Gabe DixonDISCOGRAPHY1999: “More Than It Would Seem”2002: “On a Rolling Ball”2005: “Live at World Cafe”2008: “The Gabe Dixon Band”2011: “One Spark”2013: “The Gabe Dixon Band”THE OPENERStereo Dig is a local indie-rock trio consisting of Jon Kirkendoll (vocals/synthesizer/guitar), Zach Turner (drums) and Eric Parham (bass). For more information, visit Facebook.com/StereoDigIF YOU GO• What: Nightfall concert series featuring Gabe Dixon.• When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29; Stereo Dig opens at 7 p.m.• Where: Miller Plaza, 850 Market St.• Admission: Free.• Phone: 423-265-0771.• Venue website: nightfallchattanooga.com.• Artist website: gabedixon.com.
Even with the best of intentions, it must be hard to say no to a Beatle, but in 2001, Gabe Dixon did just that.
After six weeks recording backing vocals and piano for Paul McCartney’s “Driving Rain” solo album, Dixon joined the rock legend for his Concert for New York City benefit.
Afterward, McCartney offered to bring Dixon with him on his world tour, but the offer put Dixon in an uncomfortable position. He had just signed a deal with Warner Brothers Records and was lining up tour dates of his own, and agreeing would mean having to put his own career on hold.
The decision not to join McCartney wasn’t an easy one, Dixon says, especially since The Beatles, along with Jerry Lee Lewis and Paul Simon, were among his earliest musical idols. Regardless, he says, it was the right move.