You may know Wes Freed for the inspired artwork he has done for the Alabama southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. But Wes is a Virginia native, who has lived in Richmond for decades, where he’s played with the bands Mudd Helmet, Dirtball, and the Shiners. His latest outfit is Mag Bats, who you can see in August at Bandito’s in the Museum District.

On this episode, Wes talks with Colin about growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, his college days at Virginia Commonwealth University, Gwar, and how Southern Rock Opera changed his life.

It’s a long talk, recorded on Wes’s front porch in Richmond. This guy is the real deal. Check it out!