If you were anywhere near a radio in 2012, you remember the first time you heard "Hold On." It was that voice—raw, gravelly, and sounding like it had been pulled straight out of a 1960s Muscle Shoals session. Alabama Shakes didn't just arrive; they exploded. Then, after two massive albums and enough Grammys to fill a suitcase, they just... stopped.
For nearly eight years, the silence was loud.
People assumed the band was dead. Brittany Howard was busy conquering the solo world, and the rest of the guys seemed to vanish into the Alabama woods. But 2026 has changed everything. The band is officially back on the road, but if you look closely at the stage, the lineup isn't exactly what it used to be.
The Core Trio Holding the Reins
The heart of the band has always been the chemistry between three specific people. Honestly, it’s a miracle they found each other in Athens, Alabama, in the first place.
Brittany Howard is the obvious powerhouse. Since the hiatus started in 2018, she’s been anything but idle. She dropped Jaime in 2019 and What Now in 2024. She even started a hardcore band called KUMITE just for the hell of it. But for this 2026 run, she’s back front and center with the Shakes. She’s gone on record saying the band is her "source of joy," which is a far cry from the "indefinite hiatus" talk we heard years ago.
Then there's Zac Cockrell. He’s the bassist with the quietest demeanor and the heaviest groove. Zac is basically Brittany's musical shadow; he played on her solo records and has been by her side since they were high schoolers meeting in psychology class. If Zac isn't there, it isn't Alabama Shakes.
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Heath Fogg rounds out the original trio on guitar. While the band was away, Heath wasn't just sitting on his porch. He started a project called Sun on Shade and another called Lake Nakoma. He’s the guy responsible for those fuzzed-out, swampy guitar tones that define their sound. Seeing him back on stage next to Brittany feels like nature is healing, frankly.
The Elephant in the Room: What Happened to Steve Johnson?
You’ll notice a big change behind the drum kit. Steve Johnson, the band's original drummer, is no longer in the picture. This isn't just "creative differences" or someone wanting to go solo.
Johnson’s departure followed a string of serious legal issues. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to violating a domestic violence protection order. Then, in 2021, he was indicted on child abuse charges related to what his lawyer described as a "spanking incident." While those specific charges were eventually dismissed in late 2021, the damage to the band’s internal dynamic seemed permanent.
When the Alabama Shakes reunited for a surprise holiday benefit in Tuscaloosa in late 2024, Johnson wasn't there. He hasn't been part of the 2025 warm-up shows, and he isn't on the roster for the massive 2026 tour.
Who Is Playing Drums Now?
So, who is keeping the beat? For the most part, it’s been Ben Tanner stepping into a much larger role.
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Now, if you’re a die-hard fan, you know Ben. He was the touring keyboardist for years and a staple at Single Lock Records. He’s an Alabama music legend in his own right. During the 2024 reunion and recent 2025 dates, he’s been the one helping fill that percussive void, though the band often utilizes a rotating cast of high-level touring session players to capture that specific "Shakes" swing.
Why 2026 is the Year of the Comeback
This isn't just a nostalgia trip. The band didn't just get back together to play the hits and collect a check. They’ve actually been in the studio.
The new single "Another Life" dropped recently, and it’s arguably some of the best work they’ve ever done. It was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville with Shawn Everett, the same wizard who helped them craft the psychedelic masterpiece Sound & Color.
The 2026 Tour Map
If you're trying to catch them, they aren't playing tiny bars anymore. We’re talking:
- April 2026: A massive sweep through the Southeast (Richmond, Asheville, Atlanta).
- May 2026: A legendary two-night stand at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
- Summer 2026: A jump across the pond to London’s Alexandra Palace and festivals like Gent Jazz and NOS Alive.
It’s a grueling schedule, but they seem hungrier than they were back in 2015.
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The Reality of the "Hiatus"
Most people think bands break up because they hate each other. With the Shakes, it was mostly just burnout. They went from playing to 20 people in a dive bar to winning three Grammys in a single night.
Brittany needed to find her own voice without the weight of a "brand" on her shoulders. Heath and Zac needed to breathe. The hiatus allowed them to grow into actual adults instead of just "those kids from Alabama."
What we're seeing now is a matured version of the band. They aren't trying to prove they belong anymore. They know they do.
How to Follow the New Era
If you're looking to dive back in, don't just loop Boys & Girls on repeat. You've gotta see the growth.
- Listen to "Another Life": It’s the blueprint for where they are going. The bassline is thick, the guitar is haunting, and the soul is still there.
- Check out Sun on Shade: If you want to understand Heath Fogg’s contribution to the band’s DNA, listen to his 2020 self-titled album. It's excellent.
- Watch the live Forest Hills footage: They recently released a live cut of "This Feeling" from 2025. It proves that even without the original drummer, the "vibe" is fully intact.
The Alabama Shakes band members have survived legal drama, solo fame, and nearly a decade of "where are they now" articles. They’re back as a trio with a powerhouse backing band, and honestly, the music sounds better for the struggle.
If you want to stay updated on the 2026 tour and the upcoming full-length album, keep an eye on the official ATO Records bulletins or the band's social channels. The ticket pre-sales have been brutal, so if you see a date near you, don't wait. This isn't a permanent reunion—Brittany still has a thriving solo career—so catch this lightning in a bottle while you can.