You know, one of the most amazing parts of the Atlanta music scene is that SO many of our local musicians are so insanely multi-talented that they can fit any mold. John Driskell Hopkins may be know in the national scene as the bassist with the biggest chops in the Zac Brown Band, but in Atlanta, he is known as a multi-taleneted musician with more than one band under his belt. We are lucky to have caught him for a minute before his rare solo show at the Swallow at the Hollow.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
My first gig was in 1987 at the Gainesville Hall County Civic Center. I played bass in a band called Only For Tomorrow. OFT was my first band and my bandmates were Wilmot Greene, Rusty Jessup and Chris Harwell. We wrote a few songs, but mostly played U2 and REM covers. We were awesome and awful at the same time…
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Zac Brown Band at Red Rocks. No explanation necessary…
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
I saw Angie Aparo in a tiny shithole in Buckhead called The Orchestra Pit. Francisco Vidal was running a Sunday night open mic there in 1995. It was dark. It was dirty. There were 10 people in the audience. Angie opened his mouth and the whole room lit up. No one sings like him. He’s hands down the best male voice I’ve ever heard. Better than Steve Perry. I worship Steve Perry…
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Outer Space. No explanation necessary.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
I guess my dream band would have to have me as the lead singer. Emily Saliers and Angie Aparo would be rhythm guitarists and backing vocalists. Neal Schon on lead guitar. Mike Mills on bass. Carter Beauford on the drums. Aslyn Mitchell on the keys and backing vocals. Wabi Sabi horn section. I would probably throw Steve Perry in there somewhere, but I don’t deserve him…
What a weird band! I think it would sound amazing, but it would probably confuse the Hell out of the world. I’m a little confused just thinking about it.
Catch John Driskell Hopkins with Balsam Range, August 17th & 18th @ Swallow at the Hollow
