Alabama Shakes @ Lucca Summer Festival 2026

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On 7 July 2026 at 21:00 (9:00 PM), the acclaimed American rock band Alabama Shakes will take center stage at the Lucca Summer Festival in Piazza Napoleone, in the heart of historic Lucca, Italy.

This performance marks one of the standout moments of the festival’s 2026 edition, bringing the band’s electrifying blend of blues-rock, soul, and roots rock to Tuscan audiences under the summer sky.

Fans can expect a powerful concert filled with critically acclaimed songs, emblematic vocals, and a soulful stage presence that’s made Alabama Shakes a beloved act worldwide.

Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes is an American rock band originally formed in Athens, Alabama, in 2009.

The core members – lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, and drummer Steve Johnson – quickly gained attention for their passionate live performances and their unique fusion of rock, blues, soul, and roots music.

The band began playing together in their hometown before signing with ATO Records and releasing their first extended plays and early material online.

Their breakthrough came with their debut album, which blended raw emotion with musical sophistication to capture the attention of both critics and a growing fanbase.

Alabama Shakes has released two major studio albums that defined their sound and influence in the 2010s:

• Boys & Girls (2012) – This debut studio album introduced Alabama Shakes to the world. Released in April 2012, the record peaked at #6 on the US Billboard 200 and #3 in the UK Albums Chart, selling hundreds of thousands of copies and earning platinum certification in the United States. It featured the breakout single Hold On and showcased the band’s soulful, gritty roots rocking style.
• Sound & Color (2015) – Their second album marked a significant artistic leap, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200, becoming the band’s first chart-topping release. Sound & Color was a critical and commercial success, blending vintage influences with modern creativity, and cementing their status as a genre-defying force in rock music.

In addition to these two albums, the band has released other recordings, including deluxe editions and live performances, but it is these studio albums that remain foundational to their legacy and setlist staples for fans around the world.

Alabama Shakes’ work has earned them multiple prestigious awards and nominations, particularly from the Grammy Awards.

They have been nominated for Grammy categories such as Best New Artist and Best Rock Performance early in their career, but the band’s success at the 2016 Grammy Awards was especially notable.

There, Sound & Color received multiple wins, including Best Alternative Music Album, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance for the track Don’t Wanna Fight.

Besides Grammy recognition, the band has also won other accolades such as the Americana Music Honors & Award for Emerging Artist of the Year and several awards from independent music organizations, reflecting both their artistic merit and wide appeal.

Although the band went on hiatus after 2018 – during which frontwoman Brittany Howard pursued a critically acclaimed solo career – Alabama Shakes has since reunited and returned to music.

In 2025, they released their first new original single in a decade, Another Life, marking their revived creative momentum and first major tour in years.

Lucca Summer Festival 2026

The Lucca Summer Festival is an annual music event hosted in Lucca, Tuscany, known for its stunning historic backdrop and world-class concert programming.

Since its foundation in 1998, the festival has drawn international audiences with performances by legends and contemporary stars alike, transforming Piazza Napoleone into a vibrant open-air stage surrounded by medieval architecture.

Over the years, the Lucca Summer Festival has welcomed a wide range of performers – from rock icons and jazz pioneers to pop sensations – creating a dynamic cultural experience that marries live music with the rich heritage of the city.

The 2026 edition of the festival features a diverse lineup of internationally renowned artists, spanning several genres and performance styles.

In addition to Alabama Shakes, who headline on 7 July, the festival’s schedule includes luminaries such as David Byrne (25 June), Jamiroquai (4 July), Katy Perry (19 July), and Marcus Miller with his tribute show We Want Miles! on 21 July.

Venue – Piazza Napoleone

Piazza Napoleone, also known as Piazza Grande, is the central square of Lucca, Italy, and has served for decades as the primary gathering place for Lucca Summer Festival concerts.

This grand, open public space – framed by elegant architecture and historic palaces – provides a gorgeous setting for live music events, inviting tens of thousands of concert-goers into its broad, welcoming expanse.

Located within Lucca’s ancient city walls, Piazza Napoleone is not only a cultural landmark but also a social hub, with nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops surrounding the square.

Its historic significance dates back to the early 19th century when it was redesigned under Napoleonic influence, giving it a unique cultural resonance that complements the contemporary music performances held there each summer.

Lucca railway station sits just outside the city walls, in Piazza Ricasoli – a short and pleasant distance from the city center.

From the station, Piazza Napoleone is typically about a 10-minute walk, following charming, pedestrian-friendly streets that take visitors through the heart of Lucca’s historic urban landscape.
 
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