"After it's Gone", a new single just released by Patterson Hood and the Downtown 13 (including R.E.M.'s Mike Mills and Widespread Panic's John Bell and Todd Nance), was inspired by the threat of a Walmart in the heart of the downtown Athens, Georgia.
Hood, singer, writer and guitarist for the band Drive-By Truckers, assembled The Downtown 13, a musical collective to protest a developer's proposed building of a massive mixed use development in downtown Athens, anchored by a 94,000 sq. foot Walmart. "This Atlanta developer wants to clog our cultural heart and build a bunker the size of three city blocks next to the vibrant downtown scene," says Hood in a press release. "They hit The Easy Button: a big box store in our downtown district is clearly misguided and a somewhat ridiculous notion. Downtown Athens is a dynamic network of local businessesAthens already has a meaningful brand and we are extremely protective of it." You can download the song, view the video and read more about Protect Downtown Athens at the link below: www.protectdowntownathens.com Patterson Hood - Lead Vocals, GuitarMike Mills - Harmonies and PianoJohn Bell - Lead VocalsJohn Neff - Pedal SteelDavid Barbe – BassJay Gonzalez - Wurlitzer Electric PianoBrad Morgan - DrumsTodd Nance - PercussionClaire Campbell - Banjo and HarmoniesLera Lynn - HarmoniesBrannen Miles, Carter King and Payton Bradford - Backing VocalsHenry Barbe - Electric Guitar Basic track recorded live on stage at Fabulous 40 Watt Club in Athens.