Alabama Shakes
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
08.16.25
The last time Alabama Shakes toured was in 2017. It goes without saying the world is in a much different, vastly more precarious place in 2025 between the pandemic, vast political upheaval, and global anxiety. So, after an eight-year absence from the road, Alabama Shakes finally returning to Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena felt like a healing reunion, medicine in a world that feels more chaotic than ever. Equal parts soulful balm and dance party, it was a return to form which felt familiar and new.
From the moment Brittany Howard’s voice cut through the air on Sound & Color‘s soulful ballad “Dunes”, it felt that, even if just for the next 90 minutes, everything in the world would be ok, and that there’s solid ground even when everything can feel adrift. “Hang Loose” and “I Ain’t the Same” ensured that, if there remained any one of the thousands of attendees not yet dancing, they surely were.
Throughout the night, it was clear the whole band sensed how rare and precious this moment was, with Brittany at one point thanking the audience by saying, “Thank you. Thank you so much for being here with us. We know some of you may have had to hire babysitters, maybe you flew or drove here, or maybe you even took a ferry. You make this possible, and we truly appreciate you.” While the music flowed seamlessly from one track to the next, and covered much of Sound & Color and a good representation of Boys and Girls, these organic, intentional interactions with the crowd felt all the richer.
Everyone on stage looked like they were having the time of their life, which one would easily recognize in the audience, too. Each song felt both familiar and fresh, as though these tracks had taken on new meaning in the years apart. It was like reconnecting with an old friend who, with every word and chord, assured you that, yes, there is still beauty in the world, and that sometimes that reminder comes in an arena of thousands of strangers all awash in soul-steeped sound from a band who makes comfort feel possible and present.
By the final notes of their three song encore, culminating in “Always Alright”, the applause was roaring and filled with gratitude. Not just for a band returning, but for a reminder of what live music can do: ground us, heal us, and remind us that even in chaotic times, warmth and connection endure.
Setlist:
Dunes
Hang Loose
I Ain’t the Same
I Found You
Guess Who
Hold On
This Feeling
Joe
Another Life
Future People
Over My Head
Rise to the Sun
Shoegaze
Someday
Gemini
Sound & Color
Don’t Wanna Fight
Gimme All Your Love
Encore:
American Dream
Drive By Baby
Always Alright
Review and photos by Sattva Photo
ALABAMA SHAKES
