If you’ve ever been to a Zac Brown Band show, you know it’s not just one guy with a guitar and some session players. It’s a literal wall of sound. Honestly, it’s closer to a jam band orchestra than a standard Nashville outfit. But while the name on the marquee is Zac, the actual roster behind him has evolved into one of the most complex, multi-instrumental lineups in modern music.
Right now, in 2026, the band is hitting a massive stride. They’re coming off their residency at Sphere Las Vegas and prepping for a huge run with Garth Brooks. But through the years, the faces on stage have shifted just enough to keep fans guessing.
Basically, it's an nine-piece powerhouse. Let's get into who actually makes that sound.
The Core Lineup: More Than Just a Backing Band
Zac Brown is the engine. He’s the lead vocals and the primary songwriter, sure. But the "band" part of the name is there for a reason. Most of these guys have been in the trenches together since the "Chicken Fried" days, and that chemistry isn't something you can just manufacture in a studio.
Jimmy De Martini (Fiddle, Vocals)
Jimmy is a founding member and, frankly, the secret weapon. If you hear a blistering violin solo that sounds more like a rock lead than a country hoedown, that’s him. He’s been there since 2004. His harmony vocals are also a huge part of that "ZBB sound" that defines their radio hits.
John Driskell Hopkins (Guitar, Banjo, Vocals)
Everyone calls him "Hop." He’s the heart of the group. Hop actually started on bass but moved to a multi-instrumentalist role years ago. Recently, his story has become a massive point of inspiration for the fanbase. In late 2021, he was diagnosed with ALS.
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He’s still touring. He’s still singing.
Watching him perform in 2026 is a masterclass in resilience. He’s even launched Hop On A Cure, a foundation that’s raised millions for research. He might play slightly different parts now to accommodate his motor functions, but the band has made it clear: as long as Hop wants to be there, that’s his spot.
Coy Bowles (Guitar, Keys)
Coy joined in 2006. He’s the guy usually wearing a hat and switching between a Hammond B3 organ and a slide guitar. He’s also a prolific children's book author on the side, which is a fun bit of trivia most casual listeners don't know.
Clay Cook (Guitar, Keys, Mandolin, Vocals)
If Clay looks familiar, it’s probably because he was a member of the Marshall Tucker Band and actually co-wrote songs with John Mayer back in the day (including "No Such Thing"). He joined ZBB in 2008. He’s arguably the most versatile musician on that stage, swapping from pedal steel to mandolin in a single set.
The New Era: Caroline Jones and the Full Sound
For a long time, the band was an "all-boys club," but that changed officially a couple of years ago.
Caroline Jones is the first female member of the Zac Brown Band. She started as an opening act, then became a touring guest, and finally a full-fledged member. She’s a virtuoso. We’re talking guitar, banjo, mandolin—you name it.
Her presence changed the vocal dynamics of the band. Adding a female harmony to their signature three- and-four-part stacks gave them a range they didn't have before. In 2025 and 2026, she’s been balancing her solo career (releasing her album Good Omen) with her duties in the band. It’s a lot of work. She makes it look easy.
The Rhythm Section
You can’t have a band this big without a massive floor.
- Chris Fryar: The drummer who has been holding down the beat since 2008.
- Daniel de los Reyes: A world-class percussionist. He brings a Latin flair that separates ZBB from every other "Southern rock" band. He’s played with everyone from Earth, Wind & Fire to Sting.
- Matt Mangano: The bassist who stepped in when Hop moved to guitar. He’s the technical anchor.
Why the Lineup Shifts Matter
People often ask why they need so many people. It’s about the live experience. Unlike many pop-country acts that rely on backing tracks (pre-recorded music played through the speakers), Zac Brown Band does everything live.
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If you hear a flute? Someone is playing it.
Is there a complex percussion breakdown? That’s Daniel.
This DIY ethos is why they can headline the Sphere. That venue requires a level of audio precision that only a band of this caliber can handle. Their 2026 shows have been described as "immersive," largely because they have enough members to create a 360-degree wall of audio.
Recent Rumors and Reality
There was some chatter in late 2025 about Zac going solo. You might have seen the headlines. It happens every few years. Usually, it's just because Zac wants to experiment with a side project like Sir Rosevelt.
But the "Love & Fear" era has proven the band isn't going anywhere. They are more unified now than they were five years ago.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on catching the Zac Brown Band members on tour this year, here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Watch the stage left/right swaps: Clay Cook and Coy Bowles trade off lead duties constantly. If you’re a gearhead, watch their tech hand-offs; it's like a choreographed dance.
- Support Hop On A Cure: You’ll see the booths at the shows. Since Hop is still performing despite his ALS diagnosis, the band usually dedicates a portion of the night to awareness.
- Listen for the harmonies: In the 2026 sets, pay attention to the "unplugged" moments. That’s where the addition of Caroline Jones really shines—it’s a different texture than their older records.
- Check the credits: When you listen to the new Love & Fear tracks, look at the writing credits. This isn't a "Zac and some writers" situation. The band members are heavily involved in the arrangements.
The magic of this group isn't just the hits. It's the fact that nine people can stay in sync while playing three different genres in a two-hour set. That’s not just a band. That’s a machine.
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To stay updated on the 2026 tour dates and specific lineup appearances for the Garth Brooks BST Hyde Park shows, keep an eye on the official band site or their verified social channels. Members sometimes take brief leaves for solo projects, but the "Big Nine" remains the definitive roster for this year.