Ahead of his eagerly anticipated return to the UK this month, Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett has released the new single ‘Cowboy Song’, which is a two-steppin’ country version of the Thin Lizzy classic complete with twanged up twin leads and pedal steel. The track is taken from the forthcoming EP Starry Nights & Campfire Lights, which is coming out March 15th via Snakefarm.
Shiflett says, “I’ve always loved Thin Lizzy and thought Phil Lynott’s storytelling lyrics could easily translate to Country music, none more so than ‘Cowboy Song’. I went into the studio with my band between Foo Fighter tours recently out at 606 and worked up our version, which we aimed at a late 70’s Waylon type of vibe, like when Outlaw was crossing over into Disco.
“Feels like we have a toe tapper on our hands and I’m excited to work it into the set when we’re overseas. Lizzy is one of the all-time great guitar bands so it was fun trying to put my own spin on the guitar solos – I twanged some of it up, and straight copped bits and pieces too, kind of a homage.”
The EP also features a cover of the Hanoi Rocks track ‘Don’t You Ever Leave Me’, which is an Americana rendition of the glam rock anthem, and unreleased live and acoustic versions of tracks from Lost At Sea, the highly acclaimed album which was released last year.
The EP lands just ahead of Shiflett’s headline tour across the UK and Ireland, which concludes with a show at London’s Electric Ballroom on the 27th.
Across the tour, Shifflett will be joined by ‘Wild’ Willy Cobb whose credentials are strong being the cousin of Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb, and in London, the trailblazing Kezia Gill, who won three British Country Music Association awards.
Shiflett says, “I can’t wait to get back over to the UK and Ireland for another run of dates! The tour we did last spring was amazing, the best we’ve ever done. The crowds were wild so I can’t wait to see what it’ll be like touring now that the record is out. We’ll definitely mix in a few more new tunes in addition to the older stuff.”
Revered as a modern-day guitar hero, the new album sees Shiflett splice up alt-country rock and guitar-driven grit with sharp songwriting and Americana undertones.
Shiflett also recently launched a new video series called ‘Shred with Shifty’ where he interviews some of the guitar greats, delving into their most iconic solos and the art of playing guitar. Guests so far have included the likes of Nile Rogers, Alex Lifeson (Rush), Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Brad Paisley, Ace Frehley (KISS) and more. Head to Volume.com/shifty for more info.
Although he’s used to playing big arenas globally, the punk veteran and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s previous UK tour was hugely triumphant; his transition to more intimate venues was seamless, resulting in equal magic, showing that being a great frontman is just another part of his already impressive CV.
MARCH 2024 UK TOUR
Weds 20th – Academy, Dublin
Thurs 21st – The Limelight 2, Belfast
Sat 23rd – Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow
Sun 24th – Academy 2, Manchester
Mon 25th – O2 Academy 2, Birmingham
Weds 27th – Electric Ballroom, London
High Fives & Stage Dives 