As Sturgill Simpson prepares for the upcoming tour with Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds, he made a surprise appearance at a Black Keys concert on Thursday night in Nashville. The event, held at the Pinnacle, marked the first of two homecoming shows for Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, who are wrapping up the North American leg of their Peaches n’ Kream tour.
Sturgill Joins for a Psychedelic Jam
Simpson took to the stage without prior announcement, wielding his cherry Gibson guitar, to join the Black Keys for a cover of the soul classic “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” The collaboration extended into a nearly seven-minute psychedelic blues jam, showcasing the musicians’ chemistry. They were later joined by Marcus King for another cover, this time of Willie Griffin’s “When There’s Smoke, There’s Fire.”
A Long-Standing Connection
Interestingly, despite speculation, this marked the first collaboration between Simpson and Auerbach. Their connection, however, runs deep; Simpson’s new LP, Mutiny After Midnight, was recorded at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Studios in Nashville. Both artists also shared a profound appreciation for the late John Prine, further cementing their bond.
The Release of ‘Mutiny After Midnight’
Simpson’s album was initially released only in physical formats, a move designed to support independent record shops and emphasize the tangible connection between music and fans. Just recently, he made Mutiny After Midnight available for streaming, and it debuted at Number Three on the Billboard 200 albums chart, a notable achievement as the first physical-only release to reach that position since Taylor Swift’s Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions in 2023.
Upcoming Tour Plans
Looking ahead, Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds are set to embark on their Mutiny for the Masses tour this fall, kicking off on September 4 in Austin and culminating on October 30 in Simpson’s native Kentucky. With their energetic performances and musical prowess, they are poised to attract a dedicated following throughout the tour.
