Dave Matthews Band

May 30th-September 7th Tickets  $32-$75 Openers  The Black Crowes, Paolo Nutini

Photo:Getty

The Dave Matthews Band are taking a break from recording their eighth studio album to head out on the road, as they do most summers. As usual, they're going ecofriendly — using biodiesel fuel for buses and biodegradable goods for catering — and fanfriendly: Buy a seat through Ticketmaster and you'll get a free download of tour highlights.

Some people argue that the live experience is sort of inherently "un-green."
There's no doubt that it is. The whole joke of Live Earth was how wasteful it was. But the idea that touring will end is sad. I'd like to think that the traveling minstrel is not a thing of the past, but the methods of travel have to be improved.

Will you test songs from the upcoming album on the road?
In the past we have, but I want to let this album evolve on its own. There's music on the album, and there's music that we perform live. There's crossover, but they're not necessarily the same. And I think that makes it interesting for fans.

What do you do on the road to relax?
I always have ambitions to read 30 books but rarely do. Between a bottle of whiskey and a book of poetry, I'll find time to relax.

Watch Dave Matthews Perform a New Song in the RS Offices View All Tour Dates

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