Walker Hayes Celebrates Eight Years Of Sobriety With New Project And Tour

On Friday, April 5, Walker Hayes unveiled not one, not two, but three exciting announcements that include a new music drop, a new headline tour, and a new partnership, all of which celebrate the country star being eight years sober.

With his latest project, Sober Thoughts, the GRAMMY nominee once again brings some of his most personal struggles to the surface in a deeply authentic and honest way. He shares his fears and insecurities while putting some of his greatest challenges with alcohol addiction on display throughout the five tracks.

Two New Songs

Hayes kicks off the project with two new songs titled “Same Drunk” and “Beat The Bottle.”  Penned by Walker Hayes, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Ben Hayslip, “Same Drunk” is a catchy tune that highlights the reality that everyone has their own vices to deal with in their everyday lives. Even though the addictions or battles may be different for each person, Hayes argues that that is reason enough for everyone to stick together and help each other overcome their demons. 

Meanwhile, “Beat The Bottle” offers a more serious, slow-tempo depiction of a night when an attempt to drink to forget a particular person resulted in another hungover wake-up call. 

Previously Released Tracks

The remainder of the collection features previously released tracks like “Beer in the Fridge,” a painful depiction of a specific time in Hayes’ journey when he and his wife, Laney were battling his addiction together, and “AA,” which finds the Mobile, Alabama native illustrating the difficulties he’s faced with trying to stay sober amid his booming music career. To cap it off, listeners revisit a more lighthearted delivery with the smooth country anthem. “Drinkin’ Songs.”

Hayes can proudly say he has come a long way since that difficult chapter of his life, and now he’s using his experiences to help others in the same situation feel less alone on their journey. 

“I’ve been sober for 8 years,” shares Hayes. “During that time, I’ve gone through countless ups and downs, and I’m always proud to share songs that celebrate the highs, and make people feel less alone in the lows. We’re all in this together, and that’s what this project, and this tour, are all about.” 

Sober Thoughts Track Listing:

1. Same Drunk

Writers: Walker Hayes, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Ben Hayslip

2. Beat The Bottle

Writers: Walker Hayes, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler

3. Beer In The Fridge

Writers: Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally, Matt Jenkins, Scot Sherrod 

4. AA

Writers: Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally, Luke Laird

5. Drinkin’ Songs

Writers: Walker Hayes, Jordan Gray

The Same Drunk Tour

In honor of the new project release, Hayes has announced that he is gearing up to embark on his next headlining tour – the Same Drunk Tour. This 29-city trek will bring the viral country star from coast to coast throughout the summer, beginning with his first show in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 30. 

“Same Drunk tour coming atcha! So jacked about this tour I can’t stand it😤😤 Really been missing y’all and the rush of hearing a packed house singing AA 💪😂 Preciate y’all so much and look forward to hanging 🦆🦌,” Hayes wrote on Instagram.

The general on sale opens on April 12. Additional information about the Same Drunk Tour can be found HERE.

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Hayes Once Again Partners With Athletic Brewing Company

In addition, Walker Hayes revealed that he has partnered with America’s largest and most decorated non-alcoholic brewery, Athletic Brewing Company. Together, they have created a new classic American Pale called “Fancy Like.”

Hayes has a long history with the award-winning NA brewery, as the company previously aided in his mission to keep sobriety fun throughout his 2023 Duck Buck Tour.