a jam band, dave matthews band is known for its tight, engaging live shows. the band has always encouraged fans to record its performances and was one of rock's most bootlegged bands. in fact, a direct patch to the soundboard was made available to recordists until 1995, when some of these tapes found their way into less scrupulous, commercial-minded hands who, in the band's eyes, overcharged fans. the band cites college students trading these tapes in the early 1990s as a key reason for their current fame.