Alabama Shakes Return: Brittany Howard on Fame, Trump, and Tour 2026

Alabama Shakes have officially reunited after a seven-year hiatus, with frontwoman Brittany Howard revealing the band's emotional return and their plans to fight against the political climate. The blues-soul-rock band, known for their Grammy-winning album Sound & Color, performed their first show in over seven years in December 2024 at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Unexpected Reunion

Howard explained that the reunion began when a friend who owned a struggling brewery in Tuscaloosa asked for a fundraiser. She initially agreed to perform solo, but then felt the band owed him a collective gesture. “I called the fellas,” she said. “Do y’all wanna perform at this thing – like, all of us, together? And they instantly said yes.”

The band rehearsed songs they hadn't played in years, and the show was a surprise to the 1,000-capacity crowd. Guitarist Heath Fogg described it as an “out-of-body experience” and a “feeling of euphoria in the purest form.”

Fleeing Fame and Fighting Trump

Howard admitted that the band had been “in danger of running it into the ground” before their hiatus. The pressures of fame, touring, and creative exhaustion led them to step back. Now, with a renewed perspective, Howard is also using the band's platform to speak out against Donald Trump and the current political landscape. “We have to fight,” she said. “Music is a powerful tool for change.”

What’s Next for Alabama Shakes?

Following the successful reunion show, the band is planning to rehearse more and write new material. Fans are eagerly awaiting a full tour and possibly new music. Below is a comparison of their two most famous albums:

Key Takeaways from the Reunion

• The band reunited after 7 years for a surprise show in Tuscaloosa.
• Brittany Howard is using the reunion to speak out against Trump.
• New music and a tour are expected in 2025.
• The band's hiatus was due to creative exhaustion and the pressures of fame.

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