The Avett Brothers - No Hard Feelings | Rick Rubin and Lex Fridman

[@mjmrik]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@jcara8960]

agreed

[@sealife12]

The Avett Brothers are incredible. My absolute favorite band of all time. Pure heart and soul, pure songwriting, pure musicianship. Their music is about being a good human, realizing when you’ve failed, understanding that the world is nasty, but choosing to be a beacon of love anyway.

[@bossHogOG]

No, they stink. Their crappy rock band failed so they rebranded themselves as a phony folk duo. Nothing interesting or authentic about them.

[@pjh2331]

In early 2006 I saw them as an opening act on the east side of Madison at a dive bar called High Noon. There were probably 20 people watching. It remains one of the greatest shows I've ever seen

[@emy_2510]

I've been listening to Lex's podcast for a short while. I was just searching and listening to the Avett Brothers and the fact that this moment here happened on the podcast just made my day!! That they listened to this gorgeous song and some Avett brothers recognition!!!

[@GeorgeGeorgecp]

Lex’s knowledge of this band and reaction to them is the same as mine. That’s why I love and relate to him. Blighted but always hopefully optimistic people.

[@stubect]

@@pjh2331 That would of been great, bit jealous tbh.

[@johng92]

As a North Carolinian from Concord and musician I’m super proud of the Avetts. I work at a diner now and cook breakfast for their father Jim most mornings. This song is absolutely beautiful.

[@zacbranch2083]

Lived in Concord 10 years ago, before I even knew who the Avett Brothers were. Since then they've become my favorite artist. I wasn't surprised at all when I heard they came from Concord, the attitude and positivity in the brothers songs just fits with the people I met there!

[@Sundance94]

Thats awesome

[@johng92]

@@zacbranch2083 my cousin Trey went to school with them and it’s pretty neat to hear where that came from with house party’s and just making the music they love to being what they’ve become.

[@canibethewinner]

"So bright and light hearted..." such a naive, surface look at this song. It is an absolutely devastating and heartbreaking masterpiece. It is an ocean of emotion, pain, trying...as human as you can get. The more you listen to this song, the more it opens up for you. It is heavy.

[@matthewcote5634]

Absolutely agreed.... I hate that Lex said that. - you got it totally right

[@James-vn8zb]

That was my first thought when he said that. It's not light-hearted. It's extremely weighted emotionally. It's not even a surface look at the song. It's an ignorant look, bc you don't even have to listen too deeply to get that. All the minor chords are usually a hint. Notice that Rick doesn't say anything.

[@trainedmoose]

Yup dude wasn’t listening.

[@noelbrian55]

The song is about death and reflection on life…nothing lighthearted about it at all.

[@JodyKenyon]

The fact that y'all are jumping on how he interpreted the song means that y'all didn't get it.

[@amymorris2642]

I told my family I want this played at my celebration of life. I love the Avett Brothers and this song is a masterpiece ❤️

[@jenjen2744]

Watching Rick be so totally, intentionally present in the music is a gift & such a respect to the music/ musicians ❤

[@angeloagosto3035]

No Hard Feelings is one of the few songs I've heard in my long life that brought me to tears within seconds. It's an important message. A vital message.

[@Jack_all]

Lex and Rick vibing out on the Avett Brothers brought tons of joy to my heart.

[@jarreddunlap7065]

So proud of Scott, Seth, and Bob for what they created and refused to quit doing. I went to Winthrop with Bob when they first formed and he was like a kid in a candy shop. He said they were going to make it big, and they did. Great guys to be around and they are amazingly humble and real. This tune is one of their best. The one that hits me hardest is "Through my Prayers"

[@DaisyMaybee1723]

Two of my absolute favorite songs by them... They really are phenomenal.

[@whoknows8436]

Seeing the Avett brothers perform this song live at red rocks, was probably some of the best moments of my entire life. I cried like a baby.

[@jessewestbrook9816]

I can imagine that was insane

[@carie2484]

I saw them there too. Same feelings. ❤️

[@owenhale4384]

I was at this show in 2021. Was beautiful

[@ryjbecker]

I also saw them at Red Rocks on a memorial trip to one of my best friend with family and friends and his wife. This was the song that we played at his funeral after his battle with leukemia. And he kind of chose it. He loved this song!!! His wife (another one of my best friends) ended up passing away three years later after a short battle with cancer. She also loved The Avett Brothers. As much as it sometimes pains me to listen to this song at times? It also brings me a little peace now and then thinking about my love for them.

[@kevinburns493]

Dang. Bet thats a core memory now

[@buckfojeiden9251]

I've been following The Avett Brothers for over 15 years, have seen them live over 20 times and was blessed enough to have their father Jim play in my living room in Bastrop TX. I can't think of a band that compares to them. I'm not saying that there aren't better musicians out there but as a band, considering their catalog of music, the truth in their lyrics and the energy they bring live, probably the most positive influence in my life over the past decade and half.

[@robinwyatt7994]

My absolute favorite Avett song ❤ brings tears to my eyes

[@blakefoster8244]

As someone who is a massive Avett Bros fan and a Lex Friedman fan this makes me happier than I can explain. It’s like two of my favorite worlds coming together.

[@Mars-qj8iq]

i cant. i have cried so many times to this song. it’s a work of art and it reminds me of my mom and who is the one who show me this song. it’s a masterpiece ❤

[@mikeking8206]

you are so right..I too, have cried while listening to this song..especially while seeing them play it live. An absolute masterpiece.

[@trainedmoose]

Amen

[@jessicaross323]

Same. The father of my son died in 2020 from COVID and I've cried 1000 tears to this song thinking of him

[@curtiswilson3569]

As a musician.. I can’t imagine how great this would be to write, to produce, to conceive. I toured, I played so many instruments, better live than in studio so many times. Ended up a trial lawyer, with all the accolades that come from it. But this song, and your reaction to it make me think about what I could have done with music, and what life is about.

[@johnnyleggs22]

My favorite band. I love these guys! Their music is the soundtrack to our families life. Constantly played at our house. Our 3 little kids love them too. I never miss a show when they’re in town. The best I say!

[@ruot286]

If you haven’t seen the Avett Brothers in concert, you need to! They are so good live it’s incredible!

[@CliffeWesley13]

Going to see them in August!

[@running_on_full9502]

One of the absolute best songs ever.

[@AlaskaChromeProductions]

I and love and you My absolute hands down favorite album ever!!!!!!!! As an Alaskan guide that drives hours on the road it will always match with the landscape and beauty. My ex girlfriend and I drove past Denali mountain during laundry room and she started crying because of of how floored the majesty of God’s biggest mountain in Alaska with the song made her feel while seeing the northern lights gave us a sense of how precious we are to be in his grace in such a vast universe l. It was spiritual only matched by nothing. I was lucky enough to be a part of it. I’ve done dmt mushrooms and she even hates me today but that moment was to me A sense of vulnerability that I bottled and understood I’m just human but I can experience wonder. I’m forever grateful

[@tannermccoon5933]

This song has always meant so much to me. Beautiful to see the man who made it what it is be so affected by it himself. I repeat "I have no enemies" to myself almost every day.

[@russellpair2327]

So glad avett bros are getting some good attention, it’s a beautiful song, and they write some of the best songs I’ve ever heard. They’re easily the best song writers right now

[@williamtalty4378]

This is the song I want to play at my funeral lol it's just perfect. Love it. And it makes me happy to see Rick Ruben be like, let's have life move on. It's exactly what you want.

[@meech37]

avett is truly one of the most underrated bands of all time imo.

[@chuckmadden2251]

Too often my generation complain there is no good music anymore. I remind them they have to find the gems, they are out there.

[@DaisyMaybee1723]

I do the same. I tell them that if they truly believe that, they aren't listening in the right places. Actually SO MUCH *great music out there@

[@matthewcote5634]

I've known this song for a few years now. And it gives me goosebumps everytime... Glad to see it finally get its time in the light... its about time.

[@JodyKenyon]

Sung it to my boys over and over as we drove thru the Cherokee to say goodbye to my Muzz and their Baba Gram.Will sing it this Sunday in honor of a dear and magnificent person who just passed away.

[@TimeGallon]

“So bright, so hopeful, so lighthearted.” Literally a song a death

[@shannonhinge]

🤣🤣🤣

[@janellhunter7]

Exactly. Lex doesn’t get it lol.

[@buckfojeiden9251]

about not fearing death 🧐

[@Dvdrm0]

Lex should stick to Russian talking points and stay away from music

[@Crybaby-Media]

Man . I’ve loved the Avett brothers for years . I’ve always been so pleased RICK RUBIN of all people loves them so. It’s only tonight I found this video. But it makes me so happy

[@calo7717]

First time I saw them live (a long time ago) I cried......not like a Beatles teen fangirl (well okay maybe a little like that) but the overwhelming love and purity just got me. They are amazing. Their words pierce and convict your heart while also soothing and connecting you to all of humanity. It is a unique gift.

[@edwardrutkoski4201]

Absolutely the best song about life and death that I've ever heard. Play it at my funeral.

[@shmeli]

I found it funny watching Lex obviously want to move the interview forward and Rick just getting so into the song he just shushes Lex and Lex can only smile and wait. No one plays this much of a song during an interview, and for good reasons, but in this situation it works.

[@davidryan7386]

saw this tension in hurt. rubin is so deep in one should respect it naturally if one sees it. music is his Tai chi. ❤

[@willcoxnick]

Similar to when Elon took half a minute of silence to answer a question. This is one of the reasons that Lex is the man.

[@Pravindaswani74]

Rick is nuts

[@citizentuck]

I think that you're projecting

[@shmeli]

@@citizentuck I think you're crazy

[@peggygibbons1441]

Rick Rubin is my Spirit Animal. When you FEEL a song all the way down to the inside of your toenails. But yes! This is just ONE of the Avett masterpieces!!

[@jeremythomas4660]

I’ve said for years this is my funeral song, really jus sums it all up nicely with a feeling of hope

[@ivandodds6366]

I have told my family to play it at my funeral

[@DaisyMaybee1723]

Same with me.

[@salvatoresesti4023]

It’s so interesting seeing someone else enjoy/discover a song or band you’ve loved for a long time

[@philpartynski3125]

Great video! Great song by the great Avett Brothers! My brother and I did a recording of this song when I turned 60 a few years ago and my son pieced together pics and videos my life. A basement recording that came out beautiful. My kids will never have to worry about what to play at my funeral! 😊🎶❤

[@brucewininger8751]

Such a great song! Great documentary where they record this song at Rick Rubin’s studio in Malibu.

[@peggygibbons479]

Rick Rubin, Man, if you only knew. I'm 63 yrs old. My then 16 daughter's Xpiece of crap boyfriend sent her The Ballad Of Love & Hate, she showed me and I instantly fell into, not the Avett rabbit hole but the Avett LIGHT!! Not that I fell into but I ROSE into and I'm a better person for it!! Gosh dang!! All the music, all they are as people, just LOVELY!!

[@alecparfitt]

I listened again to this song a few times the day after watching this full episode, it has made me cry every time

[@kevinbrooks1104]

I find this version almost a choice for heaven, I like the Avetts because they are so authentic. Just really a song of hope in a hopeless world.

[@Groundedrootshealing]

Loved this song for a long time, I found it right before my grandfather past. So much truth it hurts!

[@brettbonine7194]

My favorite band of all time and it's so impressive how much of a fan Rick is considering how many superstar bands he has worked with.

[@pixelhobo]

It's moment like this that makes life beautful and fill the heart.

[@Gabe-mj5jn]

They had to take a few minutes because they gave it all they had plus some and were emotionally drained. The context of that song is incredibly intimate in their personal lives, which is why the performance was so exhausting. Credit to Rick for getting them to that state where they gave it more than they had to give, but I always hate that this moment in time is so misunderstood.

[@Gabe-mj5jn]

As a result of that moment and knowing what the song is about, it’s impossible to hear that cut and not tear up.

[@Gabe-mj5jn]

Lex, you would really enjoy an in depth look into what I’m talking about as it relates to the stellar performance characteristics.

[@landaday12]

I totally agree. I don't think Seth and Scott were reveling or celebrating their performance of the song. They needed time to reflect on the weight of that moment and decompress.

[@AtomicHercules]

I always took it like Seth needed a minute because of the weight of his personal life at the time and the song, not the way Rubin took it at all. Dude’s a douche.

[@Gabe-mj5jn]

@@AtomicHercules yeah I agree fully on why it took a minute but also I have to say that part of Rubin's success is the ability to take the artist to where they need to be. Totally douchey to celebrate successfully taking them to that dark place but also interesting to me that hes also celebrating how intimate the performance is. There is a fine line between creating a show and creating a real connection. Either way, terrible time to celebrate. I dont think hes used to working with artists that are this real.

[@thewakakeboarder]

This clip needs about 1 million more views

[@Ryattt81]

Been many years since I listened to much AB, dont even know the song, but once upon a time for years they were my favorite, but that changes often. I see Rubin, and hes like a kindred spirit. I love almost all music...its so powerful. From punk rock, to hip hop, country to old obscure 60s reggae tunes...a good song can infect me, and Ill listen over and over and over and over.

[@DisAmy33]

Long time Avett fan here - to see Rick & Lex totally vibe out to one of the most purest & absolute righteous songs ever written & sung so beautifully by the boys was absolute perfection. ❤️ Heavy, yes, but also a gift from the soul. We are not worthy.

[@trucnon7231]

Thank you so much Lex for all the goodness you bring to us through your program. I know that my God is with you.

[@drewnakayama8372]

This was posted on my oldest daughters 9th birthday and I listened to the podcast as my wife faces what could be a rare autoimmune disease. Thanks Lex and Rick for introducing me to such a powerful song.

[@johnedward8352]

Hey Drew, I hope all is well for your wife and family.

[@markdane8264]

Such a great song, on a great album, by amazing artist. The contributions Rick has made to music are definitely profound and will be felt and discovered by many generations to come in astounding manners.

[@citizencyclops406]

Bless you Rick Rubin, you help great artists find a higher gear.

[@bvrbvs]

Just watched the doc. Thanks Rick and Lex for introducing me to this incredible song

[@venividivicivale8287]

Out of all the live performances I’ve been to, this song was the best.

[@TheShannie33]

I love the Avett Brothers, I do. But this song is on another level. I have a visceral and spiritual reaction when it plays. I cry, I get goosebumps. It doesn't matter if it's the 1st listen or the 500th.

[@jasonaderholt4307]

Laundry room does it for me

[@davidf.3628]

If i had a make a wish, it would be going to the studio with Rick. Amazing fellow and I love the fact he listens to that song the same way I do. The Avett Brothers are great song writers, but this song is Dylan-esque

[@NicholasPalance]

Watching the The Avett Bros documentary about their journey with Rick was truly amazing!

[@dob7138911]

I've never heard this song before. Beautiful

[@lizt4592]

Listen to everything they’ve ever made

[@BigLittleLight222]

Grateful for this. Grateful for ALL!

[@markperrine501]

These 2 physically showed what it feels like to actually hear and listen to a song for the first time. Usually when you’re stoned.

[@tonygibson5171]

I remember my neighbor gave me the love and you and I album when it came out. I popped it in and drove over the mid bay bridge from blue water to destin fl. Beautiful experience.

[@dustinwilson4017]

I and love and you, but we know what you meant

[@vladtheinhaler8940]

Song gives me goosebumps every time.

[@josemartins90]

One of the best moments ever on the Lex Fridman podcast

[@rutledgeleland2538]

probably on of the best example of a song the has a strong sorrow feel but is so uplifting

[@TheEverydayPoet]

My first encounter with Rick Rubin or the Avett Brothers, but not with the mood and its variations. ... So nice. I'm glad time was allowed for the entire gestalt to develop musically-quietly.

[@kristiantorres1080]

Bella Donna, If it's the beaches, Murdered in the city...The Avett brothers have beautiful songs.

[@Daniel145D]

@@kristiantorres1080 those are great. Also Souls like the wheels, part from me, the clearness is gone - each of their songs holds a different feeling but they all hold beauty

[@dustinwilson4017]

Tiny desk concerts has a great performance from the avett bros, and Austin City limits are 2 of my favorites to rewatch

[@jeffdroz5294]

I love how it appears to be flowing through Ricks soul.

[@dustinwilson4017]

Always made me think of a southern waltz but a love song to your parents at the same time

[@tommyrq180]

Both Rick and Lex totally inside their heads listening. So rare in podcasts but genuine and pure. (Then a really stupid YT commercial cuts in.) Wha-wha-wha.

[@disposable_hero2748]

Going to my 21st show of the avett brothers for NYE in Charlotte. Truly one of the best live bands out there..

[@haywoodjablome440]

Avett Brothers are fantastic. Thanks for this. Been a minute since i listened to them.

[@haywoodjablome7739]

Nice name

[@haywoodjablome440]

@@haywoodjablome7739 I see. Another man of culture. Cheers, Sir.

[@scottellsw]

Great song, the story behind the lyrics is deeply emotional, and you can hear that emotion from Seth and Scott. I do not like how Rick Rubin is misrepresenting his interactions with Scott and Seth immediately after the song was cut in the studio. He is stating he wanted the brothers to continue in the zone to keep recording, but it is clear in the documentary he was very excited about the song (as well as he should be), and he was trying to congratulate the Avett Bros and share his excitement. He clearly misunderstood the emotional state the brothers were in and lacked empathy.

[@rjacques100]

if it's true that this track was a one-take, Rubin is absolutely correct to push them to put more on paper immediately. They're there to make music, put that emotional state into the next track. Braid the pig tails when the record is done.

[@johanm6550]

@@rjacques100 ''Exploiting the artist struggle'' you mean? There is an interesting video with that title on YT... I don't know, there are two side of exploitation... to abuse or allow to be abused for a hit and fame... just pointing this question out.

[@sb75ification]

We all need more of this Lex

[@JamesLDurham]

One of my all time favourite songs.

[@parks56]

Favorite podcast episode of all podcasts

[@tommyrq180]

Rick was like coaches I’ve known when he describes this Avett Bros brilliant take. You did something other-worldly just then-what’s next. Let’s go. Carry on. Let’s work. Don’t relax. Move on. Move, move, move.

[@homealtitudetrainingoxyhoo3484]

I didn't get what Rick was trying to say at first but now after watching this a few times and buying Ricks book on tapping into your creativity I totally get what he is saying , once you are riding that wave of creativity you need to keep it going

[@HazardsofLoveCelebrating-wq5dk]

The brilliance of the Avett's.

[@LionAndALamb]

I wish Townes Van Zandt had lived long enough to work with Rick Rubin.

[@jamesr5719]

Sheesh....good call right there. That sounds like a great combination 👍

[@DaisyMaybee1723]

And/or the Avett Brothers...

[@susanmccachren9267]

I read that Scott is a huge fan of Townes Van Zandt.

[@ryebrez81]

One of the best songs ever written

[@gilbertolsson5641]

Love the Avett brothers this record is amazing.

[@amylynnk23]

My absolutely favorite band. There live shows are unbelievable

[@Sluboy]

I’m searching for serenity to experience this episode.

[@danw7447]

Been listening to that song on repeat

[@rmaxed]

I always new the song was a great but the story makes it even better !

[@drewswindler7763]

Rick… that’s not what happened. They poured their hearts fully into that, and you were like “it’s a banger, let’s move on” they were still in that head space, they needed to breathe.

[@beemaster666]

Lex finally found a guest who closes his eyes more than he does

[@margo5919]

Love this song! Love Avett brothers!

[@legalavocado3447]

I can't listen to this song without sobbing.

[@DonGately]

My favorite song. Thanks for the background.

[@Mechmike30]

Beautiful song!!! Love it so much….these guys are amazing!

[@massarassa]

My favorite band- going to see them at The Red Rocks this summer!

[@cooperrondinelli6576]

I cannot emphasize how incredible those Avett Red Rocks concerts are. Enjoy it more for the rest of us who can't make it this year!

[@massarassa]

@@cooperrondinelli6576 you got it!

[@SatoriRose]

Always take time for reverie. Walk through the night, straight to the light, holding the love I’ve known in my life…

[@johnedward8352]

So good. Great song and album

[@gerysasko3410]

Alex you did miss the true poetic gravity of that moment when that song ended. Sometimes capitalism can take a pause. The Avett Brothers are so splendid and that song is one of the best.

[@saberxebeck]

Ricks such a guru. The efficiency of his conversation whilst listening to music just shows how deep the Music is speaking to his soul. Beacuse of that, the music does the talking and you see lex bliss out every now and then e.g. 4:18

[@eddiewinehosen6665]

I love how people can take what someone says so differently. When Rick says to them "Great. What's next" to him it was "OMG you're in the zone, lets just keep recording more" and they thought he was blasé about it like "yeah yeah, you guys can sing and play, studio time is expensive, lets go" :D

[@Jim-hr1ky]

I keep listening to this song wondering if I can get to the point where my eyes don't leak.Hasn't happened yet.

[@ytubeanon]

I just saw this performance in the documentary... I don't think they were thinking of Rick Rubin at all when they went outside and were talking about the song... I think despite all their previous playing, this was the first time they reached the special place where everything comes together, and they needed time/space to acclimate to it... imo No Hard Feelings was their only song of that caliber there was a comment in the doc that the Avett Bros didn't actually know Rubin's previous music history, Rubin has worked with several bands who also reached that special place on multiple songs, so he may have been more used to it and ready to continue

[@bohay33]

Lex, this episode is a beautiful dip into your journey! Thank you!

[@JakeAllen3]

When you get to vibe with Rick Rubin to The Avett Brothers, you enjoy 😂 and don’t worry about the interview

[@joelphillips6264]

My sister is your. Biggest fan by far ,in Wisconsin. I only see the posters ,(so far) . keep melodies going...

[@dancarter5595]

The Avett Brothers are incredible. Don't Wake The Scarecrow is one of the most painfully beautiful songs ever sung.

[@alexxccccxbbb9952]

That’s the Felice brothers

[@dancarter5595]

@@alexxccccxbbb9952 They are awesome too 😂

[@philforrence]

that is the best song. Want to see that film