Out today, March 15, is "Happiness Bastards," the first album in 15 years from the Black Crowes. The 10-song set is the group's first new music since brothers Chris and Rich Robinson announced a resumption of the band in 2019, following a six-year hiatus. The group initially toured to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its debut album, "Shake Your Money Maker," and issued a covers EP, "1972," in 2022, but Rich Robinson tells us that another album was an inevitable result of being together again:
"We had these songs and the I kept writing, y'know, and then it came to the point where the next step would be for us to make a record and, y'know, we had a platform of songs and there were more songs and we decided, 'OK, now's a good time.'" SOUNDCUE :20
"Happiness Bastards" is the Black Crowes' first new album since "Before the Flood…Until the Freeze" in 2009. It was produced by Jay Joyce, who's worked with Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban, the Wallflowers, Cage the Elephant, Carrie Underwood, Iggy Pop and many more. He also helmed Lainey Wilson's last two albums; Wilson guest on the track "Wilted Rose" from "Happiness Bastards."
The Black Crowes begin touring on April 2 in Nashville, playing North American Dates before heading to Europe in May.
The group also retains its opening slot on Aerosmith's postponed Peace Out: The Farewell Tour and is waiting for word on new dates.