THE BITTEROOTS are a Decatur-based rock band, influenced by blues, jam, folk and classic rock, with a penchant for catchy hooks, driving rhythms and soaring vocals that keep getting better with time. The four-piece group is returning to the Atlanta music scene this spring with its sophomore release, “Central of Georgia,” after a short break from gigging to write and record the new record. “Central of Georgia” promises to reflect the band’s growth as a group of writers, musicians and performers and include some tracks that have already been gig-tested and audience-approved. See them at Eddie’s Attic.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Mike: Lollapalooza 1995. Cypress Hill, The Jesus Lizard, Beck and Hole were on the bill. Great show.
Bill: my first real concert was going to see The Monkees at The Omni, must have been 1984 or so. I don’t remember it being all that good, but I really enjoyed it
Dan: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Deep Purple and Bob Seger in Columbus Ohio.
Laura: Red Hot Chili Peppers during the sock years.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?
Mike: It would have to be the Sweetwater Brewery’s 420Fest in 2011. What a great event. And being on the main stage was a real treat.
Bill: its a tie for me. I would agree with mike with playing on the main stage at the Sweetwater 420 Fest last year, and earlier this year, we played with The Freddy Jones Band at Eddies Attic. I have been a fan of theirs for many years. The Bitteroots opened the show and then the guys in Freddy Jones Band invited me onstage to play bass on 5 songs. What a rush! Also had a blast playing with Cigar Store Indians this summer at Smiths Olde Bar.
Dan: German American Day Augsburg Germany
Laura: Bluebird Café in Nashville – I have never been so nervous in all my life! It was amazing!
What is the best gig you have ever been to?
Mike: That’s a tough one, but seeing Buddy Miles at the old Cotton Club years ago was really cool. If I remember, he played guitar left handed but strung upside down, and played drums right handed. I also had a really good time at some Jimmy Buffett shows back when he did a two-day stint at the Lakewood amphitheater. And I got to see Radiohead when they played out at Stone Mountain, which was really a well done show.
Bill: I’ve made the pilgrimage a few times to New York for The Allman Brothers annual string of shows at The Beacon Theater and those shows are simply magical. The show that absolutely blew me away was seeing Trombone Shorty at a small club in Montreal last year during the Montreal Jazz Fest.
Dan: Sting Tampa downtown Theater
Laura: There are so many and I hate to admit it, but Bruce puts on one hellava show! I never once left my seat and I didn’t even like Bruce Springsteen at the time.
Gig you would most like to play?
mike: This is insanely ambitious, but I would love to one day have the honor and privilege of playing Austin City Limits. That is such an institution and really I think is far and away the best live music show on TV in years.
Bill: we’ve submitted to next years SXSW and would love to not only play that festival, but be able to see so many great bands in one place. I’ve also been a fan of Atlanta’s Music Midtown since the very beginning, and I’m excited to see it alive again, and would love to play on that stage also.
Dan: House of Blues
Laura: I agree with Mike…Austin City Limits
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Mike: My dream gig would be a show with somebody like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the Rolling Stones. Their catalogs of songs are chock full of classics, and they still keep it fresh with some new stuff — Petty with new tunes of his own and the Stones with covers of some deep cuts from the masters.
Bill: my dream gig would be an all day event. The Bitteroots would open the show, followed by The Freddy Jones Band, then Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and then a 3 hour finale by The Allman Brothers – WOW! That would be a killer show!
Dan: Nathan East – bass, Chris Layton – drums, Steve Winwood – Keyboards, John Mayer – guitar and of-course me on guitar 🙂
Laura: Brandi Carlile, Susan Tedeschi, Adele…sorry guys…
Catch The Bitteroots at Eddie’s Attic
