Brian Fallon & The Painkillers

Brian Fallon & The Painkillers to Tour in November with a New Album

Some musicians age gracefully by toning things down. They retreat to acoustic music, slow the tempo, and reflect on their own work with the wisdom that comes with age. And then there’s Brian Fallon. The frontman of punk rock institution The Gaslight Anthem does exactly the opposite on his fifth solo album, “Not Bad for New Jersey”: He cranks up the amps. Fallon celebrates a return to the impetuous romanticism of the rock songs that shaped him as a teenager. 

It’s a tribute to recklessness and to characters who take too many risks and love unconditionally. Musically, this translates into a fast-paced blend of power pop and heartland rock. Produced by Butch Walker and recorded mostly live near Nashville, the album rejects any cynical detachment. Instead, raw, pure energy reigns supreme, supported by top-tier guests such as Brandon Flowers (The Killers) and Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. 

This uncompromising passion unleashes its true power where Fallon’s music has always been at home: on stage. For the New Jersey-based songwriter, live concerts aren’t merely a chore—they’re the very heart of his artistry. When Fallon steps in front of the audience with his raspy voice, the energy of the live recordings is transmitted directly into the venue. His tours thrive on this collective moment of breaking free, when the boundary between the band and the audience disappears. It’s about the shared experience of songs that tell of failure and rising again—anthems for the outsiders who keep going despite all setbacks. On stage, this shared melancholy transforms into a celebratory euphoria. 

The album perfectly captures this live energy. The powerful title track looks back on its own survival with almost disbelief, while “Love at the End of the World,” co-written with Brandon Flowers, does without a chorus entirely and builds a hypnotic sense of urgency. Even a fast-paced punk song about Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone fits seamlessly into the image of an artist who would rather fail at full throttle than play it safe. In his lyrics, Fallon deliberately seeks out the stories of those who don’t triumph in the end but who gave it their all with burning passion. 

Anyone who wants to experience this untamed devotion for themselves won’t have to wait much longer. In the fall of 2026, Brian Fallon is coming to Germany for four exclusive concerts, including a show at the FABRIK on November 6, 2026.

Special Guest: Chris Farren