The Dead Daisies‘ new single, ‘Lift Me Up’ is more than just a rollicking good tune – it’s also a reunion for guitarist Doug Aldrich and vocalist Kelly Hansen, who last played together thirty-five years ago, in the band, Hurricane.
‘Lift Me Up’ serves a secondary purpose as well as a reunion – it’s a launch of Hansen as frontman, and is the first look at their upcoming new album.
The Dead Daisies have been relatively quiet this year, but that’s not to say they’ve not been busy. They’ve reshaped their line-up, and also made a six-song film titled ‘The Purple Daisies Mini Concert’, fronted by Glenn Hughes and recorded at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. You can watch this exclusively on The Dead Daisies’ YouTube channel. Their new line-up sees Kelly Hansen join after 20 years with Foreigner, alongside Aldrich on lead guitar, David Lowy on rhythm guitar, and Tommy Clufetos on drums. Meanwhile, Jimi Crutchley takes over bass duties from Michael Devin.
Speaking about the move from Foreigner to The Dead Daisies, Kelly Hansen said,
“This project allows me to stretch out with some new melodies, a new vibe and fresh energy”.
Hansen’s history with Doug Aldrich gives them a familiar starting point, and the pair are able to work on their past chemistry, but one thing is clear, the focus is on the songs that they’re making right now.
Opening with what Aldrich describes as a simple guitar riff and heavy groove, ‘Lift Me Up’ is a melodic hard-rock track, with lyrics that tell a much more intimate story than what is first suggested by the title. The track tells the tale of two people who’ve shared a brief connection, and while they know they must soon say goodbye, there’s no doubting there’s been something between them, and as they part ways the song’s understated emotional tension is raised somewhat, before coming down, gently.
Speaking of ‘Lift Me Up’, Aldrich says,
“It’s very melodic, and the lyric reflects positively and a vibe to lift us up in these crazy times”.
Using live footage, the music video for ‘Lift Me Up’ leans into the energy and swagger that have long been characteristic of The Dead Daisies, drawing the focus onto Hansen and serving as an introduction to him on the microphone, and continuing to emphasise their hard-rock identity.
For the rest of 2026 The Dead Daisies plan to finish their new album, before setting out on a world tour in 2027. European and UK dates begin March 4 in Bochum, Germany, with The Quireboys and The Gems as special guests.
The US leg starts April 30 in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with BulletBoys and The Fell featuring Billy Sheehan. The new material and scheduled shows give Aldrich and Hansen their first opportunity in decades to build a future onstage together.
Check out the music video for ‘Lift Me Up’ below, and find out more about The Dead Daisies and their music online on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
