In the early 1990s, the band established a cult following through relentless touring with weekly stops at Virginia clubs known as Trax and Floodzone, an active taping community, and an independent LP, Remember Two Things. As of early 2009, Ross, long time collaborator Tim Reynolds, and new saxophonist Jeff Coffin are listed as 'Touring Members'. It is also confirmed that Ross was in the studio with the band during the recent sessions.

Rashawn Ross has performed at every normal show from 12.13.05 until the present, leading some to believe that he has joined the band, at least semi-permanently. Even though he was never officially part of the lineup, the band recently announced that Butch was leaving the band via their website, and the 2008 summer tour had some of the first shows without Taylor in years. From May 18th, 2001 on, Taylor was a permanent fixture on stage, and in 2003 was no longer listed as 'special guest'. Taylor played with the band for the stadium runs of the 19 summer tours. In 1998, the band played shows with keyboardist Butch Taylor, although he was not officially a member of the band. It feels great, but it amazes me and leaves me a little bewildered at the same time.Dave Matthews Band was formed in Charlottesville, VA in 1991 by South African native singer and guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard, the late LeRoi Moore, who played a wide variety of instruments from the saxophone to the flute, violin player Boyd Tinsley, drummer Carter Beauford, and keyboardist Peter Griesar (who left the band in 1993), all of whom Dave met in Charlottesville. So it's hard for me to have anything but surprise and gratitude about it. I go and do that, then go home and go to sleep until the next day, or go on my bus, which is my home, until the next day. I just feel like I'm going to my office and my office is on stage with a guitar. 'It's not something I've made a point of thinking about until it happens to us. 'It's always well above my expectations, so I never know how to react to it,' Matthews says of such high attendance. All of which is a blur to the modest Matthews, who was raised in South Africa and is now based in Charlottesville, Va. The group has done boffo numbers at the box office. The tragedy interrupted a phenomenal summer for the band. So we'll just get back on the road and carry on.'

When death happens, it reminds everyone of what really matters and that is life and love and family. If it's done anything to us, it's brought us together. And what has it done to us? It devastates us because this is our brother, but he's more devastated because this is his child. We've had tragedies before in the band and it's been the same thing. It's just, 'We have to stop.' Stefan has had a tragedy. There's not even a consideration of anything else.

Dave matthews family tragedy