Alabama Shakes, the Grammy-winning blues-soul-rock band, have made a stunning return after seven years of silence, with frontwoman Brittany Howard revealing the emotional reunion that brought them back together. In an exclusive interview, Howard opens up about fleeing the pressures of fame, the band's unexpected reunion show, and why they feel compelled to speak out against Donald Trump and political division.
Why Alabama Shakes Went on Hiatus
After exploding onto the scene in 2009, Alabama Shakes achieved massive success with albums like Boys & Girls and Sound & Color, winning four Grammys and earning fans like Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen. But by 2017, the band was physically and creatively exhausted. “We were in danger of running it into the ground,” Howard admits. The hiatus felt indefinite, with no plans to reunite—until a friend in need changed everything.
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The Surprise Reunion Show
In December 2024, a friend who owned a struggling brewery in Tuscaloosa asked Howard to perform at a fundraiser. She agreed, but then felt the band should repay his past support collectively. “I called the fellas,” she recalls. “‘Do y’all wanna perform at this thing—all of us, together?’ And they instantly said yes.” The result was a secret show at the 1,000-capacity Bama Theatre on December 18, 2024, met with a rapturous reception. Guitarist Heath Fogg described it as “an out-of-body experience… a feeling of euphoria in the purest form.”
Brittany Howard on Fame and Politics
Howard has been outspoken about the toll of fame, but she also feels a renewed sense of purpose. With the 2024 election looming, she has used her platform to criticize Trump and advocate for unity. “Music is a way to fight back,” she says. “We can’t stay silent.” The band is now rehearsing and writing new material, signaling a full comeback.
| Album | Year | Chart Peak | Grammys |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys & Girls | 2012 | Top 10 (US/UK) | 0 |
| Sound & Color | 2015 | No. 1 (US) | 4 |
Key Takeaways from the Reunion
- Alabama Shakes reunited after 7 years for a surprise fundraiser show in Tuscaloosa.
- Brittany Howard cites creative burnout and the need to escape fame as reasons for the hiatus.
- The band plans to write new music and tour again, with a focus on political activism.
- Fans can expect a mix of classic hits and fresh material in 2025.
FAQ
When did Alabama Shakes reunite?
Alabama Shakes reunited for a secret show on December 18, 2024, at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Why did Alabama Shakes go on hiatus?
The band went on hiatus in 2017 due to physical and creative exhaustion, as frontwoman Brittany Howard felt they were “in danger of running it into the ground.”
Will Alabama Shakes release new music?
Yes, Brittany Howard has confirmed the band is rehearsing and writing new songs, with plans for a full comeback in 2025.
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