BLACK STONE CHERRY have delivered some fantastic news for fans eagerly awaiting more music! Guitarist BEN WELLS has confirmed that the Kentucky hard rock favourites have already finished recording their follow-up to the critically acclaimed Celebrate EP, with only the final mixing process remaining. Speaking alongside frontman CHRIS ROBERTSON in a new interview with German radio station ROCK ANTENNE, the musicians revealed that their creativity is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. And with a massive 21-date UK and Ireland tour approaching in January and February 2027, including a highly anticipated Cardiff appearance, it’s shaping up to be another enormous chapter for the American rockers!
THE CHERRY BOYS ARE BACK AT IT – AND THEY’VE ALREADY GOT ANOTHER RECORD READY TO UNLEASH! 🎸💀🔥
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about BLACK STONE CHERRY over the past two decades, it’s that these four musicians absolutely love making music.
From their early days in Kentucky to headlining major venues around the world, the band have built their reputation on enormous riffs, soulful vocals, powerful songwriting and an unmistakable love of rock ‘n’ roll.
And they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
Following the release of their seven-track Celebrate EP on 6 March 2026, fans have understandably been wondering what comes next.
A new studio album?
Another EP?
A collection of live recordings?
Well, we now have our answer.
A second EP has already been recorded!
And according to guitarist Ben Wells, there’s very little left to do before the material enters the final stages of production.
🎸 BEN WELLS – “THE SECOND EP IS ALREADY DONE!”
During a new interview with German radio station ROCK ANTENNE, Ben Wells and Chris Robertson discussed the band’s creative plans following the release of Celebrate.
Wells revealed that recording sessions for the second EP have already been completed.
His announcement was wonderfully straightforward:
“The second EP is already done, and it’s just gotta be mixed.”
He went on to explain that Robertson and engineer Jordan Westfall are expected to handle the mixing.
Although Wells didn’t provide an exact schedule, the comments suggest that the band are already well advanced with the follow-up.
For fans, that’s particularly exciting.
It means the musicians aren’t simply discussing new material or planning future recording sessions.
The songs have already been recorded.
The remaining work involves preparing the finished mixes before the band can consider mastering, manufacturing and release arrangements.
However, an official title, release date and tracklist have not yet been announced.
And as every musician knows, the final stages of making a record can sometimes take longer than expected.
Nevertheless, the important news is clear.
BLACK STONE CHERRY have another collection of songs ready and waiting!
🔥 THE RIFFS KEEP COMING – EVEN DURING SOUNDCHECK!
Perhaps the most encouraging part of Wells’ comments is that the band’s creativity hasn’t stopped with the completion of the second EP.
The guitarist revealed that BLACK STONE CHERRY are already coming up with additional musical ideas.
And those ideas are developing in the most natural environment imaginable.
During soundcheck!
Before concerts, the musicians regularly experiment with guitar riffs, rhythms and potential song arrangements.
When something interesting develops, they record the idea on their phones.
It’s a familiar approach for bands that spend much of their lives touring.
Sometimes a future song begins with a complete guitar riff.
Other times, it might be nothing more than a short drum pattern or a melody that suddenly appears while the musicians are preparing for a concert.
For BLACK STONE CHERRY, those moments have become an important part of their creative process.
Wells acknowledged that songwriting naturally goes through different periods.
Sometimes musicians experience creative dry spells.
But at other times, the ideas arrive almost continuously.
And right now, the band appear to be experiencing the latter.
With the second EP already recorded and additional ideas developing, there’s every reason for fans to be excited about their musical future.
💿 WHY BLACK STONE CHERRY ARE RELEASING TWO EPS INSTEAD OF ONE ALBUM
One of the most interesting revelations from the interview concerns the band’s decision to change their release strategy.
Traditionally, BLACK STONE CHERRY have concentrated on full-length studio albums.
Their catalogue includes eight major studio releases, stretching from their 2006 self-titled debut to 2023’s Screamin’ At The Sky.
However, for their latest material, the musicians decided to try something different.
Rather than spending years writing, recording and promoting another conventional album, they chose to divide their material into two shorter releases.
And Chris Robertson believes that approach makes considerable sense in the modern music industry.
The frontman explained that listeners now consume music much faster than they did 20 years ago.
A band can spend months creating an album, release it to considerable excitement and then find fans asking for new material just a few weeks later.
That creates an unusual situation.
Musicians spend years developing recordings, but the modern streaming environment often encourages audiences to move on quickly.
For Robertson, releasing two EPs offers a possible solution.
Instead of allowing the material to remain unreleased while the band completes a lengthy album cycle, the musicians can share new songs more frequently.
And because the EPs contain fewer tracks, they can approach each release with a clear musical identity.
🎸 A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO NEW MUSIC
Traditional album cycle
BLACK STONE CHERRY’s current approach
Record a full-length album
Divide the material into two EPs
Release a larger collection at once
Release smaller collections separately
Spend an extended period touring the album
Introduce fresh music more frequently
Return to writing after the campaign
Continue developing ideas during touring
Longer waits between releases
Potentially shorter gaps between new recordings
Of course, this doesn’t mean BLACK STONE CHERRY are permanently abandoning full-length albums.
The band haven’t made that announcement.
Instead, they’re experimenting with a release strategy that better suits their working methods and touring commitments.
And with the follow-up already recorded, the approach appears to be working.
🤘 BEN WELLS – BLACK STONE CHERRY AREN’T TRYING TO REINVENT THEMSELVES!
One thing the guitarist wanted to make clear is that the band’s new release strategy doesn’t mean they’re suddenly changing their musical identity.
For more than two decades, BLACK STONE CHERRY have developed a distinctive sound.
Blues-inspired guitar riffs.
Soulful vocals.
Southern rock influences.
Powerful drumming.
And enormous choruses designed to be sung by thousands of fans.
That combination remains central to their music.
Wells explained that the band have never deliberately attempted to reinvent themselves simply to follow changing trends.
Instead, they concentrate on writing songs that feel authentic.
Sometimes that means experimenting with different arrangements.
Other times, it means returning to the heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythms that made them famous.
But the most important thing is that the musicians believe in the material.
It’s a philosophy that has served BLACK STONE CHERRY remarkably well.
From their early hard rock recordings to their more recent explorations of blues, soul and alternative influences, the band’s music has continued evolving without losing its identity.
And according to Wells, fans can expect that same approach from the forthcoming EP.
🎶 ‘CELEBRATE’ – SEVEN SONGS FULL OF HEART, HEAVINESS AND EMOTION!
Released on Friday 6 March 2026 through Mascot Records, Celebrate marked an important new chapter.
The EP contains six original compositions alongside a cover of SIMPLE MINDS’ classic Don’t You (Forget About Me).
The cover features guest vocals from Tyler Connolly, frontman of THEORY OF A DEADMAN.
Recorded at High Street Studios in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the EP was produced by the band themselves.
And the finished recording demonstrates the variety of influences that have always shaped BLACK STONE CHERRY’s music.
There’s plenty of traditional hard rock.
But there are also more introspective passages, emotionally charged lyrics and melodic arrangements.
💿 BLACK STONE CHERRY – ‘CELEBRATE’ EP
EP information
Details
Artist
Black Stone Cherry
Title
Celebrate
Release date
6 March 2026
Record label
Mascot Records
Recording studio
High Street Studios, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Production
Black Stone Cherry
Mixing
Chris Robertson and Jordan Westfall
Number of tracks
Seven
Special guest
Tyler Connolly – Theory Of A Deadman
The record represents a slightly different approach from the band’s earlier studio albums.
But it retains the combination of heaviness, melody and emotional songwriting that fans have come to expect.
🎸 ‘CELEBRATE’ – COMPLETE EP TRACKLIST
Track
Song
1
Celebrate
2
Neon Eyes
3
Caught Up In The Down
4
I’m Fine
5
Deep
6
What You’re Made Of
7
Don’t You (Forget About Me) – featuring Tyler Connolly
The title track sets the tone for the release.
Rather than concentrating on enormous achievements or extravagant celebrations, the song explores the importance of recognising smaller victories in everyday life.
It’s an uplifting message delivered through the band’s unmistakable hard rock sound.
Neon Eyes brings a groove-driven approach, while Caught Up In The Down offers another example of the group’s powerful guitar arrangements.
I’m Fine explores a more alternative-influenced musical direction.
And Deep is among the most emotionally significant recordings on the EP.
The closing SIMPLE MINDS cover provides an unexpected ending, transforming a familiar 1980s classic through BLACK STONE CHERRY’s heavier musical identity.
🎧 LISTEN TO BLACK STONE CHERRY – ‘CELEBRATE’
❤️ ‘DEEP’ – ONE OF THE BAND’S MOST PERSONAL SONGS
Although BLACK STONE CHERRY are celebrated for their powerful guitar riffs and energetic live performances, their music has always included deeply personal songwriting.
And Deep is a particularly emotional example.
The song was influenced by the heartbreaking experience of guitarist Ben Wells and his wife, who suffered a miscarriage during the period in which the material was being written.
Wells has spoken openly about the experience and how music provided an outlet for emotions that were difficult to express.
The song was developed during an extraordinarily painful time for the family.
Rather than avoiding those emotions, Wells channelled them into the music.
The resulting composition explores grief, loss and the emotional difficulties that can accompany such experiences.
It’s a reminder that rock music isn’t always about enormous riffs and loud concerts.
Sometimes, the most powerful songs are those that give people an opportunity to express feelings they might otherwise struggle to communicate.
And BLACK STONE CHERRY have consistently demonstrated an ability to combine emotionally honest songwriting with powerful musical arrangements.
🎤 TYLER CONNOLLY JOINS BLACK STONE CHERRY FOR A SIMPLE MINDS CLASSIC!
One of the more unexpected moments on Celebrate comes at the end of the EP.
The band decided to record their own interpretation of SIMPLE MINDS’ Don’t You (Forget About Me).
Originally released in 1985, the song became internationally famous through its association with the film The Breakfast Club.
Its memorable melody and enormous chorus helped establish it as one of the decade’s most recognisable recordings.
However, BLACK STONE CHERRY approached the song from a different direction.
They introduced heavier guitars and their own distinctive groove.
And to make the collaboration even more special, they recruited Tyler Connolly of THEORY OF A DEADMAN.
The musicians have known one another for years through touring and the wider rock scene.
Connolly’s vocal contribution adds another dimension to the recording.
The result is a version that retains the recognisable qualities of the original while introducing BLACK STONE CHERRY’s musical personality.
It’s an excellent example of how a band can reinterpret a familiar song without simply reproducing it note for note.
🎚️ BLACK STONE CHERRY ARE PRODUCING THEIR OWN MUSIC!
Another important aspect of the band’s recent recordings is their decision to handle production themselves.
Over the years, BLACK STONE CHERRY have worked with several respected producers.
However, they increasingly prefer taking direct responsibility for their studio recordings.
For Celebrate, the musicians worked closely with engineer Jordan Westfall.
Robertson and Westfall also handled the mixing.
The EP was recorded in a relatively modest studio environment rather than an enormous commercial recording facility.
But for the band, that approach provides several advantages.
They can experiment without feeling pressured by an outside producer.
They can make decisions based on their own musical instincts.
And they can develop arrangements without worrying about someone attempting to change their established sound.
Robertson has explained that the musicians understand what makes BLACK STONE CHERRY sound like BLACK STONE CHERRY.
They know when a guitar riff works.
They understand how the drums should interact with the bass.
And they can recognise when a song needs additional work.
That creative independence has become an important part of their current recording process.
The latest confirmation that Robertson and Westfall will mix the second EP suggests the band intend to continue using that approach.
🥁 BLACK STONE CHERRY – FOUR MUSICIANS WITH AN INCREDIBLE CONNECTION!
One of the main reasons BLACK STONE CHERRY have enjoyed such a successful career is the musical chemistry between their members.
The band have never relied exclusively on one songwriter or musician.
Instead, their recordings frequently develop through contributions from everyone involved.
🤘 BLACK STONE CHERRY – CURRENT LINEUP
Musician
Role
Chris Robertson
Lead vocals and guitar
Ben Wells
Guitar and backing vocals
Steve Jewell Jr.
Bass guitar and backing vocals
John Fred Young
Drums and percussion
Robertson’s powerful, soulful voice remains one of the band’s defining characteristics.
Wells contributes the guitar riffs and melodic arrangements that help drive their music.
Jewell provides a formidable bass foundation.
And Young’s energetic drumming gives their recordings and live performances their unmistakable rhythmic power.
Together, the four musicians have developed a natural musical understanding.
And the decision to write material collectively at Wells’ home has helped strengthen that connection.
🎸 FROM KENTUCKY TO INTERNATIONAL ROCK SUCCESS!
Formed in Edmonton, Kentucky, in 2001, BLACK STONE CHERRY emerged from a small American community with a passion for heavy music.
Their early influences included Southern rock, blues, traditional hard rock and heavy metal.
Those varied musical interests helped establish a distinctive identity.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on one genre, BLACK STONE CHERRY combined different styles into something recognisably their own.
Their self-titled debut album arrived in 2006.
It introduced listeners to songs including Lonely Train, Hell And High Water and Rain Wizard.
The record quickly attracted attention.
And through extensive touring, BLACK STONE CHERRY began developing a dedicated international following.
Their second album, Folklore And Superstition, followed in 2008.
It expanded their audience considerably, particularly within the United Kingdom.
Songs such as Please Come In, Blind Man and Things My Father Said became fan favourites.
Over the following years, the band continued releasing albums and building their reputation as an exceptional live act.
Their music connected particularly strongly with British rock audiences.
And that relationship remains an important part of their career today.
💿 BLACK STONE CHERRY – STUDIO ALBUM HISTORY
Album
Release year
Black Stone Cherry
2006
Folklore And Superstition
2008
Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
2011
Magic Mountain
2014
Kentucky
2016
Family Tree
2018
The Human Condition
2020
Screamin’ At The Sky
2023
Each release represents a different stage in the band’s musical development.
Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea featured some of their most recognisable modern rock anthems.
Magic Mountain embraced a particularly heavy guitar-driven sound.
Kentucky brought the musicians back towards their roots.
Family Tree explored blues, soul and Southern rock influences.
And The Human Condition arrived during the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
More recently, Screamin’ At The Sky demonstrated the band’s continued enthusiasm for powerful, riff-driven rock.
With two EPs now forming the next chapter, the musicians are experimenting with how they release music while maintaining their established musical identity.
🇬🇧 BLACK STONE CHERRY ARE RETURNING TO THE UK IN 2027!
For British fans, there’s even more exciting news.
BLACK STONE CHERRY are preparing for an extensive UK and Ireland tour during January and February 2027.
The concerts were originally scheduled for autumn 2026.
However, the band postponed the shows because drummer John Fred Young needed to be at home for important family commitments.
Rather than simply moving the existing concerts, the musicians added several additional performances.
The result is a substantial 21-date tour, demonstrating just how important the British and Irish audiences are to the band.
And these aren’t ordinary concerts.
The tour will feature a special format celebrating the band’s 20th anniversary.
🎸 TWO SETS OF BLACK STONE CHERRY!
Each evening will feature two separate sets.
The first set will see BLACK STONE CHERRY performing their entire 2006 self-titled debut album.
That means fans can hear the recording that launched their international career performed in full.
The second set will feature a selection of songs from across their career, alongside material from Celebrate.
It’s an exciting idea.
Longtime fans will have an opportunity to revisit the band’s earliest recordings.
Newer supporters can experience songs that helped establish their musical identity.
And everyone can enjoy another collection of classic BLACK STONE CHERRY anthems.
🐉 BLACK STONE CHERRY RETURN TO CARDIFF ON 31 JANUARY 2027!
There’s one date that deserves particular attention here at The Riff Report Blog.
Sunday 31 January 2027 – Cardiff! 🤘🐉🔥
BLACK STONE CHERRY will bring their special Celebrate Tour to the Welsh capital.
For fans across South Wales, it’s another fantastic opportunity to experience one of America’s most exciting modern hard rock bands.
Their concerts have always been particularly popular with British audiences.
And the special two-set format should make this appearance particularly memorable.
Imagine hearing Lonely Train and Hell And High Water as part of the complete debut album performance.
Then returning for another set featuring material from across two decades of music.
There’s certainly no shortage of songs to choose from.
Whether you’re a longtime fan who discovered the band during their early days or someone who first heard them through more recent recordings, the Cardiff concert promises an enormous celebration of BLACK STONE CHERRY’s history.
🎟️ BLACK STONE CHERRY – UK TOUR TICKETS AND INFORMATION
🔥 WHAT DOES THE SECOND EP MEAN FOR THE BAND’S FUTURE?
The announcement that BLACK STONE CHERRY have already completed recording their second EP is particularly encouraging because it demonstrates how productive the musicians have become.
Traditionally, bands spend considerable time promoting an album before returning to the studio.
But BLACK STONE CHERRY are experimenting with a different approach.
They’re maintaining a continuous flow of ideas.
Recording smaller collections of songs.
And remaining creatively active while touring.
That strategy could allow them to release music more frequently without sacrificing the touring schedule that has become such an important part of their identity.
However, some important questions remain unanswered.
💿 WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE SECOND EP
Question
Current status
Has the follow-up been recorded?
Yes
Has the mixing been completed?
Not yet
Who is expected to mix it?
Chris Robertson and Jordan Westfall
Has the title been announced?
No
Has a tracklist been revealed?
No
Has a release date been confirmed?
No
Will it be another EP?
Yes, according to Ben Wells
Is further material being written?
Yes, new ideas are developing during soundchecks
The band have previously discussed the possibility of releasing another EP during 2027.
But no confirmed release date has been announced, and fans should not assume that the recording will arrive before the forthcoming UK tour.
For now, the important development is that the sessions are complete.
And the next step is mixing.
🤘 THE RIFF REPORT VERDICT – BLACK STONE CHERRY’S CREATIVE FIRE IS BURNING BRIGHTER THAN EVER!
BLACK STONE CHERRY confirming that their second EP is already recorded is fantastic news for fans who can’t get enough of their Southern-fried hard rock.
For more than two decades, the band have built their reputation through powerful albums, unforgettable live performances and a genuine connection with their supporters.
Their music has never been about chasing trends.
It’s about writing songs that mean something.
Combining enormous guitar riffs with soulful melodies.
And delivering performances that leave audiences wanting more.
With Celebrate, the musicians demonstrated that they can continue exploring new musical ideas without abandoning the sound that made them famous.
And now, just months after that release, they’ve confirmed that another collection of songs is already waiting to be mixed.
That’s an exciting position for any band to be in.
Perhaps even more importantly, they’re still developing new material during soundchecks.
The creative process hasn’t stopped.
New riffs are appearing.
Fresh ideas are being recorded.
And the musicians are continuing to enjoy making music together.
With a massive UK and Ireland tour scheduled for early 2027, including a highly anticipated Cardiff concert, there’s plenty for British fans to look forward to.
And if the next EP maintains the quality and emotional depth of Celebrate, we’re in for another exciting release.
The title remains a mystery.
The tracklist hasn’t been revealed.
And the release date is still to be announced.
But one thing is certain.
BLACK STONE CHERRY HAVE ALREADY GOT THE MUSIC RECORDED – AND THAT’S A PRETTY DAMN GOOD REASON TO GET EXCITED!
🎟️ BLACK STONE CHERRY – UK TOUR TICKETS
🎸 BLACK STONE CHERRY – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ONE EP RELEASED. ANOTHER ALREADY RECORDED. NEW RIFFS COMING THICK AND FAST. AND A MASSIVE UK TOUR ON THE HORIZON!
BLACK STONE CHERRY – THE KENTUCKY ROCKERS ARE JUST GETTING STARTED WITH THEIR NEXT CHAPTER! 🎸💀🔥🤘
THE RIFF REPORT BLOG – MUSIC JOURNALISM WITH BOOTS AT THE BARRICADE!
