Old 97’s is far from old.

The Dallas-born band first began in 1993 when a group of friends just clicked — and, together, they created a band that has transcended generations.

“I’ve found that our audience stays pretty young,” said lead vocalist Rhett Miller. “And I think that’s because we’ve never stopped rocking. Sometimes, you’ll see a 20-year-old kid come in with his parent, and they’re both huge fans.”

The Old 97's formed more than 15 years ago, with a group of friends who found playing together was enjoyable. That same philosophy still centers the band, even if a specific genre or sound does not. Courtesy Old 97's

The variety-country-rock band — which includes bassist Murry Hammond, guitarist Ken Bethea and drummer Philip Peeples— attributes its ability to touch people of all ages by staying true to its music, Miller said.

“I like that we’re not tied down to one time,” he said. “We’re not an ’80s band, a ’90s band — we are who we are, which has always been outside of [one movement].”

And the bandmates can’t contain themselves into one genre either.

“We’re a mutt,” Miller said. “We leave it to the critics.”

Even on all its albums, Old 97s doesn’t stick to one formula — it likes to play around.

“We started out as a garage band, and we’re still working on it,” Miller said. “From record to record, we like to try different things.”

However, when it comes to performing, Old 97‘s is in complete control. The band members know who they are as a band, and over the years, they’ve stayed devoted, especially on stage, Miller said.

“We do what we do,” he said. “The set list changes, but we always keep the rock.”

As the bandmates return Athens, they’re excited to revisit old favorites, like the 40 Watt and the Georgia Theatre, old friends from the past and the atmosphere of a college town, Miller said.

However, Miller said nothing in Athens compares to the exhilaration of performing for the fans of the Classic City.

“The audience in Athens is a true music fan,” he said. “It’s great to play for that kind of audience — there’s an appreciation for all the hard work you put into [the performance]. They aren’t just going out to look for an excuse to get drunk.”

OLD 97′S
Where: 40 Watt
When: 8 p.m.
Price: $16 (adv.)