The group got together at a charity event that featured a solo performance by vocalist Brittany Howard
Article published on December 19, 2024 in Rolling Stone, to read the original in English click here.
Last Wednesday night (December 18), the North American blues-rock band Alabama Shakes provided a special — and unexpected — moment for fans: the group reunited for a performance for the first time since 2017.
The meeting took place in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, during a charity event. The vocalist Brittany Howard had been cast as the headliner, originally for a “short and intimate” solo show.
She took the stage alone and performed an acoustic version of her song “Short and Sweet”. Afterwards, Howard interrupted the show and left the stage saying he needed to get a guitar.
The vocalist returned with the surprise. On the screen at the back of the stage, the phrase “Brittany Howard” was replaced by “Alabama Shakes”, signaling the return of the band members.
“If there’s one place we’ll come together again, it’s Tuscaloosa,” he said. Howard to the public, remembering that the band had performed in previous editions of the charity event, held in 2012 and 2013.
Although the lineup was not complete — the original drummer Steve Johnson did not participate due to legal issues — the musicians present performed a setlist with nine songs that included hits from the albums Boys & Girls (2012) and Sound & Color (2015), the latter nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year. Among the songs, it was also presented “AlwaysAlright”part of the film’s soundtrack The Good Side of Life (2012).
Permanent meeting or one-off meeting?
The band, originally from Athens, Alabama, has not reunited since August 2017, when they performed at the Osheaga festival before going on hiatus.
Since then, Brittany Howard released two solo albums: Jaime (2019) and What Now (2022). So far, there is no confirmation if this performance in Tuscaloosa was just a one-off event or if the band is really back.
In January 2025, the vocalist performs the last show of her solo tour in the United States “What Now”. After that, the agenda remains open.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
