Alabama Shakes debut new songs at comeback show in Chicago
After teasing fans earlier this year with the promise of new music, Alabama Shakes have kicked off their reunion tour with two new songs in their setlist.
In February, the band announced the huge reunion tour, which will travel to most corners of the US to play 30 shows in total. A wide range of acts, including Shannon and The Clams, Sam Evian, Alanna Royale, and Greyhounds, will accompany them on the tour.
The first show was held at Chicago’s Salt Shed, where the classic band played a career-spanning set. The set opened with ‘Hang Loose’, ‘I Ain’t the Same’, and ‘I Found You’. Ten tracks into the 21-song set, the band debuted a new cut, ‘Another Life’.
After playing a sweep of older classics, Alabama Shakes also debuted another new track, called ‘American Dream’. Eventually, they ended with a booming encore that included ‘Sound & Color’, ‘The Greatest’ and ‘Always Alright’.
Their last album, Sound & Color, was released in 2015. In photos posted online where the group teased new music, it was suggested that their new offering will be created alongside working with Shawn Everett, who won a Grammy in 2016 for his work on their previous album.
Despite it being a long-awaited reunion, the band did not entirely consist of the original line-up. Notably, their former drummer, Steve Johnson, has been replaced by Ben Tanner on the tour. This is because Johnson pleaded guilty to domestic violence and stalking in 2020.
Brittany Howard finished the night with a hopeful speech for the final song, ‘Always Alright’. She said, “There’s more of us, I think, that want to do good things in the world. Live a peaceful life. See things. Achieve things. Love.”
The tour will see the band play in places like Las Vegas, New Orleans and Toronto, as well as appearing at festivals such as the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival.
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