The Black Crowes are currently headlining their “Southern Hospitality” tour, which launched on May 17, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. According to reports from the tour kickoff, the band is balancing a mix of classic hits and deep cuts while featuring frequent guest appearances from industry peers. The tour, which includes Whiskey Myers as a supporting act, highlights a new level of musical cohesion for the band following their reunion in 2021.
How are guest appearances shaping the Southern Hospitality tour?
The Black Crowes have turned their 2026 tour into a collaborative experience by inviting local legends and former bandmates to join them on stage. Frontman Chris Robinson explains that these moments are intentional milestones for the group. For instance, John Doe of X performed “The New World” with the band in Austin, while guitarist Charlie Sexton joined for “Feelin’ Alright?” during the same show.
Other notable collaborations include:
- Ivan Neville: Joined the band in Alabama for “Jealous Again.”
- Audley Freed: The former Black Crowes guitarist performed “Remedy” with the band in Nashville.
- Kevn Kinney: The Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ frontman appeared during an Atlanta-area show.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers collaborated in the studio on a version of the Rolling Stones’ “Star Star” prior to the tour’s launch. They later performed the track live together during a concert in Charlotte.
Why is the band’s 2026 lineup being described as a turning point?
Chris Robinson attributes the current fluidity of the band’s performances to key personnel shifts and increased comfort levels among the members. The most significant change for the 2026 tour is the addition of Mark “Muddy” Dutton on bass, replacing Sven Pipien. According to Robinson, this change has overhauled the rhythm section’s dynamic, allowing keyboardist Erik Deutsch and the rest of the group to settle into a more natural musical conversation.
This stability has enabled the band to move beyond a static set list. At the Augusta concert, the band performed “On That Hallow Night,” an instrumental track that had not been played live in nearly 35 years. Robinson notes that the band is now catering to both casual fans who want to hear staples like “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels,” and “hardcore aficionados” who appreciate the inclusion of rarer songs like “Share the Ride.”
What does the future hold for the band’s live set lists?
The band’s ability to improvise remains a core part of their identity. Robinson emphasizes that the band avoids “contrived” set lists, preferring to let the sequence of songs tell a story based on the energy of the night. This approach mirrors the performance philosophy of artists like Bruce Springsteen, where the song selection remains unpredictable from one venue to the next.
The tour continues to feature material from their 2026 album, A Pound of Feathers, while maintaining the swagger associated with their debut, Shake Your Money Maker. As the tour progresses through the summer, the band aims to maintain this balance of “Southern hospitality,” ensuring that the diverse expectations of their audience are met through high-energy performances and guest-assisted jams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is supporting the Black Crowes on the Southern Hospitality tour?
Texas country-rockers Whiskey Myers are sharing the bill for this tour.
When did the Southern Hospitality tour begin?
The tour officially kicked off on May 17, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
Has the band’s lineup changed recently?
Yes, Mark “Muddy” Dutton joined the band on bass for the 2026 tours, replacing longtime bassist Sven Pipien.
Are the Black Crowes playing new music on this tour?
The band is incorporating a healthy sampling of songs from their latest album, A Pound of Feathers, released in early 2026.
Have you caught a show on the Southern Hospitality tour yet? Share your favorite guest appearance or deep cut from the set list in the comments section below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on rock tours throughout the summer.
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