On Friday, September 19th, the world-renowned, multi-genre rockers, Alabama Shakes, graced DC’s equally famous venue, The Anthem, by performing an energetic, emotive, and inspirational show. The sold-out show was the 31st stop on their 2025 Tour, only 20 days after the release of their new single “Another Life.” This is their first new song released by the band since their sophomore album, Sound and Color (2015).
The timing of this show feels both equally monumental and nostalgic. So much has changed since I first heard “Hold On,” the opening track on their debut album Boys and Girls. (I was in the car, likely on Interstate 83, when Baltimore’s Indie radio station WTMD broadcast the song in all its rugged and emotional glory. To say I was stunned by the power, precision, and confidence in lead singer Brittany Howard’s voice would be an understatement. Now, thirteen years later, it feels like both nothing and everything has changed. I still have to remind myself to “hold on”—just for different reasons. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the band’s presence, musical craftsmanship, and power.
Brittany Howard appeared on stage in a white glittery feather overcoat and a mint green Gibson guitar. She was accompanied by her original bandmates Heath Fogg (Guitar) and Zac Cockrell (Bass). The stage was decorated with leafy green vines, which made The Anthem feel like an intimate garden party despite its nearly 6,000-person standing capacity.
The show commenced with a radiant performance of “Future People”, a song that moves past elegy and sadness towards hope and positivity with lyrics that tout “Some want to see / Those who’ve gone above / Friends that they lost… I’d rather meet / Freedom than roam.” Paired with Howard’s high-pitched vibrato and the rhythmic workings of Fogg and Cockrell, it was impossible not to nod along.
“Future People” was followed by “Hang Loose,” a tried-and-true classic of the band. The song served as a perfect mantra not only for the band members themselves, who seemed to feel perfectly at home on the DC stage, but also for the audience members, permitting them to dance, sing along, reminisce and take in the thrilling performance in front of them.
About halfway through their set, the band played their newest song, “Another Life,” which I suspect has become a staple in their recent concert repertoire. The lyrics, which ask “Can we try again? Can we try again in another life?” are both interrogative and emphatic, leaning into the uncertainty of a better future, but choosing to believe in its existence. The song also seems to reflect the band’s renewed spirit as they continue to work on what will become their third studio album (release date forthcoming).
Check out the new single “Another Life” by Alabama Shakes on YouTube:
Alabama Shakes played several other notable tracks, including “Hold On,” “Sound and Color,” “Don’t Wanna Fight,” and “Gimme All Your Love,” all of which invigorated and united the crowd.
When reflecting on Howard’s musical prowess, writing ability, and stage presence, I can’t help but be inspired. As a vocal—and occasionally loud—feminist, I am constantly working to dispel the notion that to be beautiful and feminine is to be soft, understated, composed… Howard is none of these; she is unapologetically herself. I hope you too, dear reader, get the chance to witness her presence.
Alabama Shakes continue their tour through September.
The setlist included:
Future People
Hang Loose
Dunes
I Found You
Guess Who
Hold On
This Feeling
Joe
Another Life
Over My Head
Rise To The Sun
Shoegaze
Someday
Gemini
Sound & Color
Don’t Wanna Fight
Be Mine
Gimme All Your Love
Encore:
American Dream
Drive By Baby
Always Alright
Check out photos of Alabama Shakes at The Anthem on September 19th. All photos are copyright Cary Evan:
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Nice work. Stage lighting is difficult to deal with and these are really nice and sharp.