Cage The Elephant is developing a reputation for their live shows, and that’s doubly true in Iowa. The band has played in the Des Moines metro area twice in the last two years, with the show at the former Wells Fargo Arena (now Casey’s Center) being particularly memorable. Lead singer Brad Shultz broke his foot during that tour and played many of the shows with a knee scooter. If you think that stopped him from giving it his all on stage, head over to YouTube and look up some concert footage!
These shows happened during an eventful few years for the band. In 2023, Shultz was arrested for possession of two loaded guns, to which he pleaded guilty. He later went public about his struggles with psychosis and subsequent treatment. In 2025, Shultz became a father to a boy, and Cage The Elephant opened for Oasis on their reunion tour.
Earlier this year, the band started playing a new song in concert, called “Beaches In Tennessee.” It’s set to be released on Friday, making it their first new music since the 2024 album Neon Pill. And having heard the whole song, it’s easy to draw a connection to Shultz’s personal struggles. From the first verse, the lyrics paint a picture of someone being treated for their mental health: “They won't let us keep the laces in our shoes / They say it's voluntary, but they won't let us choose / Looking through the glass, all that I can see / Reflection of the man who threw away the key.”
Of course, this is Cage The Elephant, so it’s still an upbeat rocker: equal parts classic alternative, '60s garage and newer indie rock. And because we’re public radio, we looked into it, and it indeed looks like Tennessee does have some lovely beaches. Shultz was born and raised in Kentucky (along with his brother Brad, the band’s rhythm guitarist), so it’s possible the beaches in Tennessee hold some special memories for them.
“Beaches In Tennessee” will be released Friday, and you’ll be hearing it soon on Studio One. There’s been no word on a full new album from Cage The Elephant yet, but you bet we’ve got our fingers crossed for that, and maybe a return trip to our state.
