Sturgill Simpson Reveals First Show in Three Years, Reunites Old Band
Sturgill Simpson is coming out of pseudo retirement to act as one of the headliners of the Outside Lands festival in San Francisco, CA, August 9-11. He will also be joined by the most legendary lineup of his backing band, including guitarist Laur Joamets, Kevin Black on bass, and Miles Miller on drums. It will be Sturgill’s first full performance in three years, and even longer since he went on a full tour.
Kevin Black was one of the secondary members of Sturgill’s first band called Sunday Valley before following him along on his solo career through the High Top Mountain era. Black currently tours regularly with Margo Price.
Laur Joamets joined Sturgill during the Metamodern Sounds era, and quickly set the country music world on fire before a falling out with Sturgill after their legendary performance on the Grammy Awards in 2017. Laur has played with numerous other Nashville-based projects since. Miles Miller continues to act as Sturgill’s bandleader, and launched a solo career in 2023 with his debut album Solid Gold produced by Sturgill.
The announcement comes after a morning of wild speculation swirling around the Sturgill Simpson camp. On Monday, April 22nd, a countdown clock appeared on the home page of Sturgill Simpson’s website, counting down to 10 AM on Tuesday. However, the clock wasn’t set for a specific time zone, and it ended up being 10 AM Pacific that the announcement was revealed. Whiskey Riff and others went scrambling when they thought the countdown clock was simply a troll.
Nonetheless, some remain a little disappointed that the Sturgill Simpson announcement wasn’t a more extensive tour, or the announcement of new music. But Sturgill has promised that his solo music career is pretty much done. Also, Outside Lands is very music an indie rock affair. Attendees will get the opportunity to see Sturgill perform alongside acts like Strfkr, Ayybo, Cmat, and Badbadnotgood.
The only country-adjacent acts on the massive bill are Charley Crockett, Paul Cauthen, and Katie Pruitt, probably making it hard for some country fans to pull the trigger on tickets for a show that they won’t know most of the names on. Post Malone is also scheduled to make an appearance as part of a “Special Country Set.” Perhaps it will be cool, but so far, Posty’s “country” foray with Hardy and Morgan Wallen has been a bit deflating.
Similarly, folks should know by now to not get overhyped about Sturgill Simpson news after earlier this month, a simple “Coming Soon” message appeared on the website, followed by the announcement of a 10th Anniversary edition on his landmark album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. Nonetheless, the reunification of his old band have some speculating that Sturgill could announce further tour dates soon.
Sturgill stated quite plainly that his last album The Ballad of Dood and Juanita (2021) would be his final original album as a solo artist, fulfilling a five album commitment he made to himself. Simpson has left open the door of perhaps forming a band in the future, and has collaborated with other artists since. He also occasionally produces albums, though that output has been spotty over the last few years.
Meanwhile, Sturgill Simpson continues to dabble in acting, appearing in Martin Scorsese’s latest film Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023, as well as the science fiction film The Creator. He also appeared in the HBO-based series Righteous Gemstones in 2023.
Outside Lands tickets go on sale Wednesday April 24 at 10:00AM PT at www.sfoutsidelands.com.
April 23, 2024 @ 11:36 am
Post Malone covered a Sturgill tune so wouldn’t be surprised if he made an appearance with Sturgill. If that’s the case, it’ll be cool to check out on YouTube afterwards. I’m not a fan of Post’s music, but he seems like a genuine music fan and I’ve liked seeing him cover Dwight and Sturgill in the past.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:01 pm
Definitely wouldn’t be shocked if Sturgill appears with Post Malone at this fest, or if Post’s involvement somehow is the reason Sturgill was booked.
April 23, 2024 @ 11:41 am
I like the fact this dude just wants to do his own thing.
I respect it.
He’s very annoying though.
Oh well, we’ll always have the first two albums, I guess.
April 23, 2024 @ 12:38 pm
What about him do you find annoying? That he stopped doing the Waylon Jennings tribute albums? I am honestly very curious. I wasn’t much of a fanboy until Dood and Juanita. Then I went through his catalogue backwards and think he is the shit. Sailor is one of my favorite albums ever.
April 23, 2024 @ 6:22 pm
Well, to clarify, I’m a huge fan of the guy. I love his records. I think the first two, “Dood…” and the Childer’s albums her produced are all timeless classics.
I loved the grass records, I thought they were brilliantly produced, picked, packaged and put together.
I like the other two albums as well – I was an early supporter of the Dap Kings, so it was great to hear that experiment on “Sailor’s…” and Sound & Fury is a certified 80s rock banger too.
I do think his attitude stinks.
As I said, I respect his decisions as an artist and a man, but I’ve seen shows of his where he’s phoned it in and then turned on the audience for it. I have read him being dismissive towards people he’s worked with in the past. He’s cancelled tours, not re-booked, but then turns up at Grateful Dead tribute shows in Mexico and this thing in SF…
Okay, maybe he doesn’t want to hack it out on the road, maybe he would rather do acting that get back in the studio, that’s fine. That’s his choice.
I just find that a bit annoying.
Especially when you see how hard others work in the business.
Other opinions are available.
April 23, 2024 @ 7:08 pm
It might be annoying but if I could wrap up my career today, know my family would be supported and children left with enough, and only show up as a “consultant” every now and then…. I’d sure as shit do it
April 23, 2024 @ 8:34 pm
Yeah, The putting on shitty shows thing does suck. I try to give him the benefit of the doubt and think about what dealing with a bunch of entitled fu manchus for fans would do to a guy’s attitude. Thanks for the reply.
April 24, 2024 @ 7:09 am
Yo, devil it’s me your best friend.jk I love your name. I appreciate all of u. I played with John Simpson for a few years before Sunday Valley. 2 things i would love people to know is, we both felt hopeless and never dreamed we would be successful.anyone who feels like they born be a musician, his story is proof that there is hope,just don’t give up.2nd thing is we looked for singer for our group for at least a year before he said he was gonna try to sing for us and I was cool with that.before that we sang funny songs and we were trying to be a funk jamband.when he finally serious, I had my eyes closed and I thought it was the ghost of Waylon lol. To watch his success, I need a therapist.lol. He also is hilarious.im glad the Waffle House song let people see that. When it said putting the band back to I was hoping it was me lol. One day, if we do, I’ll make him do sailor’s guide 2. I agree it’s one of my favorite albums ever. Of all people,I am the most proud of him.we broke up cause he moved and really was a blessing in disguise.we both were forced to become singer songwriters because nobody else would like we needed, despite our lack of confidence and shyness.i just feel like people who haven’t experienced that level of success can’t understand why people do things.i even forgive Axl Rose.lol.sorry for replying
June 3, 2024 @ 6:02 pm
He’s cancelled tours? You mean the one with Tyler during the pandemic or when his voice went out? And why go on tour if you don’t have to? He was great at that Dead show yet you have a problem with that? So you want him to just do what everyone else does?
April 23, 2024 @ 1:10 pm
Annoying?
April 23, 2024 @ 1:49 pm
Annoying? Where you thinking of Jason Isbell when you wrote this?
April 23, 2024 @ 11:47 am
Man, regarding the five-album promise, I think Sound & Fury and Cuttin’ Grass shouldn’t count since those were kinda like side projects or rehashes. But that’s just me being selfish. Exploit the loopholes! Give us more!
April 23, 2024 @ 11:59 am
Cuttin’ Grass didn’t count on the 5 album trajectory, but Sound & Fury did and despite what the purists think, it is an astoundingly great rock record.
And for as much as I love the first 2 albums “Sailor’s Guide…” is far and away my favorite Sturgill album and he was at the peak of his powers as a live act during this time!
April 23, 2024 @ 12:12 pm
Ok, you’re right, I miscounted. But that still maybe leaves room for one more!
April 23, 2024 @ 12:22 pm
Yeah Sound & Fury aged so well for me. I regularly listen to it in the gym. That album fucking rocks.
June 3, 2024 @ 6:03 pm
Sound & Fury was a rehash? Of what?
June 3, 2024 @ 7:38 pm
I was referring to that one as a side project.
June 3, 2024 @ 8:43 pm
Why? It was a regular album.
April 23, 2024 @ 11:58 am
One thing this festival lineup does suggest is wider acceptance of Country music. Even as these types of festival have trended from being indie rock to become more eclectic multi-genre festivals, country music has been shut out, the uncool cousin that didn’t get an invite.
Well not anymore, in a year when country is having a moment, its great to see Sturgill, Cauthen and Crockett making the lineup here.
Within the same week Bay Area Country fans will also have Tyler Childers at Shoreline (22,000 – pretty much sold out), and 2 nights of Billy Strings at the Greek in Berkeley.
Like it or not, the coastal cities is where the national media are located, and being invited to these parties is a rubber stamp of coolness that will open the door of opportunity for many more. I won’t be surprised to see Tyler headline Coachella in the coming years.
April 23, 2024 @ 12:41 pm
New traditional country music is the “in” genre for west coast hipsters. You can hear it in faux dives, whiskey bars, and gastropubs all over LA.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:01 pm
I fully understand that the moment you become ‘cool’, in the exact same moment, is actually the moment you start to become uncool.
There are few things more insufferable than an LA hipster.
April 23, 2024 @ 4:03 pm
Turnpike Troubadours just announced co-headlining day 2 of Ohana Festival in Dana Point CA in September with Neil Young/Crazy Horse. Also on the bill: Black Pumas (soul revival), Jenny Lewis (alt country/indie), Cat Power (indie), so yes it’s gone mainstream.
April 23, 2024 @ 3:54 pm
Redder,
That’s what has me a bit concerned quite frankly. Maybe I’m just old and doubt too much
April 23, 2024 @ 1:06 pm
Festivals like this usually find a few roots or Americana musicians to play. What’s rare is to pull a headliner like Sturgill Simpson, and then book Post Malone to perform a “country” set. I agree there is a greater level of acceptance, or you could also consider it the commercial capitalization on the current popularity of country.
It’s worth noting that a few years ago, Sturgill Simpson would not be considered a headliner for a festival like this. Similar to the Turnpike Troubadours, perhaps absence has made the heart grow fonder, or the organizers had to break the bank to get him, or both. Seeing the massive reception for the news, it appears Sturgill’s stock has grown over the last few years.
April 23, 2024 @ 2:22 pm
Don’t underestimate how disorientating it is for a Bay Area hipster to admit they like “Country”. I still get weird reactions when I tell people thats what I mostly listen to. Avett Brothers, Fleet Foxes, Mumford and the big wave of Americana a decade ago was the gateway drug to this moment.
As a Bay Area fan of Country music, it feels big.
April 23, 2024 @ 8:40 pm
I hear you. I live in the Bay Area too. When I wear my Country Squire t-shirt around here, no one gets it. Sturgill did play HSB years ago. I missed that one, but from the videos, he had a packed crowd.
April 24, 2024 @ 4:39 pm
Hey, I’m a Bay Area hipster and I admit to LOVIN’ country music first thing in the morning every morning! I have no use for Sturgill Simpson tho.
April 23, 2024 @ 12:00 pm
Sturgill damn Simpson is playing his first show in 3 years and Laur Joamets is joining him.
Nothing about that is disappointing to me. Awesome news!
April 24, 2024 @ 3:05 pm
I wish the tickets werent $500. I am spending the summer in Northern California and Id love to go.
April 26, 2024 @ 7:19 am
Nuff said.
Laur is BACK!
April 23, 2024 @ 12:04 pm
As great as Childers, Stapleton, Isbell, Bryan, and whoever else are, Sturgill is still the GOAT as far as I’m concerned of this modern independent country revolution that he helped spearhead. Really hopes he does go on an actual tour sometime in the not to distant future. Awesome to see Laur back too, I didn’t think they’d ever play together again.
April 23, 2024 @ 12:11 pm
I had tickets to see him on the tour with Willie Nelson and he pulled out with his vocal injury. Had tickets to see him on the sound and fury tour and covid happened. I really hope I get to see him one day. He’s such a singular talent you can’t help but want more from him.
April 23, 2024 @ 7:05 pm
I had tickets to see Simpson and Childers before the pandemic cancelled it. It was a bummer to miss that show. However, I did see Simpson at a Salt Lake dive in ~2015 for $12/ticket just before his meteoric rise.
April 23, 2024 @ 8:47 pm
Apparently we lived the same life. Sound and fury at the anthem right? The outlaw tour at merriweather. We just hit a streak of bad luck. It kills me that I didn’t see sound and fury live and at the anthem. That place rocks. I saw Jack white there.
April 23, 2024 @ 12:13 pm
Any chance this reunion gets the ball rolling on getting that album on streaming?
April 23, 2024 @ 1:09 pm
Kevin Black was the only guy who was ever officially in Sunday Valley, and he was a replacement for the original bass player. Laur and Miles came along later. I do think Sturgill should release the Sunday Valley album, but my guess is that this won’t be the impetus.
April 23, 2024 @ 12:20 pm
On November 1st 2015, I watched this very group on the ryman stage during the Living the Dream tour and it was the single best live show I’ve ever attended. I was 100 percent sober but it was pure transcendence. My entire periphery faded out of focus and I’ll never forget the feeling of the top of my head buzzing during certain moments of the set. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I felt my soul pulled out of my body when he played “you don’t miss your water”.
I’d give anything to see them play again. If my wife wasn’t due a week later, I’d probably be buying the plane ticket and traveling to this one.
I was excited to see him and the bluegrass avengers with Willie in charlotte. Not sturgills fault what happened there, but it’s the last time I’ll ever travel for a show like that. At least Willie and Margo were great to see.
Last time I saw him live was the opening night of the good look n tour in Birmingham, and he was at the top of his game. Not as captivating as the intimacy of the ryman show, but they set the stage ablaze that night. Since then, I’ve had tickets to four cancellations and the charlotte no show, but you can’t fault the man for his health and the pandemic sure as hell wasn’t his fault.
I have to remind myself that my favorite artists don’t owe me shit. I’m glad to have all the music and the memories from the 10 shows I saw while he was actively doing his thing. The reunion of the 2015 lineup is the stuff of dreams for me, and truly the birth of a child is the only thing that would stop me from being there. Let’s hope it’s not just a one off.
Also, any word of Bobby Emmett joining the lineup here?
April 23, 2024 @ 1:12 pm
Have not seen anything official about Bobby Emmett being there, but I’d kind of be surprised if he wasn’t, or at least some keys player.
April 23, 2024 @ 12:41 pm
Trigger, are you able to elaborate on the falling out between Sturgill and Laur after the 2017 Grammys? I’ve never heard this before.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:15 pm
I’d rather not, and I really don’t know much more. Laur came at me when I reported that he left Sturgill’s band, and didn’t really say anything more about it then. I’m glad that whatever happened there appears to be water under the bridge so they can play together again.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:38 pm
Understood, thanks Trigger!
April 23, 2024 @ 12:48 pm
I love this lineup!! One of my favorite concerts I’ve ever attended was seeing Sturgill on the Metamodern tourn at The Shed outside of Maryville, TN. His cover of Medicine Springs was truely epic!!
April 23, 2024 @ 12:55 pm
Sturgill was cool for a second, until his incredible ego got in the way. Seeing him in a club with 5 people in attendance, thanks to this site, before he blew up was killer. Just haven’t been interested in a long time
April 23, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
‘Attendees will get the opportunity to see Sturgill perform alongside acts like Strfkr, Ayybo, Cmat, and Badbadnotgood.’ One of the many reasons we’re devoted readers, Trigger.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:09 pm
I swear, most band names today read like someone dumped out a bag of Scrabble tiles.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:55 pm
Not gonna lie, Strfkr is a pretty solid name. And their music ain’t half bad – if you’re into that sorta thing.
April 25, 2024 @ 11:59 am
badbadnotgood are also a pretty decent band…though nothing like Sturgill (watch him come out of retirement to record an album with them!)
April 23, 2024 @ 1:14 pm
No way he’s getting band together and rehearsing just for one gig. Maybe no tour but prob some more fest dates.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:19 pm
Can only hope for some more shows to be added.
I will say the tour 2014-2015 changed me and my outlook for the future of hard country music. I brought a friend who came along just because he had a night to get out from the family and wanted something to do. He was NOT a country fan. I never seen the term drop jaw so literally illustrated on someone. He now listens to a shit load of good country music.
Seen Sturg 5 additional times and just always an awesome experience. Sailors Guide tour with the horns blew me away as well. Saw that mid-tour when all cylinders were cranking.
April 23, 2024 @ 1:36 pm
So no koozie…? 🙁
April 23, 2024 @ 2:32 pm
I firat saw Sturgill in February 2015 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was initially booked for the tiny front room, known as The Stache, but had absolutely blown up between booking and the show, so it was pushed back to the main stage, known as The Intersection. The show was sold-out, Laurs had just joined and was fire, and the whole night was nearly life-changing. It was one of the first times that I truly believed that country music was “saved” – and that Sturgill may be one of its saviors.
Fast forward to 2018. I’m now living in MO and hear that Sturgill is headlining the Roots N Blues Festival in Columbia. I convince a bunch of friends to go by heralding Sturgill’s shows as an “out of body experience if you like true country music”. Imagine the egg on my face when my “savior” comes out and plays a 45 minute set that is flatter than year old opened Mountain Dew and full of generic blues-rock. My favorite part was him completely removing the “I’m tired of y’all playing dress up and trying to sing them ol’ country songs.” from Some Days. If he was trying to distance himself from true country, he sure-as-hell succeeded.
I know others in the comments may disagree, but I really have zero appreciation and patience for the” I’m only doing 5 albums because I’m an artist” bull. It comes off as way too hoity-toity for my tastes. I much prefer the Warren Zevon approach, and though I can’t remember the exact quote, said something along the lines of “I’m a performer, paid to entertain”.
April 24, 2024 @ 11:46 am
“Going forward, I’d like to form a proper band with some people who I really love and respect musically and be a part of something truly democratic in terms of creativity. Not having to stand up there behind my name would allow me to be even more vulnerable, in a way.”
When you consider the real reason he decided to go with five instead of the reason you made up in your head (“…because I’m an artist.”) it doesn’t sound nearly as hoity-toity.
April 24, 2024 @ 12:13 pm
I appreciate this. The quote really pushes home the fact that he’s doing it as an artist, for artistic reasons. Which truly does support my opinion – or, as you’d say, what I “made up in my head”. So, thank you!
Question for you though, in regards to Sturgill:
Does it taste like rubber covered in goo, as DAC alluded to us all?
April 24, 2024 @ 12:43 pm
Classy comment. Bet you high-fived your inner 13 year old when you typed that one out.
April 24, 2024 @ 2:18 pm
I actually did! But only because you’re not here to share the moment with me.
Just remember, you started this with your shitty “the reason you made up in your head” comment. All because I said, as my opinion/personal taste, that I don’t appreciate Sturgill’s approach and find it pretty prima donna. And I back that up by sharing my opinion that he’s no longer a valid country artist, that he’s the definition of a sellout, and that I no longer support him financially.
Look – I’m done here if you’re done here. If not, I’m happy to talk about it further the next time we’re in the same locale – or perhaps the next SCM meet n’ greet. Just let me know.
April 24, 2024 @ 2:41 pm
“And I back that up by sharing my opinion that he’s no longer a valid country artist, that he’s the definition of a sellout, and that I no longer support him financially.”
This is quite the comment. You called him ‘hoity-toity’ for being to concerned with his art. You said he’s paid to perform so he should perform. And then you follow that up by calling him a sell-out.
I don’t think you understand what a sell-out is if you think it’s a guy who won’t perform for money because he’s too concerned with his ‘hoity-toity’ art.
April 24, 2024 @ 4:50 pm
Bob Dylan: “I think of myself more as a song and dance man.”
April 23, 2024 @ 2:48 pm
Laur played on Miles Miller’s debut album Solid Gold produced by Sturgill so maybe we have Miles to thank for repairing their relationship
April 23, 2024 @ 3:46 pm
This lineup (plus a piano player) cooked on ACL.
April 23, 2024 @ 6:37 pm
“Strfkr, Ayybo, Cmat, and Badbadnotgood.”.
I was pretty confident Trigger had stroked out mid-article. But the interwebs tells me that, no, those are in fact real bands.
April 24, 2024 @ 3:11 am
Saw CMAT earlier this year. Fantastic live. The recordings are alright, did not prepare me for her. A real character with amazing stage presence.
April 23, 2024 @ 8:30 pm
I’ve seen Sturgill in venues large and small, and the far and away greatest live experience I’ve ever had was watching him rock out in GG Park, for free, at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass a few years back. He played the Sunday night sunset slot and somehow extended 4-5 songs into a full hour+. Just pure effing rock’n’roll.
Outside Lands has a verrrrry different audience — lots of bootie shorts and shitfaced 25 years old. Doubt his presence will change that entirely, given the price point, but he’ll definitely pull a few folks who otherwise would’ve skipped the fest again.
Best thing about Outside Lands (and Hardly Strictly) is that many artists find ways to take advantage of being in SF to do small pop-up shows around the city. One can hope…
April 23, 2024 @ 8:49 pm
LOL. Saying Sturgill “produced a few albums” is a bit like saying Vermeer only painted a few paintings. The output may be limited, but “Purgatory” is a masterpiece. One of the all time greats.
April 23, 2024 @ 10:10 pm
The comment about producing albums reflects that Sturgill has only produced a few albums recently when I think some folks thought that after he stopped releasing his own music and touring, his production output would perhaps increase. Yes, he’s produced some important albums, but that’s sort of a topic in itself. It in no way was meant to diminish Sturgill as a producer.
April 23, 2024 @ 11:50 pm
I have never understood the fuss about Sturgill’s music. I think him not thing special and over rated by some. Some good songs amongst his albums. Each to their own but there are many much better artists around than him. I have just not been able to get into his music. I for one am not unhappy if he releases nothing else. It would be interesting to see if he is better live. maybe then, I would get the fuss.
April 24, 2024 @ 8:16 am
I saw him shortly after he won a Grammy and got rid of much of his band. He was solid, but it seemed like he’d have rather been somewhere else.
Since I paid good money to travel to that venue, it left me feeling like I had rather have been somewhere else, too.
April 24, 2024 @ 5:02 pm
Ain’t nothing to Sturgill Simpson’s music that Waylon Jennings hasn’t done better – so opines this here commenter.
April 24, 2024 @ 12:17 am
…omg, the world stood still – we are just not quite sure at what time exactly.
April 24, 2024 @ 6:15 am
He just announced 5 more records..Then he’s done:)
April 24, 2024 @ 8:03 am
Posty and Sturgill could definitely be performing together. There are videos of post covering sturgill on YouTube, including an incredible full-band cover of IFWIYCHTC.
April 24, 2024 @ 5:11 pm
More Indie than anything country-adjacent musically (despite the name of their new album), but Medium Build opened a couple of Tyler Childers’ recent shows.
I’d pay to watch them again — the lead singer was a “leave it all on the stage” style compelling performer that made him a good fit with Childers despite the difference in musical styles.
April 26, 2024 @ 8:38 am
Y’all act like the folks writing songs owe you something, let alone getting out and touring the country performing them for you. If its so easy, why don’t you do it?
Spoken as someone who has done countless Econoline Van tours, written songs from the heart just to have them thrown in the trash by folks who “didn’t hear the single”.
The heart pulls the folks on stage in directions they might not otherwise want to go. Reading the comments here is an education, that’s for sure. Sturgill and others like him are a gift that aren’t appreciated enough. God bless him for following his own path and lets just appreciate what he has been willing to share with us. Isn’t that enough?
May 27, 2024 @ 4:12 pm
Sturgill doesn’t seem to want a treaditional musician’s career. He doesn’t want to make albums where he’s told when to release it or how it should sound. Touring seems to have worn him out physically and taken him away from his wife and kids, so periodic gigs seem more his preference now. He is a talented guitarist and singer who could just record independently, on occasion, and he has a built in audience. I sense the bulk of his “mainstream” career is behind him now and he now just does it for fun (or cash), when he wants.