What Happened to The Black Crowes?
The Black Crowes, the iconic American rock band formed by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, have navigated a tumultuous history of breakups and reunions since their 1984 inception. After a significant hiatus, the band reunited in 2019, celebrating their debut album's anniversary and releasing new material, including 2024's Grammy-nominated 'Happiness Bastards' and 2026's 'A Pound of Feathers', while actively touring despite recent on-stage controversies.
Quick Answer
The Black Crowes, led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, are currently active and touring in 2026. They released their tenth studio album, 'A Pound of Feathers,' on March 13, 2026, following their Grammy-nominated 2024 album 'Happiness Bastards.' The band is on their 'Southern Hospitality Tour' across North America, which runs through August 2026, and will also support Guns N' Roses on select stadium dates. Recently, frontman Chris Robinson sparked controversy during a May 31, 2026, show in Tampa, Florida, for comments made in response to 'U.S.A.' chants from the audience.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Formation as Mr. Crowe's Garden
Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson form the band in Atlanta, Georgia, initially named Mr. Crowe's Garden.
Renamed The Black Crowes and Signed
The band changes its name to The Black Crowes and signs with Def American Recordings.
Debut Album 'Shake Your Money Maker' Released
The Black Crowes release their debut album, which achieves multi-platinum status and critical acclaim, featuring hits like 'Hard to Handle' and 'She Talks to Angels'.
First Hiatus
The band enters its first major hiatus, with members pursuing individual projects.
Announce Breakup
Rich Robinson publicly announces the band's breakup, citing disagreements over control and finances.
Rich Robinson Forms The Magpie Salute
Rich Robinson forms a new band, The Magpie Salute, featuring former Black Crowes members Marc Ford and Sven Pipien.
Brothers Reunite for 30th Anniversary Tour
Chris and Rich Robinson announce their reconciliation and a 2020 reunion tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'Shake Your Money Maker'.
Release '1972' Covers EP
The Black Crowes release '1972', an EP consisting of covers of famous tracks originally released in 1972.
Release 'Happiness Bastards' Album
The band releases 'Happiness Bastards', their first album of new material in 15 years, which later receives a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album.
Release 'Profane Prophecy' / 'Pharmacy Chronicles' Singles
The Black Crowes release the singles 'Profane Prophecy' and 'Pharmacy Chronicles' ahead of their new album.
Announce 'Southern Hospitality Tour' and 'It's Like That' Single
The band announces their co-headlining 'Southern Hospitality Tour' with Whiskey Myers and releases the single 'It's Like That'.
Release 'A Pound of Feathers' Album
The Black Crowes release their tenth studio album, 'A Pound of Feathers', via Silver Arrow Records.
'Southern Hospitality Tour' Kicks Off
The Black Crowes begin their extensive 'Southern Hospitality Tour' in Austin, Texas.
Chris Robinson's Controversial Comments in Tampa
During a concert in Tampa, Florida, frontman Chris Robinson makes controversial remarks in response to 'U.S.A.' chants, leading to boos and audience walkouts.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Black Crowes, originating as Mr. Crowe's Garden in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1984, rose to prominence with their blues-infused Southern rock sound. Their debut album, 'Shake Your Money Maker' (1990), achieved multi-platinum success, propelled by hits like 'Hard to Handle' and 'She Talks to Angels'. The band's early 90s output, including 'The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion' (1992), solidified their place in rock music, earning them the title of 'Best New American Band' by Rolling Stone readers in 1990.
However, the band's history has been marked by frequent internal strife, particularly between the Robinson brothers, leading to multiple hiatuses and lineup changes. Their first major break occurred from 2002 to 2005, during which members pursued solo projects. They reunited, releasing albums like 'Warpaint' (2008), before entering another 'indefinite hiatus' in 2011, which culminated in a definitive breakup announcement in 2015. During this period, Chris Robinson fronted the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and Rich Robinson formed The Magpie Salute, which included former Black Crowes members Marc Ford and Sven Pipien. Tragically, former keyboardist Eddie Harsch passed away in 2016.
A significant turning point came in November 2019 when Chris and Rich Robinson reconciled and announced a reunion tour for 2020 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'Shake Your Money Maker'. This tour was initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but eventually commenced, with bassist Sven Pipien returning to the fold. The band released the covers EP '1972' in May 2022 and a live album, 'Shake Your Money Maker Live,' in March 2023.
The Black Crowes made a full creative resurgence with the release of 'Happiness Bastards' on March 15, 2024, their first album of new material in 15 years, which earned a nomination for Best Rock Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. This was quickly followed by their tenth studio album, 'A Pound of Feathers,' released on March 13, 2026, via their own Silver Arrow Records. The album was produced by Jay Joyce, who also helmed 'Happiness Bastards'.
As of June 2026, The Black Crowes are actively touring on their 'Southern Hospitality Tour' across North America, co-headlining with Whiskey Myers and with support from Southall. The tour, which began on May 17, 2026, is scheduled to conclude on August 20, 2026, and includes special appearances with the Tedeschi Trucks Band and support slots for Guns N' Roses on several stadium dates. The current touring lineup features Chris Robinson (vocals), Rich Robinson (guitar), Sven Pipien (bass), Nico Bereciartua (guitar), Cully Symington (drums), and Erik Deutsch (keyboards). However, the band recently faced controversy during their May 31, 2026, show in Tampa, Florida, when Chris Robinson publicly criticized audience members chanting 'U.S.A.' in response to an Uncle Sam-themed visual, leading to boos and some attendees walking out.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Black Crowes made different choices?