Some bands return from a hiatus and pick up where they left off. Alabama Shakes have done something even more remarkable—they’ve returned sounding revitalized, inspired, and more connected than ever.
The multi-GRAMMY Award-winning trio brought their spring tour to Berkeley’s iconic Greek Theatre on Friday night for the first of two sold-out performances, delivering an electrifying set that celebrated their past while hinting at an exciting future. As the fog rolled over the sprawling Berkeley hills and surrounded by the historic venue’s stone architecture, thousands of devoted fans gathered to witness a band that has quietly become one of the most influential rock acts of the 21st century.
Photo by Serena Khahera (The Knockturnal)
Formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009, Alabama Shakes built their reputation the hard way, touring bars and clubs throughout the Southeast while refining a sound that blended blues, soul, Southern rock, and raw emotion. That dedication eventually propelled Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell onto the world’s biggest stages, earning four GRAMMY Awards, multi-platinum success, and a fiercely loyal global following through landmark releases such as Boys & Girls and the chart-topping Sound & Color.
Following a nearly decade-long hiatus, the band’s return in 2025 was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Now, with their latest single “American Dream” and additional new music reportedly on the horizon, Alabama Shakes continue building momentum throughout an extensive 2026 amphitheater and festival run.
From the moment the opening notes of “Rise to the Sun” echoed through the Greek Theatre, the crowd was fully engaged. Howard’s unmistakable voice remains one of modern music’s most powerful instruments—equally capable of delivering delicate vulnerability and thunderous intensity. Backed by Fogg’s textured guitar work and Cockrell’s rock-solid bass lines, the trio sounded remarkably tight, proving that chemistry forged years ago remains firmly intact.
Photo by Serena Khahera (The Knockturnal)
The evening’s setlist showcased the band’s impressive catalog while highlighting their growth as performers. Early favorites including “Hang Loose” and “I Ain’t the Same” ignited the audience, while deeper cuts such as “Future People,” “Guess Who,” and “This Feeling” demonstrated the band’s dynamic range.
One of the night’s most heartfelt moments came when Howard reflected on the group’s long history together. She shared that she met her bandmates while still in school and spoke about how meaningful it felt to stand before thousands of fans performing alongside friends she has known for most of her life.
The story behind Alabama Shakes is rooted in those early friendships. Howard first met guitarist Heath Fogg during her junior high years when he played guitar at local house parties. She later met bassist Zac Cockrell in a psychology class, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love of music. After graduation, Howard hosted regular jam sessions at her great-grandparents’ former home in Athens. Those gatherings eventually evolved into the creative foundation that would become Alabama Shakes. That history was evident throughout Friday’s performance. The effortless communication between Howard, Fogg, and Cockrell gave each song an organic feel, allowing arrangements to breathe while maintaining the raw intensity that first drew fans to the
As the set progressed through standout performances, the atmosphere grew increasingly electric. The emotional centerpiece arrived with “Sound & Color,” whose expansive, cinematic arrangement transformed the Greek Theatre into a sea of swaying lights and voices. The energy reached a fever pitch during the closing act as the entire crowd rose to its feet, grabbed friends and loved ones, and danced throughout the Greek Theatre, turning the venue into a joyous celebration of music and connection.
Photo by Serena Khahera (The Knockturnal)
After briefly leaving the stage, Alabama Shakes returned for a powerful three-song encore. The new single “American Dream” offered fans a glimpse into the band’s next chapter, blending familiar soulful textures with a fresh sense of urgency. “Drive By Baby” followed before the evening concluded with the uplifting anthem “Always Alright,” sending the crowd home on a high note.
More than a reunion tour, Alabama Shakes’ current run feels like the continuation of a story that was never truly finished. Their Berkeley performance showcased a band that has rediscovered its creative spark while retaining everything that made audiences fall in love with them in the first place.
With upcoming stops in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on June 12 and Manchester, Tennessee, on June 13 before heading overseas for a European tour, Alabama Shakes are proving that their long-awaited return is far more than a nostalgic comeback. Judging by Friday night’s performance, this next chapter may become one of the band’s most memorable yet.
For tour dates and tickets, fans can visit Alabama Shakes Official Tour Page.
