Old 97's
Old 97’s are an “alt-country” band originally based in Dallas, Texas, USA. 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, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard. The band often performs country standards made famous by the latter two musicians, and has interspersed a number of these on their half-dozen albums over the last decade.
Old 97’s have been heralded as a great live band, although they claim to never rehearse their act. They included five live songs as a bonus disc on Satellite Rides, and released a live double CD set recorded at historic Gruene Hall in 2005, Alive and Wired. Singer/guitarist Rhett Miller has released two solo albums and singer/bassist Murry Hammond released his first solo effort in April 2008.