Better Than Ezra Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Better Than Ezra made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday night (Sept. 24).
The quartet of Kevin Griffin, Tom Drummond, Jim Payne and Michael Jerome packed the house and delivered a three-song set of hits. They performed “Good” and “Coyote,” plus a cover of “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS. They also surprised the audience by welcoming Jeff Coffin, saxophonist of Dave Matthews Band, to join them for a spirited rendition of “Never Tear Us Apart.”
“It’s such a pleasure to be here,” Griffin shared on stage. “You know we grew up country music fans in Northern Louisiana, so to be here and to be on stage is pretty amazing.”
This Sunday (Sept. 28), the group will hit the stage at Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, TN, marking their eighth appearance on the bill of the festival co-founded and produced by Griffin.

Better Than Ezra pose backstage moments before stepping into the Grand Ole Opry circle for their debut performance. Photo: Jeff Coffin

After wrapping their debut performance, Better Than Ezra took a moment to chat with Opry announcer Mike Terry about the milestone occasion. Photo: Chris Hollo
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