Although don’t get too excited as they’re towards the end of the year and gigs in bunkers tend to be a bit cramped. Rolling Stone reports: “It’s shaping up to be a busy year for Jason Isbell, who will release two records before 2017 is up. Today, the songwriter announced his upcoming Live from Welcome to 1979, a six-song, vinyl-only concert album recorded directly onto lacquer. A full-length studio album is also slated to hit shelves this year, with production by Dave Cobb. Both titles are credited to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, marking Isbell’s first non-solo albums since 2013’s Live from Alabama.
Apart from “Never Gonna Change” – a concert staple that was originally released on The Dirty South, Isbell’s second album with the Drive-By Truckers – Live from Welcome to 1979 focuses on soul, rock and country covers. Included is an updated take on Candi Staton’s “Heart on a Ring” (which first appeared on Live from Alabama, albeit with a much smaller version of the 400 Unit), as well as versions of Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” and John Prine’s “Storm Windows.” A pair of Rolling Stones covers round out the EP, which will be released as a Record Store Day exclusive on April 22nd.
Isbell and the 400 Unit’s touring schedule has grown, too, now including an American summertime run and a European fall trek. Kicking off June 17th, the U.S. tour includes three nights at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, as well as a three-night stand at the Austin City Limits Live venue. Tift Merritt will join the band as an opening act during the overseas shows.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s UK/European 2017 tour dates:
October 25 – Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall
October 26 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 ABC
October 27 – Dublin, Ireland @ Olympia Theatre
October 29 – Brighton, UK @ Brighton Dome
October 30 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
October 31 – Birmingham, UK @ Symphony Hall
November 2 – Paris, France @ Le Café de la Danse
November 3 – Brussels, Belgium @ Ancienne Belgique
November 6 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
November 7 – Hamburg, Germany @ Uebel & Gefährlich
November 8 – Berlin, Germany @ Columbia Theater
November 10 – Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
November 12 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Münchenbryggeriet
November 14 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ DR Concert Hall
