Steve Earle Talks Through 'The Wire'

Posted on Jan 10th 2008 10:00AM by Mike Spinella
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Rebel folk-fusion pioneer Steve Earle can be heard performing this year's theme for the acclaimed HBO drama 'The Wire,' with his twangy take on Tom Waits' 1987 classic, 'Way Down in the Hole.' Earle is no stranger to the show, having starred as Waylon, a recovering drug addict who leads a 12-step program. "I didn't have to act," Earle, a recovering addict, tells Spinner. "Playing Waylon is like going to a 12 step meeting and getting paid for it."

"Waits is one of the two or three greatest singer-songwriters of my generation," Earle continues. "I think our track -- myself and producer John King -- is the most overtly hip-hop version other than Do Ma Je's version from last year, which is my personal favorite next to the Waits original."

It's not all work for Earle, however. The singer-songwriter is an avid fan of the show and is quick to respond when asked of his favorite moment. "In the fourth season when Bodie realizes that the game is rigged and tries to get out ... and he does," Earle says. "It was heartbreaking, but it was real." Catch the show on HBO on Sundays at 9PM EST.

Steve Earle, 'Way Down in the Hole'