Three-time Grammy Award winner Billy Strings returns this summer with his highly anticipated new studio album, So Much for Goodbyes, arriving on 28 August 2026. Produced alongside legendary producer T Bone Burnett, the album marks one of the most personal releases of Strings' career, while a major North American headline tour will see the bluegrass star perform across arenas and festivals throughout the second half of the year.

With 16 brand-new tracks, multiple vinyl editions and an emotional story behind its creation, So Much for Goodbyes looks set to become one of the standout Americana and bluegrass releases of 2026.

Snapshot

Billy Strings' new album So Much for Goodbyes is released on 28 August 2026. Produced by Billy Strings and T Bone Burnett, the 16-track record explores themes of grief, healing and reflection. To support the release, Billy Strings is embarking on a major North American tour throughout 2026.

Key Facts

Feature	Details
Album	So Much for Goodbyes
Artist	Billy Strings
Release Date	28 August 2026
Label	Reprise Records
Producer	Billy Strings & T Bone Burnett
Format	Vinyl, CD & Digital
Vinyl Variants	Black, Wood Grain & Sun Core
Tracks	16
Tour	North American headline tour throughout 2026
Available at	Chalkys

Who is Billy Strings?

Billy Strings is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who has become one of the biggest names in modern bluegrass and Americana music. Born William Apostol in Michigan, he is known for combining traditional bluegrass picking with influences from rock, folk, country and jam-band culture, creating a sound that appeals to both longtime bluegrass fans and younger audiences.

Since releasing his debut album in 2017, Billy Strings has won three Grammy Awards, including multiple wins for Best Bluegrass Album, and has sold out arenas across the United States. Albums such as Home, Renewal and Highway Prayershave established him as one of the most influential roots musicians of his generation.

His new album, So Much for Goodbyes, continues that rise with a deeply personal collection of songs exploring grief, reflection and healing.

 

Billy Strings' Most Personal Album Yet

Since bursting onto the bluegrass scene, Billy Strings has become one of the genre's biggest modern stars, blending traditional musicianship with contemporary songwriting and arena-sized performances.

So Much for Goodbyes sees the Grammy-winning artist deliver his most reflective and emotionally powerful work to date.

Produced with acclaimed producer T Bone Burnett, the album was written during a deeply personal period following the loss of Strings' mother, Debra Apostol. Her influence is woven throughout the project, with the album artwork featuring original paintings created by her and the closing track, Debra's Waltz, serving as a heartfelt tribute.

Speaking about the record, Billy Strings describes the album as a way of processing grief through songwriting and the guitar that has remained his constant companion throughout his life.

A New Chapter for One of Bluegrass's Biggest Stars

While Billy Strings has built his reputation on breathtaking live performances and virtuosic guitar playing, So Much for Goodbyes showcases a more intimate and mature side of his songwriting.

Across sixteen new songs, the album balances acoustic bluegrass traditions with Americana, folk and roots influences, demonstrating why Strings has become one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation.

Highlights include:

• Burn the Other End
• Carry Us Home
• Live to Tell
• Remember to Cry
• Debra's Waltz

The record is expected to appeal both to longtime bluegrass fans and listeners discovering Billy Strings for the first time.

Premium Vinyl Editions for Collectors

Collectors will have several editions to choose from when So Much for Goodbyes arrives.

The album will be available on:

• Standard black vinyl
• Limited wood grain vinyl
• Sun Core coloured vinyl
• CD

All vinyl editions have been manufactured entirely in the United States, with pressing completed by Paramount Pressing & Plating in Denver and mastering for vinyl handled by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl in Memphis.

Billy Strings Heads Back on Tour

To celebrate the new album, Billy Strings will embark on an extensive North American headline tour stretching throughout the remainder of 2026.

The tour includes multiple sold-out arena dates alongside major performances in:

• Boston
• Portland
• Denver
• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• Oakland
• Seattle area
• Baltimore
• New Orleans
• Texas

The album's release day also coincides with the inaugural Ionia Freak Fair, a two-day festival curated by Billy Strings featuring performances from Sierra Hull, Greensky Bluegrass and other special guests.

Demand for tickets has once again been exceptional, with many dates already selling out months in advance.

Continuing an Extraordinary Career

Few artists have transformed modern bluegrass quite like Billy Strings.

Already a three-time Grammy Award winner, he has earned widespread acclaim for combining exceptional musicianship with a fearless approach to songwriting, attracting audiences far beyond traditional bluegrass circles.

His previous album, Highway Prayers, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart, becoming the first bluegrass album in more than two decades to achieve the feat, while collaborations with artists including Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves and Primus have cemented his reputation as one of America's most versatile contemporary musicians.

With So Much for Goodbyes, Billy Strings continues that remarkable journey, delivering an album that promises to be both emotionally resonant and musically ambitious.

Track Listing

1. I'm One of Those
2. Burn the Other End
3. Carry Us Home
4. Lay Me Down
5. Lucid Daydream
6. Mill Town Flood
7. Live to Tell
8. Bluewater Breakdown
9. Light the Wall
10. I Like Train Songs
11. 10,000 Miles From a Friend
12. Still I Crash
13. I Wish I Wanted To
14. Remember to Cry
15. Wrestling an Angel
16. Debra's Waltz

Buy So Much for Goodbyes at Chalkys

Pre-order Billy Strings' So Much for Goodbyes from Chalkys today. Whether you're collecting the latest vinyl editions or adding the CD to your Americana and bluegrass collection, Chalkys offers competitive prices, fast delivery and a huge selection of music across every genre.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Billy Strings' So Much for Goodbyes released?

The album is released on 28 August 2026.

How many songs are on So Much for Goodbyes?

The album features 16 tracks, including Burn the Other End, Carry Us Home and Debra's Waltz.

Who produced So Much for Goodbyes?

The album was produced by Billy Strings and legendary producer T Bone Burnett.

Will So Much for Goodbyes be available on vinyl?

Yes. The album is available on black vinyl, wood grain vinyl and Sun Core coloured vinyl, alongside CD and digital formats.

Is Billy Strings touring in 2026?

Yes. Billy Strings is undertaking an extensive North American headline tour throughout 2026, including numerous arena dates and festival appearances.

Can I pre-order So Much for Goodbyes from Chalkys?

Yes. The new Billy Strings album is available to pre-order from Chalkys in a range of formats.