Fans of the now-defunct Athens jam band Day By the River will no doubt use the upcoming benefit show as a time to regroup their "family" and reflect on the turns their lives have taken since the jazzy Athens band officially called it quits after a tour van crash that killed their sound man, 29 year old Lee Laurence.  DBR bassist Patrick McDonnell and guitarist Jason Rabineau took a few moments to reflect on the past and look at their futures with Feedback.

McDonnell says that the breakup of the band did not stem from the accident, but had been discussed for a while by himself and vocalist Ted Lahey.  "Two of us, myself included and Ted was also in the same boat, had gotten to the point where we were just kind of ready to move on because its all we've ever done.  We started this in high school 10 years ago, then went to college in Miami and have been touring together ever since.  We wanted to see what the possibilties were.  And then with the accident that decision just came up faster --  instantly, as a matter of fact."

McDonnell is now working for Gateway Computers in Athens as a salesman (go by and say "hi" if you're in the market for a PC).  "I went out and 'got me a real job!'" McDonnell laughs.  "It's cool.  I'm really enjoying it.  Its a major change.  I had always wanted to do something in business, and now I'm getting my feet wet."

Rabineau is currently taking time-out in Costa Rica.  When asked what his plans for the future are the guitarist says, "Live, breathe, and appreciate every day."

Lahey, Austin and Brockway were contacted by e-mail for this story but didn't respond.  McDonnell says that Lahey has talked of becoming a chef, drummer Dave Brockway he doesn't know about, and keyboardist Walt Austin has played with Atlanta-based members of Parliament-Funkadelic and Tony Furtado.

As for future Day By the River musical projects Patrick McDonnell says he would be interested in just getting a band of his own together in the Athens area.  In regard to any "basement tapes" or one's still "in the vault" he says, "There's nothing official release quality, but there are a lot of DATs out on
the tape trading network." Rather than deny any posthumous material outright, Rabineau teases, "Ya never know."

In regard to the Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic and Phish contributing to the auction being held for them, Rabineau says, "I donīt have much information, but I think its amazing that those guys are involved.  Much much appreciation."  McDonnell says that the band has had one brush with Phish before.  In the early 1990's Ted Lahey did a radio show on the University of Miami's radio station, and when Phish came to town for a show Lahey interviewed them.


With their futures open in front of them and the support of the Day By the River family still strong it seems that the Athens guys may be headed for daylight again.

"We're really happy now," McDonnell says, "You can print that."

Other Day By the River stories on this site:

Our never-published feature.

DBR Breaks Up After Van Crash.

Athens Benefit Upcoming.