After a seven-year break, the band Alabama Shakes has reunited for live performances and a new album, I Must Be Dreaming.
Key facts
- •Alabama Shakes last performed together in 2017 before their surprise December 2024 reunion.
- •The band's 2015 album Sound & Color reached No. 1 in the US and won four Grammy Awards.
- •The new album, I Must Be Dreaming, features a departure from the band's earlier retro-soul style.
- •The song 'American Dream' went viral on social media platforms following its release in April 2026.
- •The band's 2012 debut album, Boys & Girls, was a transatlantic Top 10 success.
Alabama Shakes, the blues-soul-rock band that rose to prominence in 2009, has ended an indefinite hiatus that began in 2017. The group reunited for a surprise performance in December 2024 at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa. Following the positive reception, the band has returned to touring and recording, with a third studio album, I Must Be Dreaming, scheduled for release.
By the numbers
The Unexpected Reunion
The band's return was prompted by a request from a friend in Tuscaloosa who needed a fundraiser performance for his brewery. Singer Brittany Howard reached out to bandmates Heath Fogg and Zac Cockrell, who agreed to perform. The December 18, 2024, show was held at the 1,000-capacity Bama Theatre without prior public announcement.
New Music and Cultural Focus
The band's upcoming album, I Must Be Dreaming, marks a shift toward a more ethereal and psychedelic sound compared to their previous work. Additionally, the band saw a resurgence in cultural relevance following the April 2026 release of the song 'American Dream,' which addresses social and political issues including gun violence, climate change, and abortion rights.
Band History and Changes
Alabama Shakes formed in Athens, Alabama, and achieved significant success with their 2012 debut Boys & Girls and the 2015 follow-up Sound & Color. The band entered a hiatus in 2017 due to exhaustion and personal commitments. The current lineup does not include original drummer Steve Johnson, who faced legal issues in 2020.
Timeline
- 2009Alabama Shakes emerged from Athens, Alabama.
- 2017The band stopped performing and entered an indefinite hiatus.
- December 18, 2024The band played their first show in over seven years at the Bama Theatre.
- April 2026The band released the song American Dream.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Culture.
