Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Confirm ‘Boots 3: The Hickory Show’

Famed Americana duo Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are set to unveil a significant archival live recording titled Boots 3: The Hickory Show on February 12, 2027, through Acony Records. This release documents a concert performed on September 27, 1997, at the Arts and Science Center Auditorium’s Acoustic Stage in Hickory, North Carolina, capturing a raw and formative moment in their early career.

The album originates from a performance in an intimate 400-seat venue, reflecting the minimalist setup characteristic of Welch and Rawlings at the time: two guitars, two voices, and four microphones. This approach emphasizes the duo’s intricate musicianship and vocal interplay, providing listeners with a focused and unembellished sonic experience.

Recorded by Bill Bost alongside Rawlings himself, the show occurred between the release of Welch’s debut album Revival (1996) and her sophomore record Hell Among The Yearlings (1998). For years, bootleg versions of the Hickory show circulated among fans, lauded for their authentic capture of a critical transitional phase in their artistic development. The official release offers a remastered and authorized presentation of these performances.

Welch has reflected on the recording with a sense of nostalgia, acknowledging the precision and intensity of their performances during that period, which contrasted with the broader range of styles they would explore in later years. Rawlings highlighted the unique atmosphere of that particular night, describing how the quality of the sound and the relaxed mood allowed them to experiment and develop in front of an audience.

To introduce the album, the duo shared two tracks: “Tear My Stillhouse Down” and a cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho & Lefty.” Welch noted the spontaneous nature of their rendition of “Pancho & Lefty,” underscoring their comfort on stage despite limited familiarity with the song, an attribute that exemplifies the duo’s confidence and artistic maturity even in moments of uncertainty.

Beyond the album release, Welch and Rawlings are preparing to resume touring, blending headline performances with installments of their Grateful Dead Reckoning tribute series. Notably, they are slated to appear at Bill Kreutzmann’s A Very Grateful Thanksgiving shows, further cementing their ongoing connection to the legacy of American roots music.

Their upcoming tour itinerary spans multiple locations, beginning in December 2026 with shows at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, and extending through early 2027 with performances across the southern United States and internationally in Australia and New Zealand. Included are appearances at songwriter festivals and major venues such as the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Boots 3: The Hickory Show’s tracklist showcases a selection of songs emblematic of the duo’s early repertoire, including “Ben Dewberry’s Final Run,” “Bright Morning Star,” and “White Freightliner Blues.” The album not only offers a window into their foundational sound but also enriches the archival documentation of late 1990s American folk and roots music.

This release promises to be a significant addition for fans and scholars of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, providing a meticulously preserved snapshot of their evolving artistry at a crucial juncture. As archival live recordings often do, Boots 3 serves to deepen appreciation for the duo’s enduring influence on contemporary folk traditions.