MJ Lenderman debuted two unreleased songs and covers at HeAthens Homecoming, delivering a fresh, energetic set with a new lineup and diverse influences.
- February 14, 2026
AceShowbiz - MJ Lenderman showcased fresh material during his recent appearance at the HeAthens Homecoming festival in Athens, Georgia. The event, hosted by Drive-By Truckers, featured a unique set where he unveiled two unreleased songs alongside a selection of covers.
Taking the stage on Wednesday, February 11, MJ Lenderman departed from his usual live band, the Wind. Instead, he was accompanied by Snocaps bassist Brad Cook and Twin Peaks drummer Colin Croom. This new lineup brought a distinct energy to the performance, which included a total of eleven songs.
Among the covers performed were heartfelt renditions of Vic Chesnutt’s Gravity Of The Situation, Neil Young’s Separate Ways, and Warren Zevon’s Hasten Down The Wind. The set also featured Pink Floyd’s classic Wish You Were Here, highlighting MJ Lenderman’s wide-ranging influences.
A surprise moment came when Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood joined the stage to perform his solo track Uncle Disney and the band's song Bob alongside MJ Lenderman, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans in attendance.
The full setlist from MJ Lenderman’s HeAthens Homecoming performance included:
- Gravity of the Situation (Vic Chesnutt cover)
- Separate Ways (Neil Young cover)
- Hasten Down the Wind (Warren Zevon cover)
- Unreleased song
- Uncle Disney (with Patterson Hood)
- Bob (Drive-By Truckers cover with Patterson Hood)
- Catholic Priest
- Pick Up The Pieces
- Unreleased song
- Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover)
- Knockin'
Fans are eagerly speculating that the two new songs could be part of an upcoming album, potentially following 2024’s critically acclaimed Manning Fireworks. That album earned a spot on NME’s list of the 50 best albums of 2024 and featured the track She’s Leaving You, which was also recognized among NME’s top songs of the year.
MJ Lenderman received a four-star review from NME for Manning Fireworks, with praise describing him as “Americana’s golden boy” and highlighting the album’s empathetic storytelling for its cast of “freaks and losers.”
Since releasing Manning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman has remained active, collaborating with Nate Amos from This Is Lorelei on the song Dancing In The Club, contributing to the new Snocaps album, and supporting relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Looking ahead, MJ Lenderman recently announced a North American co-headline tour with Waxahatchee, set to begin in April. Fans interested in attending can still find remaining tickets for the tour.
