Legendary soul-rock outfit The Boneshakers are making a thunderous return with their 11th studio album Live To Be This, dropping July 18, 2025, via acclaimed blues label Gulf Coast Records. The first single from the album, “I’ll Kick A Brick (For My Man)”, is out now — offering fans a fiery first taste of what’s to come.
Available for pre-order now at www.officialboneshakers.com, the album will be released in digital, CD, and vinyl formats.
Led by powerhouse vocalist Jenny Langer and guitar virtuoso Randy Jacobs (Was (Not Was)), Live To Be This marks a bold new chapter for The Boneshakers. It’s their most electrifying record to date, fusing the band’s trademark blend of Blues, Soul, and Rock with raw emotion and vintage grit.
“This album is a love letter to the music that shaped us — gritty, soulful, and alive,” says Langer. “In a world of digital perfection, Live To Be This is all about real musicians playing with feeling, and we couldn’t be more excited to have some of our favorite artists joining in on the fun as special guests.”
Jacobs adds, “Little did I know that Jenny and I would find ourselves in such great company via Mike Zito’s very cool Gulf Coast Records. Just beautiful, positive energy pouring from all involved, living for music and the musicians. A great new home for The Boneshakers!”
The release follows their chart-topping success One Foot In The Groove, which hit #1 on both US Soul Blues and UK Blues radio charts. On Live To Be This, Langer—an International Blues Challenge (IBC) winner for Best CD—delivers commanding vocal performances across every track.
The album, produced by the legendary John Wooler (the force behind their 1990s breakout Book of Spells on Virgin Records), features a mix of powerful originals and reimagined tributes to Screaming Jay Hawkins, Betty Davis, Iggy Pop, Jimmy Hall, and Ike & Tina Turner.
Live To Be This also boasts an all-star cast of special guests:
Blues harp icon Charlie Musselwhite
Grammy-winning producer and bassist Don Was
Guitarist Coco Montoya
Grammy-winning saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter
Keyboardist John “Papa” Gros
Tenor sax legend Ron Holloway
And more
Following the lead single is “Salty,” due out June 6, 2025, featuring none other than three-time Grammy winner Bobby Rush.
A powerful celebration of The Boneshakers’ enduring legacy and fearless future, Live To Be This blends Detroit soul with the spirit of Memphis and Muscle Shoals — a sound that has captivated fans for decades.
The groove is back. The grit is real. The Boneshakers are alive and kicking.