Hackensaw Boys

Brighthelmstone are delighted The Hackensaw Boys are back in the UK and will be performing at 'Mid Sussex Music Hall'.

The Hackensaw Boys are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their classic album Love What You Do with an extensive European tour in 2025. They could have chosen any album from their deep catalog, but Love What You Do stands out as a fan and band favorite. This album, with its unique blend of bluegrass, punk, and folk, is a true monument to Americana.

Founding member David Sickmen, the last original member from the band's late 1990s lineup, reflects on their long journey. Why did they choose Love What You Do for this tour celebration? Without hesitation, he replies, “To celebrate our first release on a record label. The album was well-received in the Americana world when it came out.” Made with passion, it’s an album that truly lives up to its title.

For over 25 years, the Hackensaw Boys have delivered their unique mix of Americana genres with a no-nonsense punk attitude. How has this blend evolved since their early days in Charlottesville? Sickmen explains, “I’d like to think we’ve kept the spirit of the original songs, while preserving the energy they carried. Yet, after 25 years and so many new experiences, combined with all the roads we’ve traveled, the music has grown in a way that only time can provide.”

Balancing traditional roots with high-energy punk is second nature for the band. Sickmen says, “I don’t know that we strive for balance between genres as much as it’s just our natural style. I think it’s awesome that our music still resonates with people!”

One iconic aspect of the Hackensaw Boys’ performances is the “charismo”—a self-made instrument that’s become a staple at their shows. Invented by former band member Justin “Salvage” Neuhardt, it remains part of their sound even after his departure. “The charismo is a functional, sculptural art piece that came out of a need for a unique percussion element,” Sickmen says.

Love What You Do was recorded in various cities, including Charlottesville, San Francisco, and Amsterdam. “Being in different cities contributed to the album’s sound,” Sickmen recalls. “It has a sense of being on the road, capturing that nomadic feel.”

Some songs, like We Are Many, have become fan anthems. What makes this song resonate so much with audiences? Sickmen believes it’s “the call for unity, which resonates with people worldwide—something our troubled world needs.”

Over the years, the band lineup has changed significantly, and Sickmen himself has come and gone. With nearly 40 members over time, it’s a rotation you’d usually see in a baseball team. “Although it’s challenging to have people come and go, there’s always a fresh energy with new members,” Sickmen reflects. “A music collective!”

The Hackensaw Boys have played venues and festivals worldwide, from the U.S. to Europe. Does Sickmen notice any differences in audience responses between places like the Netherlands and the U.S.? “I don’t see much difference between European and American audiences,” he notes. “While our music’s roots trace back to Europe—and Africa too—the energy resonates everywhere.”

Looking back on two and a half decades of music-making, what does Sickmen consider the most challenging and rewarding moments for the band? “The most rewarding part has been the impact our music has had on people and their families,” he says. “The challenge is making art in a country that doesn’t always prioritize the arts. Touring has become harder in recent years.”

Fast-forwarding from 2005’s Love What You Do to their EP, A Fireproof House of Sunshine, released during the pandemic, Sickmen reflects on the challenges musicians faced then. “Keeping the band alive was tough, but it was also a good time to write songs without the pressures of the industry.”

What does being in the Hackensaw Boys mean to Sickmen personally? What does he hope fans take away from their shows? “I’ve had many mixed emotions over the years, with incredibly fun times and sorrowful ones. But in the end, the music has allowed me a journey that few people get to experience, and I’m grateful. That’s why we show up every night and give 100%, hoping people leave our shows happier than when they arrived.”