Zone in Richmond, Virginia and the Music Club in Nantucket island.
The album debuted on the college charts as the highest independent album and was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2002. Self-produced by the band, the album sold 10,000 copies a month with them being distributed solely out of the band's office.
Matthews Knows What He Wants To be Written on His Gravestone
With the band now being almost 30 years old, Dave Matthews is aware that time is against them. In an interview with Radio.com, he noted, "You can't stop the clock [...] That's just gonna happen to me. I'm just gonna get old and as is the whole band, hopefully. If we're lucky we get old. Right?"
However, in case he bites the dust early, he already knows what he wants to be etched on his gravestone. He doesn't want anything flowery. Instead, he claims, It should just say "Dave Matthews. Dead."
Under The Table And Dreaming Was Critical For The Band's Success
In September 1994, the band released their debut studio album Under the Table and Dreaming. The album features some of their first hits such as "Satellite," "Ants Marching," and "What Would You Say," songs that remain some of their most popular today.
The record was also very personal to Matthews who dedicated it to his older sister Anne. She died at the hands of her husband in 1994. It went on to achieve the band worldwide fame, eventually being certified six-times platinum.
Tinsley Struggled With Arthritis
In 2014, after struggling during shows in Australia, Boyd Tinsley, the band's iconic violinist, revealed on Twitter that he had developed arthritis in his right hand. That year, he underwent surgery to help correct carpal tunnel syndrome, with many fans fearing it would be the end of his career.
However, he promised that he would recover and be fully prepared to play on the next tour. True to his word, his playing improved and was nearly back to where he was at the beginning of the 2014 summer tour.
Matthews Established A Winery
In order to preserve its historical significance, in 1999, Dave Matthews purchased over ten acres of land in Albemarle Country, Virginia, which is known as Blenheim Farm. With the land, he began to plant grapes since the land is located within the Virginia and Monticello viticultural area.
Out of this came Blenheim Vineyards which was founded in 2000, currently producing 5,500 cases of wine per year. The winery is known for its signature Petit Verdot and offers special edition wines with labels drawn by Matthews himself.
Their NAACP Chairman's Award Is Their Greatest Honor
In order to help fund the school system in New York, along with other initiatives, the band played numerous benefit concerts. For their efforts, the group was awarded the prestigious NAACP Chairman's Award in 2004.
In his acceptance speech, Matthews spoke for the band. He said that out of all their accomplishments, the award by the NAACP, especially being presented by Julian Bond, was the highest honor they had yet to receive. This is saying something considering all they've been recognized for.
They Are An Extremely Lucrative Group
Coming into the limelight with Under the Table and Dreaming, Dave Matthews Band grew to become one of the most successful groups of their time. Since forming, the band has sold over one hundred million concert tickets and a combined total of 91 million CDs and DVDs.
They also became the first group to ever have seven consecutive albums to debut at the peak of the Billboard 200 Chart. Additionally, the band was ranked No.9 on the fifth-annual Rolling Stone list of Biggest Money Makers.
