Joanne Shaw Taylor Unleashes “Hell Or High Water”

January 23, 2026 rocknews

British blues-rock powerhouse Joanne Shaw Taylor returns with her most emotionally charged single yet: “Hell Or High Water”, out today via Journeyman Records. This defiant, soul-stirring blues-gospel track confronts the war inside your head – doubt, temptation, and the fight to keep going – while channeling unbreakable self-belief and resilience.

“Hell Or High Water is a defiant, soul-bearing Blues/Gospel anthem about surviving the war inside your own head and refusing to give in,” Joanne shares. “It’s about resilience and self-belief even in the hardest of times.”

The song opens stark and haunting, building through a hypnotic rhythmic pulse into raw tension and cathartic release. Joanne’s blues-soaked vocals deliver unflinching lyrics: “Devil on my shoulder keeps whispering in my ear” and the pleading refrain “Lord, don’t let me falter.” Handclaps, rolling groove, and a massive, lingering hook make it instantly catchy, while her searing guitar riffs and gritty-yet-graceful solo cut through with conviction and clarity.

Watch the official music video for “Hell Or High Water” now and stream the single on all platforms.

A New Chapter After Black & Gold

“Hell Or High Water” arrives as the first taste of fresh material following the rapturous reception to her 2025 album Black & Gold (and its Deluxe Edition with stripped-back acoustic versions of fan favorites like “Hold Of My Heart,” “Grayer Shade Of Blue,” and the title track). Critics hailed Black & Gold as a career high:

Classic Rock (9/10): “Blues chanteuse strikes gold.”
Powerplay Magazine: “Pop appeal and smoothness.”
Guitarist Magazine: “Reinforces Joanne’s place in the firmament of today’s brightest stars.”
American Blues Scene: “A deeply personal experience, showcasing the depth of Joanne’s artistry.”

While rooted in the blues traditions that define her sound, “Hell Or High Water” shows Joanne pushing further emotionally – leaning into vulnerability without losing her signature strength. More new music is on the way throughout 2026.

2026 Tour: UK/Europe Headline Run + US Spring Dates

Joanne kicks off the new year with a major UK and European headline tour in January/February 2026, followed by a full US Spring tour spanning the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Florida. Known for her commanding live presence, fiery guitar work, and emotionally immersive performances, these shows promise unforgettable nights of blues, rock, soul, and new tracks like “Hell Or High Water.”

2026 UK/Europe Tour Dates

Jan 25 – Edinburgh, UK – The Queen’s Hall
Jan 26 – Buxton, UK – Opera House
Jan 28 – Blackpool, UK – Opera House
Jan 29 – Sunderland, UK – The Fire Station
Jan 30 – Southend-on-Sea, UK – Palace Theatre
Feb 1 – Antwerp, BE – De Roma
Feb 3 – Munich, DE – Backstage Werk
Feb 5 – Hamburg, DE – Fabrik
Feb 6 – Cologne, DE – Die Kantine
Feb 8 – Stuttgart, DE – Im Wizemann
Feb 9 – Zurich, CH – Kaufleuten Festsaal
Feb 10 – Milan, IT – Legend Club Milano
Feb 12 – Paris, FR – Alhambra

2026 US Spring Tour Dates

Mar 18 – Skokie, IL – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Mar 20 – Kent, OH – The Kent Stage
Mar 21 – Pittsford, NY – Beston Hall
Mar 22 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
Mar 24 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel
Mar 25 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
Mar 27 – State College, PA – The State Theatre
Mar 28 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage
Mar 29 – Oakmont, PA – The Oaks Theater
Mar 31 – Hobart, IN – The Hobart Art Theater
Apr 2 – Franklin, TN – The Franklin Theatre
Apr 3 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center
Apr 4 – Cornelius, NC – Cain Center for the Arts
Apr 7 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
Apr 9 – West Palm Beach, FL – Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 10 – Ponte Vedra, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Apr 10–12 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sound Wave Beach Weekend (Sold Out)

Tickets and more information are available now at www.joanneshawtaylor.com.

FAQs About Joanne Shaw Taylor’s “Hell Or High Water” Single & 2026 Tour

When was “Hell Or High Water” released?

Today – stream now on all platforms and watch the official music video.

What is the song about?

A defiant blues-gospel anthem about surviving inner battles, overcoming doubt and temptation, and refusing to falter – resilience and self-belief at its core.

Does the single tie into a new album?

It’s the first glimpse of new material Joanne plans to release throughout 2026, following the success of Black & Gold and its Deluxe Edition.

Where can I get tickets for the 2026 tours?

Full UK/Europe and US Spring tour dates are on sale now at joanneshawtaylor.com.

Will she play “Hell Or High Water” live?

Absolutely – expect the new single in setlists alongside Black & Gold tracks, classics, and fan favorites.

Joanne Shaw Taylor is at her most powerful and vulnerable on “Hell Or High Water” – a soul-stirring anthem that proves why she’s one of the brightest stars in modern blues-rock. Stream it today, watch the video, and secure your spot on the 2026 tour. This is blues with heart, grit, and unbreakable spirit. Don’t miss it.