When The Gaslight Anthem announced in 2015 that they were taking an indefinite hiatus, many fans wondered if they would ever see the brilliant rock band live again. Fortunately, such worries were completely unjustified, because already in 2018, singer and guitarist Brian Fallon, guitarist Alex Rosamilia, bassist Alex Levine and drummer Benny Horowitz are back on stage together, playing concerts in Germany and elsewhere. Formed in 2007, The Gaslight Anthem are an integral part of the US punk and alternative rock scene with albums such as "The '59 Sound", "Handwritten" and "Get Hurt".
After the debut album "Sink or Swim" and the "Señor and the Queen" EP met with positive responses from music critics but did not yet make any major commercial waves, "The '59 Sound" marked the breakthrough for The Gaslight Anthem in 2008. With "American Slang", the boys also managed to make it into the Top 10 in Germany in 2010. When the fourth album "Handwritten" was released in 2012, the Americans were able to top their previous successes once again. The hit single "45" probably played no small part in this. Handwritten" was followed by "The B-Sides", a compilation, before The Gaslight Anthem made a few excursions into new musical realms from pop to Seventies rock with their fifth studio album "Get Hurt" in 2014. Those Bruce Springsteen influences that - just like various punk, folk and rock elements - have shaped the band's sound from the very beginning are also present on "Get Hurt".
The Gaslight Anthem - they're still around!
And then, although the fifth album also achieved high chart positions everywhere, that should be it with The Gaslight Anthem for the time being. It is understandable that the fans are disappointed and hope to be served song pearls like "45", "Here Comes My Man" or "Great Expectations" again sometime in the future. At least there's a consolation in return. In 2016, TGA frontman Brian Fallon released his solo debut "Painkillers". A path he continues with "Sleepwalkers" (2018) and "Local Honey" (2020). When The Gaslight Anthem actually reunite in 2018 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of "The '59 Sound" with some live shows, the joy is accordingly great. Even if there is no new material to be heard at this point - but the retrospective "The '59 Sound Sessions".
Music fans who appreciate the handmade rock music on "Sink or Swim" "The '59 Sound", "American Slang", "Handwritten" and "Get Hurt" will be glad as punch that The Gaslight Anthem still exist. Because as long as that is the case - and hopefully it will be for many years to come - there is always the chance to see the troupe live again. And if this opportunity presents itself, you should definitely not miss it.
