A Reunion Rooted in Community, Creativity, and the Power of Music
After an eleven-year hiatus, Alabama Shakes has officially returned with their highly anticipated new album, I Must Be Dreaming, released on August 28, 2026. The trio—Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell—has not only reignited their musical partnership but has done so in a way that feels both fresh and deeply connected to their roots. Their comeback is a testament to the enduring power of music, the importance of community, and the magic that happens when artists reconnect with their creative spark.
The Spark: A Craft Brewery Gig and the Power of Connection
The story of Alabama Shakes’ reunion is as heartwarming as it is unexpected. It all began in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the band’s journey first took shape. Brittany Howard, the band’s charismatic frontwoman, had just wrapped up her second solo album, What Now, in 2024. She was enjoying some downtime when she received a call from Bo Hicks, co-founder of Druid City Brewing Company. Hicks, who had supported the band long before their Grammy wins, asked if Howard would perform at the brewery to help boost its bottom line and support a local food pantry.
Howard, never one to turn down an opportunity to give back to her community, agreed. But this wasn’t just about the performance—it was about the people. Hicks had taken in the band members and fed them long before they achieved fame, and this gesture reignited a sense of connection. Howard reached out to her bandmates, guitarist Heath Fogg and bassist Zac Cockrell, to see if they wanted to get together and rehearse some songs. What started as a favor for an old friend quickly turned into something much bigger: the reunion of Alabama Shakes
A Patient, Strategic Return
Alabama Shakes didn’t rush their comeback. In an era where reunions are often announced with fanfare and followed by hastily assembled albums, the band took a different approach. They let their return unfold organically, over nearly two years, allowing the music and the moment to guide them.
The first public hint of their reunion came in December 2024, with a surprise live performance in Tuscaloosa. Fans who had waited over a decade for new music were treated to a glimpse of what was to come. From there, the band embarked on a reunion tour, playing intimate and iconic venues alike. Their performance at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on September 2, 2026, was a triumphant declaration: Alabama Shakes was back, and they were here to stay.
The tour wasn’t just about nostalgia. The band worked new songs into their setlists, signaling to fans that this was a new beginning, not just a victory lap. When they finally announced I Must Be Dreaming in July 2026, it felt like the natural next step in a journey that had been carefully and thoughtfully crafted
Pushing Sonic Boundaries
The new album, I Must Be Dreaming, is a bold statement from a band that has never been afraid to evolve. Justin Eshak, co-chairman and CEO of Island Records, puts it best: “Brittany Howards don’t really come along very often. We’re obviously running a business, but you leap at the opportunity to work with Brittany Howard, not just because it sort of feeds the soul.” The album is a mix of love songs and social observations, showcasing the band’s ability to blend raw emotion with sharp commentary.
Early singles like “Another Life,” “American Dream,” and the title track “I Feel Hope Coming” offer a glimpse into the album’s themes. “American Dream” is a protest song that grapples with the state of the world, while “I Feel Hope Coming” radiates a sense of optimism and renewal. These tracks, along with the rest of the album, demonstrate that Alabama Shakes is not just looking backward—they’re pushing forward, exploring new sonic territories while staying true to the soulful, rootsy sound that made them famous
A New Chapter for Alabama Shakes
Alabama Shakes’ return is more than just a nostalgia tour. It’s a statement of intent, a renewed sense of possibility, and a celebration of the bonds that brought them back together. Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell have always been about the music, but this time, it feels like they’re also about the moment—reconnecting with fans, reconnecting with each other, and reconnecting with the joy of creating something new.
As Howard herself put it during their Radio City Music Hall performance, “I’m trying to pretend like this is just another show, but it’s not.” The band’s return is a reminder that great music is timeless, and that sometimes, the best way forward is to look back at where you started—and then take the next step together