Alabama Shakes have returned from a seven-year hiatus following an unexpected December 2024 benefit concert in Tuscaloosa. The blues-soul-rock band, which achieved major commercial success with their 2012 debut Boys & Girls and 2015 follow-up Sound & Color, initially separated in 2017 after members felt creatively and physically exhausted despite their significant cultural impact and prestigious fanbase.
The reunion began when a brewery owner in Tuscaloosa requested the band’s participation in a fundraiser. This led to an impromptu rehearsal and performance at the Bama Theatre that exceeded expectations in its emotional resonance. Following this successful show, the band decided to continue working together, eventually booking increasingly larger venues and preparing new material. Singer Brittany Howard noted she initially envisioned smaller club and theatre shows but was surprised by demand for stadium-scale performances.
The band’s return gained significant momentum with the April release of American Dream, a song addressing gun violence, climate change, abortion rights, and other political issues. The track achieved viral success on social media platforms and reestablished the band’s presence in contemporary cultural discourse. Howard characterized the song as a reflection of current events, hoping future listeners would recognize the challenges of this period while appreciating resilience.
Alabama Shakes’ forthcoming third album, I Must Be Dreaming, represents a sonic shift from their previous retro-soul sound toward more experimental territory incorporating psychedelic and ethereal elements. The album, due August 28, explores themes including relationships, national conditions, and modern life’s complexities. Band members emphasized that their reunion felt natural and voluntary, driven by genuine creative interest rather than external pressure.
Howard discussed how her solo work and life experiences have shaped her perspective, expressing cautious optimism about social movements she observes while maintaining awareness of limits on individual impact. The band’s European tour includes performances at major venues, with their Leeds show representing their first UK appearance in a decade.