After a decade-long absence, Alabama Shakes made a triumphant return to the UK stage at Leeds' Millennium Square. Frontwoman Brittany Howard greeted the ecstatic crowd with a simple, heartfelt "Long time, no see," setting the tone for a night suffused with raw emotion and musical mastery. The multiple Grammy-winning blues-soul-rock band proved that their hiatus has only sharpened their edge, delivering a set that was both polished and ferociously alive.
A Decade of Anticipation, A Night of Redemption
It has been 11 years since the release of their last album, but the band showed no signs of rust. Opening with the smooth yet punchy "Rise to the Sun," they immediately established a groove that would carry through the entire evening. The current five-piece lineup, now minus original drummer Steve Johnson but bolstered by three backing singers, created a rich, layered sound that filled the open-air venue.
The stage design was refreshingly minimalist—a backdrop resembling a Windows 98 screensaver of animated clouds. This stripped-back aesthetic allowed the music to take center stage, proving that Alabama Shakes need no embellishments to captivate an audience. Howard, in particular, commanded the spotlight with a vocal range that shifted effortlessly from a Curtis Mayfield-esque falsetto to Aretha Franklin-like rousing bursts of power.
Raw Power and New Directions
Highlights of the night included a gloriously unrestrained performance of "Hang Loose," where Howard let rip with her signature rasp. The band was especially captivating when in full swing, blending hard rock with wobbly psychedelic touches on the new song "Time." This track stretched into a raucous yet deft instrumental workout, signaling a bold new direction for the group.
Another standout was "Gimme All Your Love," which seamlessly blended polished R&B with blistering guitar riffs. The chemistry between the musicians was palpable, each member locked into a tight, groove-oriented conversation that felt both spontaneous and meticulously crafted.
Hope as the Undercurrent
One inescapable element of the evening was the lingering sense of hope that ripples through the band's music. From the mantra-like cries of their 2012 hit "Hold On," performed with moving sincerity, to Howard singing "I've been having me a real hard time / but it feels so nice to know I'm gonna be all right" on "This Feeling," the emotional depth was undeniable. The encore, a new political single titled "American Dream," was a slow-burn number that touched on abortion rights and gun violence, yet it remained rooted in the belief that tough times can be overcome.
Howard ended the night by wishing the crowd affordable housing, love, and pets that live to 35 years old—a quirky, heartfelt benediction that encapsulated the evening's spirit. The audience lapped up every moment so voraciously that it was clear this band has been sorely missed.
Alabama Shakes Setlist Highlights
- Rise to the Sun – Opening groove anthem
- Hang Loose – Raw, raspy rock
- Time – New psych-infused workout
- Gimme All Your Love – R&B meets blistering riffs
- Hold On – Emotional fan favorite
- This Feeling – Soulful balladry
- American Dream – Political encore
FAQ
When did Alabama Shakes last tour in the UK before 2026?
Alabama Shakes last performed in the UK in 2016, making the 2026 Millennium Square show their first UK gig in exactly a decade.
Is the band releasing new music soon?
Yes, the band has been teasing a third studio album for later in 2026. The new single "American Dream" and the track "Time" were both performed live at this show, hinting at a politically charged and musically expansive new direction.
Who is currently in the Alabama Shakes lineup?
The current touring lineup features Brittany Howard (vocals, guitar), Heath Fogg (guitar), Zac Cockrell (bass), and new drummer Nate Smith, alongside three backing vocalists. Original drummer Steve Johnson is no longer part of the band.
