This week, Ben Nichols, the lead singer of Lucero, and keyboardist Rick Steff of the Memphis-based rock band unveiled a reimagined version of their iconic track “In Lonesome Times.”
Lucero is an American alternative country-punk rock band based in Memphis, Tennessee. The band’s sound has been described as a mix of soul, rock, and country distinct to the city.
Listen to “In Lonesome Times,” performed by Ben Nichols and Rick Steff, on Spotify
The single released this week will be part of their upcoming project, Lucero Unplugged, slated for release on January 24. This album promises a fresh take on several of the band’s classic songs, showcasing the duo’s unique live acoustic performances.
Originally featured on Lucero’s debut album, The Attic Tapes, “In Lonesome Times” receives a new interpretation through keyboardist Rick Steff’s intimate piano arrangement.
Watch Ben Nichols & Rick Steff perform “In Lonesome Times” live and unplugged
“In Lonesome Times’ was one of the earliest songs I wrote for Lucero,” Ben Nichols says. “It’s featured on the collection of 8-track cassette demos we released called The Attic Tapes. This song was written ten years before Rick Steff joined Lucero, but the piano part he eventually wrote takes the piece to a new level. The song is a rarity in Lucero live sets, but the emotion Rick brings to this recording makes it one of the standout tracks on Lucero Unplugged.”
Rick adds, “It’s a beautiful sad lament, and one of my favorite tracks from the record. This song hasn’t been played in many years and I think a lot of folks are gonna love it like I do.”
Lucero Unplugged is a special double album that revisits songs from the band’s extensive 25-year catalog, stemming from the intimate acoustic performances Nichols and Steff have shared.
Recorded in a single day at Matt Ross-Spang’s studio in Memphis, the collection includes a mix of well-known favorites and rare gems, all captured live with grand piano and acoustic guitar.
Watch “In in Lonesome Times” by Lucero
Earlier this month, Nichols and Steff shared the release of “Much Further West,” the first single from Lucero Unplugged. The track was originally released as the title track of Lucero’s 2003 album
Listen to “Much Futher West” performed by Ben Nichols and Rick Steff on Spotify
Watch Ben Nichols & Rick Steff perform “That Much Further West” unplugged
Lucero started in the late 90s. Since then, they have been called “one of the hardest working bands of the last 10 years—on tour significantly more days than they are not.”
The group recorded The Attic Tapes in 2000 in guitarist Brian Venable’s dad’s attic. They recorded it straight to an 8-track cassette and self-released it.
This album was later reissued in 2006 by Liberty & Lament. It includes the cover of the Jawbreaker song “Kiss The Bottle.”
In conjunction with the album announcement, Lucero also revealed plans for a spring 2025 tour featuring special guests The Menzingers. The tour will see the band traveling across the country, stopping in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Nashville, Brooklyn, and Detroit.
Before heading out on tour, Lucero will host their annual hometown concert, the Lucero Family Christmas, at Minglewood Hall this week. They will then perform three performances in Chicago for New Year’s Eve.
Fans can find the complete list of tour dates on their website at luceromusic.com/tour.
