For anyone wondering how the songs from Sturgill Simpson’s new album will translate live, that question was answered on Monday night when the alternative country star took the stage at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Simpson tore through a performance of “Brace For Impact (Live a Little),” the first single off of his third album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, which dropped on Friday.
Simpson– flanked by driving guitars, a tight rhythm section and three horns– rocked through the blues-rock track. Simpson and his band showcased their instruments for the final two minutes of the performance, building high intensity with raucous horns and guitar solos until the song’s final note.
Earlier in the night, Simpson joined Colbert onstage for a more acoustic number. The two dueted on “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Knuckleheads,” a hilarious song about what not to do at Waffle House. According to Colbert, the satirical country song was written for the sole purpose of being played on jukeboxes at the iconic southern restaurant chain.
Watch the performances of both songs below.