Black Stone Cherry Team Up with Theory of a Deadman’s Tyler Connolly

January 16, 2026 rocknews

Kentucky’s southern rock powerhouse Black Stone Cherry just unleashed a fresh, hard-rocking take on the iconic Simple Minds classic “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – the anthem forever tied to The Breakfast Club. What makes this cover extra special? They’ve brought in longtime friend Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman for guest vocals, adding layers of grit and energy to their “Black Stone Cherrify” version.

Vocalist/guitarist Chris Robertson shared the excitement: “Growing up a kid born in the mid 80s I have seen the Breakfast Club more times than I can remember. One of my favourite parts of the movie was always the music and specifically ‘don’t you’! So when the chance for us to Black Stone Cherrify the track emerged it was a no brainer. We are beyond excited to share that we enlisted the help of our dear friend Tyler Connolly to help out.”

This swinging, powerful rendition is the latest taste from their upcoming EP Celebrate, set for release on March 6, 2026 via Mascot Records. Produced by the band at High Street Studios in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the EP blends their signature southern rock fire with grunge vibes, heartfelt ballads, and this unexpected ’80s gem.

Stream the cover now and pre-order the EP to lock in your copy ahead of the drop.

Celebrate EP: Tracklist, Themes, and Standout Singles

Celebrate is a seven-track collection of contrasts – punchy rock anthems, introspective moments, and that curveball cover. The band describes it as a snapshot of life since their last full album, flipping somber subjects into empowering bangers.

Full tracklist:

Celebrate
Neon Eyes
Caught Up In The Up Down
I’m Fine (dreamily woozy, Nirvana-laced grunge singalong)
Deep (personal heartache)
What You’re Made Of
Don’t You (Forget About Me) ft. Tyler Connolly (Theory Of A Deadman)

The title track “Celebrate” drops heartwarming advice: celebrate every little victory, even just making it through the day. Its music video features actor/musician Aaron Paulsen and ends in a burst of confetti – pure feel-good energy.

“Neon Eyes” arrived earlier with a road-life video capturing the band heading to their 2025 Maid of Stone Festival headline set in the UK – a perfect teaser for their upcoming tours.

These tracks showcase Black Stone Cherry’s evolution: raw emotion, killer riffs, and that unbreakable band chemistry.

‘An Evening With’ UK Tour 2026: Playing 2006 Debut in Full + New Tracks

Black Stone Cherry aren’t just dropping new music – they’re hitting the road hard with a special “An Evening With” headline tour across the UK and Europe in late 2026. This nearly month-long UK run follows their EU dates and promises two epic sets per night:

Set 1: Their legendary self-titled 2006 debut album played in full, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Set 2: Fan-favorite classics plus fresh cuts from Celebrate.

The band raved: “We cannot wait to come back to the UK and celebrate with all of our Cherry Heads across so many different cities! Touring overseas is such a thrill and exciting thing for us and we will absolutely bring the energy and vibe with us to every stop on the tour! Plus, new music! Love you and see you soon!”

Full UK dates (October-November 2026):

Tue 20 Oct – Nottingham, Rock City
Wed 21 Oct – Margate, Dreamland
Fri 23 Oct – Norwich, UEA
Sat 24 Oct – Manchester, Academy
Mon 26 Oct – Dublin, Academy
Tue 27 Oct – Cork, Cypress Avenue
Thu 29 Oct – Belfast, Limelight 1
Fri 30 Oct – Edinburgh, Corn Exchange
Sun 1 Nov – Aberdeen, Music Hall
Tue 3 Nov – Newcastle, Boiler Shop
Thu 5 Nov – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steelmill
Sat 7 Nov – Cardiff, Great Hall
Sun 8 Nov – Torquay, Arena
Tue 10 Nov – Frome, Cheese & Grain
Thu 12 Nov – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town
Fri 13 Nov – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town

Tickets are on sale now, with exclusive t-shirt + ticket bundles available for fans in England, Scotland, and Wales. Grab them via the official site or Ticketmaster.

This tour format highlights their versatility – from massive festivals to intimate venues – and their deep connection with fans (“Cherry Heads”).

About Black Stone Cherry: Kentucky Rock Legends

Hailing from Edmonton, Kentucky, Black Stone Cherry blend southern rock, metal, blues, and soul into a high-energy sound that’s both timeless and fresh. Led by Chris Robertson (vocals/guitar), alongside Ben Wells (guitar), Jon Lawhon (bass), and John Fred Young (drums), they’ve built a loyal global following through relentless touring and authentic songwriting.

Known for hits like “Blame It on the Boom Boom” and their no-fake-it attitude, they play arenas and small pubs with the same passion. Celebrate continues that legacy, produced entirely by the band to capture their raw power.

FAQs About Black Stone Cherry’s Celebrate EP and 2026 Tour

When does the Celebrate EP release?

March 6, 2026, digitally via Mascot Records. Pre-order now for instant access to singles.

What’s the full tracklist for Celebrate?

Celebrate
Neon Eyes
Caught Up In The Up Down
I’m Fine
Deep
What You’re Made Of
Don’t You (Forget About Me) ft. Tyler Connolly

Who is featured on the ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ cover?

Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman joins on guest vocals – a longtime friend of the band.

What makes the 2026 UK tour special?

It’s “An Evening With” format: two sets per show, including the full 2006 debut album for its 20th anniversary, plus hits and new Celebrate tracks.

Where can I buy tickets for the UK tour?

Tickets and bundles are available now at blackstonecherry.com or Ticketmaster UK.

Are there music videos for the new singles?

Yes! Check out “Celebrate” (feel-good confetti vibes) and “Neon Eyes” (road life and Maid of Stone footage) on YouTube.

Black Stone Cherry are firing on all cylinders – new music, a killer cover collab, and an unforgettable tour ahead. Whether you’re a longtime Cherry Head or discovering their southern rock fire for the first time, 2026 is shaping up to be massive. Turn it up, pre-order Celebrate, snag those tour tickets, and get ready to celebrate every damn moment.