Sturgill Simpson returned to the stage in a big way, headlining the Outside Lands Festival at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on Sunday night (August 11), marking his first full performance in three years. The event also featured the long-awaited reunion of his “classic” backing band lineup, with guitarist Laur Joamets, bassist Kevin Black, and drummer Miles Miller performing together for the first time in over seven years.
The night was a significant one for Simpson, who debuted his new moniker, “Johnny Blue Skies,” under which he recently released the album Passage Du Desir. The Outside Lands appearance was announced even before the album or the new stage name, making it one of the most highly anticipated live shows since the pandemic.
The set included moments of classic Sturgill Simpson, particularly during the opening song “Railroad of Sin,” “Living The Dream,” and an extended version of “Long White Line” near the end of the show. Despite his rock-oriented approach, Simpson’s Kentucky roots shone through, especially during the final song “A Call To Arms,” where his bluegrass-inspired guitar technique took center stage, delivering rapid, powerful notes that filled the air with energy.
Simpson’s performance at Outside Lands was not just a return to the stage but a bold reintroduction under his new persona, leaving fans eager to see what comes next for “Johnny Blue Skies.”
