‘Head High and F* 'Em All’: What Is Sturgill Simpson Teasing for Johnny Blue Skies?

Johnny Blue Skies Is Back: What We Know So Far

Just as we've finally got our heads around the new moniker for Kentucky's modern country icon Sturgill Simpson, the artist is seemingly teasing the next chapter of the project, the follow-up to 2024's wonderful Passage Du Desir.

Posting a illustrative, black & white image of a zippo lighter on a wooden background without context or statement across the Johnny Blue Skies social media accounts, Simpson has got everyone's ears pricked up, all in anticipation of what's to come next.

Inscribed on the lighter in the image, in fancy, gothic-style handwriting, are the words, "Head High and Fuck 'Em All". It's a turn of phrase not unsurprising to Simpson's fans, typical of his attitude to life, one that will only rile up his fans more with excitement.

What Could Be Next for Sturgill Simpson?

What do we reckon it's all about? It's hard to say at this stage. Our sources suggest there's always discussion of new Sturgill projects in the works, and while he won't be tied down to any set routine of release, Simpson is never away for too long before gifting us with a gem of a record in some form.

While this may seem like a simple message to share, a lack of statement suggests this is teasing something more substantial than a tour, festival announcement or reissue of Simpson's glorious work of the past. If we had to put our money to it, revolver to our heads, we're heading towards the second album in two years from Mr. Blue Skies and Co.

Back in September, the JBS social media accounts shared another image, this time an illustration of the project's familiar skeleton characters, except this time they were on horseback and written above them were the words "Hold Yer Horses".

It's been three months since Johnny Blue Skies closed out their year-long jaunt around the world in support of the latest record.

Simpson's first live shows in three years, the 'Why Not?' and 'Who The F*** Is Sturgill Simpson' tours became infamous three-hour long performances, with no supports and rapturous jams of modern classics from his repertoire and a variety of covers, including a blazing rendition of 'Purple Rain'.

They were shows to cherish and remember, particularly the 41-track marathon we witnessed at Red Rocks back in September.

Whatever is set to come next, we're ready for it with hands open wide. There's no doubt in anyone's mind that whatever comes next will fit like a hand in glove with Sturgill's singular mix of traditional country, rock n' roll and improvisation.

Stay Tuned: Johnny Blue Skies Updates: