The Dead Daisies launch new era with Kelly Hansen fronting new single Lift Me Up

The Dead Daisies have released “Lift Me Up,” the first single to feature Kelly Hansen as frontman after reshaping the band’s lineup in 2026. The band plans to finish a new album later this year and take the material on a global tour in 2027.

Why it matters: - The Dead Daisies are introducing a new frontman and a refreshed lineup at the start of a new album cycle. - Kelly Hansen’s arrival gives the hard-rock band a high-profile voice after 20 years with Foreigner. - The single and upcoming tour give Doug Aldrich and Hansen a chance to reunite musically decades after Hurricane.

What happened: - The Dead Daisies released “Lift Me Up,” a new hard-rock single that serves as the first look at an album in progress. - Kelly Hansen joins the band as lead singer. - Doug Aldrich, David Lowy and Tommy Clufetos remain in the lineup, while Jimi Crutchley takes over bass from Michael Devin. - The band’s 2026 activity included The Purple Daisies with Glenn Hughes before the lineup reset.

The details: - Aldrich and Hansen last played together 35 years ago in Hurricane. - Hansen said the project lets him “stretch out with some new melodies, a new vibe and fresh energy.” - Aldrich said the song started with a simple guitar riff and heavy groove. - The lyrics focus on a brief encounter, with details including a spinning room, shaking hands, a late checkout and a taxi outside. - The chorus asks to be lifted up briefly and then brought down gently. - Aldrich said the song is “very melodic” and reflects a positive vibe “to lift us up in these crazy times.” - The music video uses live performance footage rather than a scripted storyline. - The video introduces Hansen at the microphone and leans into the band’s live energy and swagger. - The band cited songs such as “Long Way to Go” and “Mexico” as part of its hard-rock identity.

Between the lines: - The single points to a band using a lineup change to reset its sound without abandoning its core style. - Hansen’s history with Aldrich gives the new era a built-in backstory, but the release frames the collaboration as forward-looking. - The choice of a performance video suggests the band wants the new lineup judged on live chemistry, not just studio polish.

What’s next: - The Dead Daisies plan to finish the new album during the rest of 2026. - European and UK tour dates start March 4 in Bochum, Germany, with The Quireboys and The Gems as special guests. - The U.S. leg begins April 30 in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with BulletBoys and The Fell featuring Billy Sheehan. - The tour will give Aldrich and Hansen their first extended run together onstage in decades.

The bottom line: - “Lift Me Up” marks a clean relaunch for The Dead Daisies, with a new singer, new material and a 2027 tour already set up.