Drivin 'N Cryin has been touring so long my dad is their biggest fan, but the band looks quite different these days. Warner Hodges who once rocked the house at local venues and bars is now sitting at the back table selling merchandise before opening for them. His days with the band are apparently over, but his career is far from it.

On Dec. 28, 2018, the 40 Watt packed in a crowd of their multi-generational fan base, college students in town over break, and a selection of local legends. The venue's floor was so sticky your shoes would get stuck, but it is just part of the Athens culture. Adults who paid their babysitter at home too much money make their way to the bar once more. A crowd of children run through the doors dragging their parents behind them excited about the excuse to stay up past their bed time. A woman rolls in with a walker- her husband with a cane and make their way to their spots for the show. A herd of fraternity boys offer to buy the girls around them a beer with their newly purchased fake ids. Posters of bands that made it big were plastered to the walls as the crowd admired their favorites who performed here before their music truly took off. The show began with Dan Baird and Homemade Sin featuring Hodges himself. This 59-year-old six-string showstopper took the stage with pride then returned to his stand of CDs, records, and T-shirts with his old band's picture plastered on top of every item. He mingled with the audience and talked of his days as a serial guitarist who starred in five different musical groups including a solo career.

Hodges first began with Drivin 'N Cryin when their guitarist died and they needed someone to fill in for their benefit tour to honor him. This was the audition Hodges didn't even realize he was having. Despite their friendship and success together, he didn't stay with the band for long. The stereotype of sex, drugs, and rock n roll became a rumor of his disappearance. He admits that in the early days in his career he went out often and had a messy first marriage, but he has been involved with AA throughout his lifetime and has remained sober for the past 27 years. In reality, he fell short of expectations. He skipped practices and forewent shows and could not fully commit to the group. Shortly after, he joined Dan Baird and Homemade Sin through a mutual manager.

Dan Baird's band while successful in the United States, has taken over the music industry in Europe. Even though Hodges has taken on southern music and Nashville residency, he was born in in Germany into a millitary family. Traveling frequently was just another perk in joining Baird. Despite being a few months short of his 60's, he performs 200-220 shows a year while spending approximately six months of the year abroad.

He has always considered his career to be strictly personal rather than professional. In the 1980's, he became close friends with the members of Drivin 'N Cryin, Jason and the Scorchers, and R.E.M. These friendships made it no surprise when Mike Mills of R.E.M showed up at the 40 Watt for the show. He admits to being hired by friends of his and that his job opportunities come from his relationships. "They weren't just good artists or good performers, they were good people- real good, genuine human beings", Hodges said.

Regardless of age, Hodges said he wants to perform forever. He admits to admiring the way R.E.M left the music scene when they were at the top and forewent any future albums that would make them any less than the best. He said watching kids figure out music for themselves is what keeps him involved with music. When he started, the drinking age was lower, it was easy practice at the pizza parlor down the street and get your name out before having your ducks in a row. But to Hodges, it was never a job, "that's why they call it playing music- because you're doing just that- playing. It's never a job if you love what you do and enjoy working on your craft because at the end of the day, it's just playing", Hodges said.