Kentucky rock band Black Stone Cherry has announced the release of their new EP, Celebrate, which will arrive digitally on March 6, 2026, through Mascot Records. The EP’s first single, “Neon Eyes”, is out now, accompanied by an official music video.
Known for their heartfelt approach to hard rock, Black Stone Cherry remains a true band of friends — four accomplished musicians blending rock, metal, roots, blues, soul, and even hip-hop influences. Their close bond and instinctive connection shine through in their music, allowing them to express both passion and vulnerability.
Produced by the band and recorded at High Street Studios in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Celebrate captures Black Stone Cherry at their creative peak. The EP reflects a balance of joy and pain, offering heavy hooks alongside deeply emotional moments. It features six original tracks designed for the stage, plus a unique cover of “Simple Minds’ Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, which includes guest vocals from Tyler Connolly of Theory Of A Deadman.
The lead single, “Neon Eyes”, began as a simple riff during soundcheck but quickly evolved into a hard-rock anthem. The music video offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s day leading up to their headline performance at the 2025 Maid Of Stone Festival in the U.K. Viewers get to see their pre-show rituals, moments with fans, and the explosive live energy that defines a Black Stone Cherry performance.
“For “Neon Eyes” we had the riff recorded on an iPhone and immediately wrote a song around it when we first started writing for this EP,” the band explained. “We knew we wanted the main riff to also be the chorus so once we landed on the title, everything fell into place. A classic BSC banger.”
Vocalist and guitarist Chris Robertson reflected on the deeply personal nature of the band’s music, saying: “Any piece of art is a snapshot of that artist’s life. So I look at these songs as a culmination of everything we’ve lived since “Screamin’ At The Sky””.
Guitarist Ben Wells added: “None of us are precious, because we’re all fighting on the same team. So John Fred [Young, drums] might have a guitar riff, or me or Chris might have a drum beat. And Steve [Jewell Jr.] is our bass player, but he played slide on the last album, and there’s parts on the new stuff where he plays guitar. It was cool to think you could start the day without a song, and five hours later walk out with a demo.”
Celebrate explores a range of emotions and styles. The track “I’m Fine” delivers a dreamy, grunge-inspired singalong reminiscent of Nirvana, while “Deep” takes a more somber tone. “Deep” carries special weight for Wells, who revealed that he and his wife experienced a miscarriage during the writing process after a long battle with fertility challenges. Just two days later, he channeled his grief and pain into writing the heartfelt song.
The EP concludes with a powerful rendition of “Simple Minds’” iconic hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, famously featured in the classic John Hughes film The Breakfast Club. The cover features guest vocals from Connolly and fits seamlessly with Black Stone Cherry’s sound, thanks to Robertson’s soulful, gritty delivery. “I love that song!” Robertson said with a laugh.
The band’s commitment to their craft and their fans is unwavering. Whether playing for thousands at a festival or in an intimate 100-capacity venue, Black Stone Cherry gives their all every night. That dedication and passion are woven throughout Celebrate, emphasizing themes of love, resilience, and connection.
With no unnecessary polish or pretense, the EP represents what matters most to the band: authentic music that truly resonates with listeners.
