Sharing his insights and feelings about the recent Confederate flag debate, in the wake of its removal from the South Carolina state capitol Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers penned a thoughtful essay for the New York Times Magazine. “It’s time to quit rallying around a flag that divides,” writes Hood. “And it is time for the South to – dare I say it? – rise up and show our nation what a beautiful place our region is, and what more it could become.” The full piece can be read here.

 Meanwhile, the Truckers are currently putting the finishing touches on a forthcoming five-LP/three-CD live album recorded at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. They also begin another slew of tour dates in August, including a brief string opening for the Alabama Shakes. The band’s next Georgia date is a headlining show at Augusta’s Jessye Norman Amphitheatre on Aug. 9th.