Photo Credit: Fletcher Moore

The Marcus King Band is back together and better than ever on the new single “Honky Tonk Hell.” Released today through Rick Rubin’s American Records imprint, the blues-rock outfit’s latest roaring barn burner is their first recording since their 2018 album Carolina Confessions and arrives as the first sample of a yet-unannounced revival album.

“Honky Tonk Hell” is an equal-parts sincere and sharp-tongued reflection on the personal revolutions that frontman King has faced in his travels since the band’s last offering–during which he’s turned over the triumphant solo records El Dorado, Young Blood and just last year Mood Swings, which dove deep into his mental health journey and recovery from addiction which a hand from Rubin behind the boards. King’s follow-up to that project reads as an expression of his evolving inner world, now facing the trials of sobriety with a boot-scooting ramble instead of a stormy soul cry.

“‘Honky Tonk Hell’ is an anthem for anyone out there like myself who have struggled with the permanence of sobriety – those who fear the thought they will never again howl at the moon,” King said. “This song for me serves as a reminder to take it all one day at a time.”

On the new cut, King is joined again by his longtime collaborators, guitarist Drew Smithers, drummer Jack Ryan and bassist Stephen Campbell; production was helmed by Eddie Spear. Outside the studio, his tried and true ensemble are currently backing the firebrand on an expansive 2025 tour, including the fourth annual presentation of their beloved musical get-together the Marcus King Band Family Reunion Festival on August 23 and 24 in Charleston, S.C.

“Honky Tonk Hell” is available to stream now. Find more information on King at marcuskingofficial.com, and read on for his full list of 2025 tour dates.

Read King’s 2024 Relix cover story here.

Marcus King 2025 Tour Dates:
May 9—Grand Junction, CO—Avalon Theater
May 10—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
May 11—Wichita, KS—The Cotillion Ballroom
June 6—Nashville, TN—CMA Fest
June 12—Manchester, TN—Bonnaroo
June 13—La Grange, KY—Showbarn Sessions
August 1—Mammoth Lakes, CA—Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza
August 14—Park City, UT—Park City Song Summit
August 15—West Valley City, UT—Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre†
August 16—West Valley City, UT—Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre†
August 23—Charleston, SC—Marcus King Band Family Reunion Festival
August 24—Charleston, SC—Marcus King Band Family Reunion Festival
August 31—Aspen, CO—Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival
September 5—Madison, IN—Unbroken Circle Festival At Bicentennial Park
September 12—Lincoln, NE—Pinnacle Bank Arena‡
September 15-21—Seattle, WA—Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea Alaska
September 25—Green Bay, WI—Resch Center§
September 26—Milwaukee, WI—Fiserv Forum§
September 27-28—St. Louis, MO—Evolution Festival
October 2—Detroit, MI—Little Caesars Arena§
October 3—Lexington, KY—Rupp Arena§
October 9—Indianapolis, IN—Gainbridge Fieldhouse§
October 10—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena§
October 11—Cleveland, OH—Rocket Arena§
October 25—Birmingham, AL—Legacy Arena at The BJCC‡
*with Kaleo
†with Chris Stapleton
‡with Cody Johnson
§with Eric Church