With the sound of crickets drifting over the speakers, as if lifted straight from the Mobile–Tensaw Delta, Running Through the Jungle by Creedence Clearwater Revival set the tone for Alabama Shakes’ sunset set at Corona Capital on Nov. 15.
Led by the incomparable Brittany Howard, the band radiated warmth and joy from the first note. Howard — draped in a shimmering sequined shawl that gave her an ice-queen glow — delivered a performance that was nothing short of electric, pairing her Aretha Franklin-level vocal force with the grit and swagger of a Bourbon Street guitar slinger.
“¡Hola, México!” she called out, beaming as the crowd roared back.
Backed by two powerhouse soul vocalists, Alabama Shakes were locked in tight, filling the festival grounds with a sound that was both muscular and beautiful — the kind of music that makes you feel physically lifted just by listening. After an eight-year hiatus, there was no sign of rust on the multi-GRAMMY Award-winning group.
The run of fall shows, capped by the Mexico City performance, marked the band’s first official return since their 2017 appearance at Osheaga in Québec.
“Last year, Heath, Zac and I started chatting about how much fun it would be to make music together and tour again as Alabama Shakes,” Howard said earlier in the tour. Her 2024 solo album What Now earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.
“This band and these songs have been such a source of joy for all of us. But we didn’t want this to just be a look back – we wanted it to be about the future, too. So we have a bunch of new music coming soon.”
She added that she can’t wait for the moment the band hits the first notes of “Don’t Wanna Fight” or “Gimme All Your Love” again – and after getting our first taste of Alabama Shakes’ return, neither can we.
If this comeback performance is any indication, the new chapter of Alabama Shakes is going to be a big one. We’ll be ready for whatever’s next.
