Blues Legend Tommy Castro Announces Bold New Album and Electrifying Tour
Photo by: Dragan Tasic
Award-winning blues and rock sensation Tommy Castro is ready to take fans on an unforgettable musical journey with his upcoming album, Closer To The Bone, and an extensive U.S. tour. Known for his fiery guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a band as tight as they come, Castro and his group, The Painkillers, are bringing their signature energy and passion to the stage starting early 2025.
The album, Closer To The Bone, set for release on February 7, 2025, is being hailed as Castro’s most unvarnished and heartfelt project to date. This is Castro’s eighth release with the legendary Alligator Records and his 17th album in a career that spans over four decades. “This is a record I’ve always wanted to make,” Castro says. “It’s real blues—the way they used to make them back in the day.”
A Celebration of Blues Heritage
For Closer To The Bone, Castro returns to his roots, delivering an album steeped in the raw power and emotional depth that define authentic blues. Recorded at the renowned Greaseland Studio in San Jose, California, and produced by acclaimed guitarist and producer Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, the album is a masterclass in blues craftsmanship.
The record features a mix of Castro’s originals—such as Ain’t Worth The Heartache, Can’t Catch A Break, and Crazy Woman Blues—alongside carefully chosen covers from blues greats and unsung heroes. The tracklist includes tributes to legends like Wynonie Harris, Eddie Taylor, and Jimmy Nolen, as well as friends and mentors such as Johnny Nitro, Magic Slim, Ron Thompson, and Mike Duke.
“These are not the obvious artists people usually cover,” Castro explains. “I wanted to shine a light on the deeper, lesser-known parts of the blues world. It’s personal, it’s raw, and it’s honest.”
The Tour: A Must-See Experience
To celebrate the release of Closer To The Bone, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers will embark on an extensive tour beginning in January 2025. The band—featuring longtime members Randy McDonald on bass, Mike Emerson on keyboards, and new drummer Stewart Burr—will bring their powerhouse live show to stages across the country.
The first leg of the tour kicks off with a series of West Coast dates in January, before the band heads south and then east in February. Highlights include a stop at Antone’s in Austin, Texas, where Castro will be joined by special guest Marcia Ball, and a performance at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. Additional dates will take the band through the Midwest, with stops in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and more.
Known for their electrifying live performances, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers promise to deliver a tour filled with passion, energy, and a whole lot of soul.
Tour Dates
January 2025
Jan 10: The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jan 11: Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA
Jan 12: The Venice West, Venice, CA
Jan 14: Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff, AZ
Jan 15: MIM Music Theater, Phoenix, AZ
Jan 16: Palm Springs Cultural Center (with special guest Deanna Bogart), Palm Springs, CA
Jan 17: Stage Red, Fontana, CA
Jan 18: The Siren, Morro Bay, CA
Jan 19: Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz, CA
Jan 25: The Funky Biscuit, Boca Raton, FL
Jan 26: Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise (01/26/25–02/02/25), Fort Lauderdale, FL
February 2025
Feb 7: Closer To The Bone album release
Feb 11: Antone’s (with special guest Marcia Ball), Austin, TX
Feb 12: The Kessler Theater (with special guest Marcia Ball), Dallas, TX
Feb 13: Sam’s Burger Joint (with special guest Marcia Ball), San Antonio, TX
Feb 14: The Heights Theater (with special guest Marcia Ball), Houston, TX
Feb 15: Chickie Wah Wah, New Orleans, LA
Feb 18: The Tin Pan, Richmond, VA
Feb 19: World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA
Feb 20: The Iridium, New York, NY
Feb 21: Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, Portsmouth, NH
Feb 22: Shea Theater Arts Center, Turners Falls, MA
Feb 23: The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook, CT
Feb 25: Funk ‘n Waffles, Syracuse, NY
Feb 26: The State Theatre, State College, PA
Feb 27: Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center, Bethlehem, PA
Feb 28: Moondog’s, Blawnox, PA
March 2025
Mar 1: Stuart’s Opera House, Nelsonville, OH
Mar 2: The Southgate House Revival, Newport, KY
Mar 4: The Castle Theatre, Bloomington, IL
Mar 5: SPACE, Evanston, IL
A Legacy of Blues Excellence
Tommy Castro’s storied career has been built on a foundation of passion, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to the blues. With Closer To The Bone and the accompanying tour, Castro is embracing his roots more fully than ever before. “Here, I’m not the contemporary guy, not the rock guy, not the soul guy,” he says. “This is the deeper blues side of me. I know, with these songs, I am at my most authentic.”
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Tommy Castro & The Painkillers as they hit the road with their unmissable blend of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Links:
Official: https://www.tommycastro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TommyCastroBand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommycastroband
Check out some great live photos here!
