Unlikely Origins of Zac Brown Band as They Dominate the Sphere

As Zac Brown Band continues its run at the Sphere in Las Vegas, fans are looking back at the unlikely chain of moments that brought the group together long before they became one of country music’s most successful live acts. The band’s formation was never a clean blueprint. It was a patchwork of barrooms, college hallways, and split second decisions that shaped the sound fans know today.

Bars played a surprisingly central role in the early years. Zac Brown first crossed paths with violinist Jimmy De Martini at a small Georgia venue where De Martini jumped on stage during a performance. Another key moment came in an Atlanta bar where Zac met John Driskell Hopkins, who was working in the producer booth. Brown convinced him to step out and pick up a bass, a move that would anchor the band’s early sound.

College life added another piece to the puzzle. Guitarist Coy Bowles met Zac at West Georgia College while studying biology. Bowles eventually left his major and his own band to join Brown after opening for him once. That decision became a turning point for both musicians.

Rounding out the story is guitarist Clay Cook, who attended a prestigious music school with John Mayer. Cook and Mayer performed as a duo, and Cook co-wrote several of Mayer’s early hits before signing on with Zac Brown Band. His arrival added another layer to a group that was slowly becoming a force.

Today’s sold out shows at the Sphere are a long way from those first chance encounters, but the spirit of those early days still runs through every performance.