The Black Crowes have announced their return to the studio with their upcoming album, “Happiness Bastards,” marking their first collection of new material in an impressive 15 years, per billboard.com. Revealing the news on Instagram, the band shared a captivating video featuring a man plastering posters of the album’s artwork on a wall adorned with their iconic past album covers.
In a press release, brothers Chris and Rich Robinson highlighted the significance of the album, declaring themselves “two happy bastards” in this momentous year for the band. Chris Robinson said that “Happiness Bastards” is a homage to rock and roll, emphasising that their creative journey has been continuous. Rich Robinson proudly mentioned collaborating with renowned producer Jay Joyce, known for his work with artists like Carrie Underwood and Eric Church, guiding the band through a rich musical experience.
Accompanying the announcement, the band released the album’s lead single, “Wanting And Waiting,” giving fans a taste of their long-awaited return. This release breaks the silence that followed their 2009 album, Before The Frost… Until The Freeze, as subsequent years saw live recordings, reworked classics, and a 2022 covers EP titled 1972.
The Black Crowes Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for StagecoachThe Robinson brothers, who had a tumultuous relationship leading to the band’s split in 2015, put their differences aside for a reunion tour in 2019. However, the tour faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally taking place in 2022. During the ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ reunion tour, The Black Crowes treated fans to special covers featuring R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil, adding to the excitement of their celebrated return. ‘Happiness Bastards’ is set to hit shelves on March 15, promising a vibrant resurgence of the Black Crowes’ signature rock sound.
