This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
"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 businesses—Athens 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: http://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.