David and Cassie Berman of Silver Jews
Issue #28
The rocknroll couple talks about love at first sight, being the center of attention, and going on tour for the first time
By MacKenzie Wilson
Published: June 1st, 2006 | 12:00am
David Berman, founder of the band Silver Jews, is one of indie rock’s cherished storytellers. The cozy harmonies created by Berman and his bandmate-wife, Cassie, echo the same respect and admiration they have for one another in their relationship. Since the 2001 release of Bright Flight, David’s battles with drugs, depression, and suicide nearly ended it all. Today he is sober, healthy, and happier. The Silver Jews’ fifth album, Tanglewood Numbers, is beautifully wry and endearing and the band’s brightest songbook yet.
In March, Silver Jews embarked on the band’s first tour in 15 years, and the couple couldn’t believe what they saw: packed venues. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I had kind of calculated everything,” David says. “I didn’t think the audiences would be so sweet and affectionate. I have been writing songs for a long time, but I haven’t been in a room of Silver Jews fans. I found out that it’s not so bad to be the center of attention.”
“I’ve been playing and performing with bands since I was 19,” Cassie says. “I love playing live and I was pretty sure David would, too. During the first couple of shows, I pretty much watched David because I was so amazed he was finally doing it. I was so proud of him, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.”
Sure, Silver Jews fans nearly wet their knickers at the news of a tour; however, it’s the Bermans who share unabashed love for one another. The pair, who married in 2002, met at a party in 1998 through a mutual friend. Cassie says it was love at first sight for her. “I was a big Silver Jews fan before I ever met David,” she says. “I wanted to try to play it off because I didn’t want to be that girl! But we were also very wild at that time of our lives. Things happened very fast.”
“When I was at this party, I was standing next to some people who were talking about Cassie,” David says. “I asked ‘Who is Cassie Marritt?’” and they told me “’She’s the prettiest girl in Louisville.’”
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