The Dave Matthews Band (DMB), a powerhouse of rock, jazz fusion, and folk, has evolved significantly since its formation in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1991, but its core spirit remains a commitment to incredible live performance and musical virtuosity. As of the current date, December 9, 2025, the band’s official performing lineup is a seven-piece collective, featuring three founding members alongside a quartet of world-class musicians who have solidified their places over the last two decades. The latest news centers around their highly anticipated 2025 Spring/Summer Tour, which continues to showcase the dynamic synergy of this expanded ensemble.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the current members of the Dave Matthews Band, from the iconic front man to the newest keyboardist, detailing their unique contributions and musical backgrounds. The current lineup's collective talent is what drives the band's enduring success and their ability to sell out venues across the globe, supporting their latest work like the 2023 studio album, Walk Around The Moon.

The Current DMB Lineup: A Seven-Piece Powerhouse Biography

The Dave Matthews Band's current iteration features three founding members and four long-time collaborators who have been fully integrated into the group, creating a rich, layered sound that defines their modern era. Below is the complete profile for each member.

1. Dave Matthews (Lead Vocals, Guitar)

• Full Name: David John Matthews
• Born: January 9, 1967, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Role: Frontman, primary songwriter, and rhythm guitarist.
• Notable Side Projects: Matthews is known primarily for DMB, but he has released a solo album, Some Devil, and frequently performs as an acoustic duo with guitarist Tim Reynolds.
• DMB Contribution: The creative and lyrical core of the band, known for his unique vocal style and complex acoustic guitar rhythms that anchor the band's signature "jam" sound.

2. Carter Beauford (Drums, Percussion)

• Full Name: Carter Anthony Beauford
• Born: November 2, 1957 (or 1958), Charlottesville, Virginia
• Role: Founding member, drummer, and percussionist.
• Notable Side Projects: Before DMB, he played in a jazz fusion band called Secrets. He is widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient drummers in rock music.
• DMB Contribution: His innovative, open-handed drumming style and polyrhythmic complexity are the rhythmic backbone of the band, providing a unique jazz-influenced foundation for their rock sound.

3. Stefan Lessard (Bass)

• Full Name: Stefan Kahil Lessard
• Born: June 4, 1974, Anaheim, California
• Role: Founding member and bassist.
• Notable Side Projects: Lessard is involved in various musical projects, including the group Dream Shanti. He was only 16 when the band formed.
• DMB Contribution: His deep, melodic bass lines are crucial to the band's fusion sound, often serving as a counter-melody to the guitars and vocals.

4. Jeff Coffin (Saxophone, Winds)

• Full Name: Jeff Stanley Coffin
• Born: August 5, 1965
• Role: Saxophonist, composer, and educator. He officially joined DMB following the tragic death of founding saxophonist LeRoi Moore in 2008.
• Notable Side Projects: A three-time Grammy Award winner, Coffin is famous for his work with Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, where he played for many years.
• DMB Contribution: He brings a powerful, versatile jazz sensibility to the band, skillfully filling the massive void left by Moore while adding his own distinct energy and compositional flair.

5. Rashawn Ross (Trumpet, Horns)

• Full Name: Rashawn Ross
• Born: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
• Role: Trumpeter and arranger. He began touring with DMB in 2005 and is now considered a permanent member.
• Notable Side Projects: Ross is an accomplished session musician who has worked across genres, including funk, pop, and hip hop, and has toured with acts like Soulive and DJ Quik.
• DMB Contribution: His trumpet work provides essential brass textures, counter-melodies, and powerful solos, adding a cinematic depth to DMB’s live performances.

6. Tim Reynolds (Lead Guitar)

• Full Name: Tim Reynolds
• Born: December 15, 1957
• Role: Lead guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. He is a long-time collaborator who has been a near-constant presence in the band since the early 90s, becoming an essential member.
• Notable Side Projects: He founded the power trio TR3 in the 1980s and is a prolific solo acoustic artist.
• DMB Contribution: Reynolds provides the band’s signature electric lead guitar sound, known for his technical virtuosity, complex fingerstyle, and incredible improvisational skill that elevates DMB’s jam sessions.

7. Buddy Strong (Keyboards)

• Full Name: Arthur "Buddy" Strong
• Origin: Phoenix, Arizona
• Role: Keyboardist. He joined the band in 2018, replacing the departed touring keyboardist.
• Notable Side Projects: Prior to DMB, Strong was a sought-after musician who toured and recorded with major pop artists, including Usher, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears.
• DMB Contribution: Strong brought a fresh, soulful, and dynamic keyboard presence, integrating piano, organ, and synthesizer sounds that modernized the band’s overall sonic palette for albums like Walk Around The Moon.

The Evolution of DMB: From Quartet to Seven-Piece Ensemble

The Dave Matthews Band was initially conceived as a quartet of Matthews, Lessard, Beauford, and the late LeRoi Moore, with violinist Boyd Tinsley and keyboardist Peter Griesar joining early on. This core group defined the band’s sound through their breakout years, marked by seminal albums like Under the Table and Dreaming and Crash.

The first major shift came in 1993 with the departure of keyboardist Peter Griesar. The most profound change, however, occurred in 2008 with the tragic death of founding saxophonist LeRoi Moore. Moore's unique style was integral to the DMB sound, and his passing marked the end of an era.

In the wake of this loss, the band officially integrated long-time touring musicians Jeff Coffin and Rashawn Ross to maintain the complex horn arrangements. Tim Reynolds, whose acoustic duo work with Dave Matthews dates back to the early 90s, also transitioned to a more permanent, integral role as the electric lead guitarist.

Why the Expanded Lineup Matters for the 2025 Tour

The current seven-piece lineup—featuring three horns/winds, two guitars, bass, and drums—is the most musically diverse and robust version of the band in its history. This expansion is not just about replacing former members; it's about elevating the band's capabilities for both studio work and their legendary live shows.

The addition of Buddy Strong in 2018, for instance, has allowed the band to explore deeper funk and pop influences, evident in tracks from their latest album, Walk Around The Moon. His dynamic work on the keyboards adds a layer of modern production that complements the band's traditional jam-band roots.

Furthermore, the three-person horn section of Jeff Coffin, Rashawn Ross, and occasional guests allows for incredibly rich, complex arrangements that are a hallmark of DMB's live performances. This musical density is what keeps fans returning year after year, especially for the massive, multi-date tours like the one announced for the 2025 Spring and Summer seasons.

Notable Former Members and Collaborators

While the focus is on the current lineup, the history of DMB is also defined by the contributions of those who came before.

LeRoi Moore (1991–2008)

Moore was a founding member and the original saxophonist, whose jazz background was crucial in shaping the band's unique sound. His passing was a monumental loss, but his musical legacy lives on in the band's performance of classic tracks like "Two Step" and "Jimi Thing."

Boyd Tinsley (1991–2018)

Tinsley was the band’s original violinist, known for his energetic stage presence and soaring, distinctive violin solos. He was a key component of the band for nearly three decades, contributing to every major album from Remember Two Things through Come Tomorrow.

Peter Griesar (1991–1993)

Griesar was the band's first keyboardist, helping to define the early sound before departing due to the strenuous touring schedule.

The Dave Matthews Band Legacy Continues

The current lineup of Dave Matthews, Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, Jeff Coffin, Rashawn Ross, Tim Reynolds, and Buddy Strong represents the peak of DMB's musical maturity. They have successfully navigated major personnel changes, honoring their roots while embracing new sounds to stay relevant in the modern music landscape. With the 2025 tour dates being announced, the DMB Warehouse Fan Association buzz is at an all-time high, proving that this powerhouse ensemble continues to be one of the most exciting and enduring live acts in rock history.

From the complex rhythms of Carter Beauford to the soulful keys of Buddy Strong, every member is essential to the collective genius that is the Dave Matthews Band, ensuring their legacy of improvisation and musical excellence continues well into the future.