Feb
09
For all Dave Matthews Band fans who don’t know how the band was formed, here’s a short history for you.
His real name is David John Matthews. He used to work as a bartender in Charlottesville until 1990 when he met Ross Hoffman, a lawyer who got him to play some of the songs he wrote. Hoffman wanted other musicians to work and perform with Matthews in the song, so he convinced Matthews to talk to another local musician, Carter Beauford, who had already been a part of several bands.
Matthews played the demo of his songs for Beauford, who agreed to play drums in and out of the studio. Matthews also talked to LeRoi Moore, who decided also to join them because he had time in the afternoon. So in 1991, the three of them started to work on Matthew’s songs. However, the music did not turn out great with just three of them. Their instruments were limited, and they did not reach the sound they were going for. John D’Earth, a former bandmate of Moore, Stefan Lessard who was then 16 years old was asked to join the three in order to complete the demo. Eventually, the four began to play on live performances together. They would practice regularly in Beauford’s and Matthews’ mothers’ basements.
In August of 1991, the four rehearsed at an empty bar where Peter Griesar worked as a bartender. Grieser heard them playing, took out his harmonica, and joined them. After doing some songs, they invited Grieser to perform with them. He said yes to the offer and became their keyboardist. He was with the band until March 23, 1993.
The last person to join the band was Boyd Tinsley in mid-1992. The band at the time was not planning to add a violinist to the group, but Tinsley just clicked with them. The Dave Matthews Band was finally formed.