REVIEW BY BRENDA SHALER AND PHOTOS BY MIKE SHALER | Go Venue Magazine
September 5th, 2025, was a very anticipated date as one of my favorite bands, Alabama Shakes, was making a stop on their tour at Meadow Brook Ampitheatre in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Opening the show was musician Sam Evian and his band, who warmed up the crowd with soothing indie rock.
As the sun set and the moon rose, the excitement grew each moment the intro music was playing as the fans who packed the seats and grounds of the Amphitheatre eagerly waited for Alabama Shakes to take the stage. Having formed in 2009, Alabama Shakes took their deep roots in blues, soul and southern rock all around the world until they disbanded in 2018.
Much to fans delight, Alabama Shakes regrouped late in 2024 and slowly teased more to come in 2025. Fast-forward to September of 2025, Alabama Shakes is on their 2nd half of their tour in North America and just released a new single “Another Life”, their first new song in 10 years.
Getting back to Alabama Shakes taking the stage, the roar from the crowd was mighty, as in, we missed you and we’re so glad you’re back. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Brittany Howard didn’t take much time to set the table, with her soulful voice resonating through the air to put everyone in their happy place. Surrounded by musical talents of Heath Fogg on lead guitar, Zac Cockrell on bass guitar, Ben Tanner on keyboards, Paul Horton on keyboards, Noah Bond on drums, Shanay Johnson, Rhetta Simone and Llyod Buchanan on backing vocals.
I got my first real taste of Alabama Shakes watching AXS TV, a channel that prided itself on airing live music events. One such event was the 2014 New Orleans Jazz Festival. I had heard of Alabama Shakes, but never really paid attention until I saw them perform at this festival. After the first song, I was like, okay, that was good, song two, that’s good as well, song three, I’m hooked and watched their whole performance. I’ve been a fan ever since. The layers of sounds Alabama Shakes create is astonishing and Brittany Howard’s vocals is what pulls it all together, soulful and raw, taking you through whatever emotional feeling there is. Through and through, Alabama Shakes isn’t just a musical experience, it’s a religious experience.
With songs like “Hang Loose”, “Sound & Color”, “Future People”, “Hold On” and many more, there’s plenty of goodness that was on display tonight in concert. As Alabama Shakes made their way back on stage for an encore. Brittany said she hopes all our wildest dreams come true and that our cats and dogs live to be 35 years old as they ended the night with another hit song “Always Alright”.
I’m so glad I got to finally witness Alabama Shakes in person for the first time, and I hope there’s many more. I hope the success of this tour and the refound chemistry keeps Alabama Shakes around for a long time. The magic this band creates is undeniably awesome, and we fans are here to bask in it. Alabama Shakes, you are my happy place. Play on!!
Alabama Shakes
Sam Evian
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