Steve Earle

Steve Earle spent his formative years in Texas...

And you know that can mean trouble. But for Steve Earle, the "hardcore troubadour", it has all worked out brilliantly and his presence today in the country music industry is as an outspoken, politically active, death-penalty opposing, anti-war country-rocker. This is not an easy role to fill- just ask the Dixie Chicks; but Steve plays it perfectly and never holds his tongue in favor of the almighty dollar. He rocks, and not only with his guitar.

The legendary Earle is on tour to promote his new album, Washington Square Serenade, an ode to the New York landmark park smack in the middle of Greenwich Village which in the 60's was the epicenter of the bohemian universe. Today the Square is a hangout for dealers pushing their merch, which is sadly fitting as Earle's battles with drugs are perhaps more well known than his songs. Speaking of his addiction, he says, "I pawned my bike, my pickup truck, a National Steel guitar, lost a good wife, a bad girlfriend, and the respect of anyone who ever lent me money." Sounds like a damn good country song to me.