ATHENS, Ga. Sept. 1, 2023 – The Vegabonds return to Athens on Sept. 15, headlining at the Georgia Theatre with support from local artist Wim Tapley. Getting their start in Auburn, Alabama, The Vegabonds are no stranger to college towns, and got their start playing at fraternities, sororities, and local venues across the Southeast.

“The good thing about playing college towns is if you do it enough, it’s like you start to be that band that every new class gets introduced to by the older classmen. So, you kind of build your own legacy in that scene,” said lead vocalist Daniel Allen, “it’s really cool to be passed down like that.”

Athens and Georgia Theatre in particular have a special place in the band’s heart, as one of their most successful songs “Georgia Fire” was written about the infamous fire that caused severe damage to the venue in 2009.

When it comes to choosing an opener, band manager Dustin Pet said it’s all about giving back to the music communities that first helped them grow, amplifying the value of the bill through local pulls.

“We actually are big fans of supporting locals, but specifically locals who we see that are taking it really seriously,” said Pet, “we can see the band’s original origin in that band and help them out.” 

This time around, that artist is Wim Tapley, a local favorite who consistently packs rooms across Athens. The Vegabonds themselves have played alongside huge acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gregg Allman, and Whiskey Myers, and understand how beneficial it can be for smaller artists to learn from more established bands.

When asked for words of advice for hopeful musicians in Athens, many of whom look to The Vegabonds as a prime example of a profitable long-term model for a career in music, Allen said not to focus too much on immediate success. Pet agreed, stressing that artists should “play chess, not checkers,” but reminding them to continue putting new music out there, and enjoy making it.

Tickets to the show are available for purchase now, and both The Vegabonds and Tapley’s newest releases are available on all streaming platforms.

About The Vegabonds:

The Vegabonds are an alternative southern rock band who got their start in Auburn in 2009. Currently based out of Nashville, the band is composed of Daniel Allen (lead vocals/songwriter), Richard Forehand (lead guitars/vocals), Paul Bruen (bass), Beau Cooper (keyboards/vocals/songwriter), and Bryan Harris (drums). The Vegabonds are currently on tour until Oct. 21.