Lyle Lovett joined Billboard's Behind the Setlist podcast to discuss his love for live performances, the amazing musicians who join him on stage, and his career spanning over 45 years. He shared his early days at Texas A&M, where he booked acts and played covers, and his transition to performing original songs. Lyle also talked about the importance of audience connection and how his approach to storytelling was influenced by artists such as Michael Martin Murphy and John Denver.

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band are currently on tour in the U.S. through August 7. Lyle and his Acoustic Group will perform in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Scotland in late August.

Episode summary:

[2:54] Lovett reflects on his early college days at Texas A&M, specifically starting to play music in 1976 and his involvement with the basement coffee house, a small, student-organized live music venue that spurred his introduction into programming and performing shows.
[6:00] Lovett explains his first gig outside college—a summer 1976 steak and seafood restaurant performance in Houston—and how he began by playing songs from Texas singer-songwriters like Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, and Townes Van Zandt, which taught him the principles of songwriting.
[11:19] Discussion about playing covers versus originals, with Lovett sharing the transition from focusing on audience-friendly covers in restaurants and bars to venues like Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant in Houston, which encouraged original music and helped grow his songwriting skills and confidence.
[13:37] Lyle explains what he learned performing during his early years, particularly how to endure as a live artist: handling distractions, accepting audience reactions, and growing through moments where people came specifically to hear him rather than just attending for the venue.
[15:32] The evolution of storytelling and humor in Lyle’s performances, inspired by watching other singer-songwriters like Michael Murphy and John Denver, and how Lyle incorporates personal connections and humor into his live shows.
[18:49] Discussion of audience interactions, including an anecdote where Lovett introduces his band members on stage, blending humor and intimacy to create an engaging experience. He emphasizes the importance of making the audience feel connected to everyone on stage.
[26:10] Lyle talks about breaking genre expectations early in his career, navigating challenges with radio stations categorizing his music and credits MCA Nashville for their support and belief in his diverse sound.
[29:48] Insights into Lyle's passion for music education, including his experiences speaking with and mentoring young music students. He emphasizes the importance of loving music for its essence and staying grounded despite the challenges of being a professional musician.
[32:03] Lyle touches on scheduling large band tours around summer breaks and how he integrates musicians with academic careers, like professors in his horn section, into his performances.
[34:35] Lyle shares how he balances playing live, managing tour schedules, and prioritizing time with his children, frequently flying home on tour days off to be present for school events and family activities.
[38:05] Reflections on how having both an acoustic group and a large band allows him to play in various markets, driven primarily by economic considerations and creative flexibility in his tour planning.
[42:20] Final thoughts on the economics and logistics of setting up a tour, explaining how these practical concerns shape his choices while keeping the performances creatively fulfilling.

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