It really depended on the venue. For example, they couldn't draw anyone in Beaumont, TX at their height. But they were selling out venues all over the country. It was odd. Used to sell out the Belly Up Tavern, Joes on Weed Street, the cool venues in the cool places. They really crushed the west coast. And they were really big festival bands because they had such cross-genre appeal. Not to mention they were so popular amongst a cool crowd of musicians. Shooter Jennings, Leeann Womack, Dierks Bentley…. They propelled them in some different circles as well. I've always maintained it was lighting in a bottle, which is why none of the subsequent spin offs have ever reached that level of popularity. They had the right team, right support, right time…
Without a doubt, The Departed is a better band sonically, but will never see the Ragweed type frenzy. There is a lot more to it than pure talent.
It's funny you mention Denver. I wonder what year that was. Maybe The Grizzly Rose (my guess is 2008 if Randy was opener)? The last time they played there was pretty much when things were started my to unravel.
