Sturgill Simpson Sets The Record Straight On Dan Auerbach Collaboration

Sturgill Simpson is putting the brakes on rumors of a high-profile collaboration with Dan Auerbach.

Despite reports from The Tennessean that the two icons were working on a joint project under Simpson’s Johnny Blue Skies moniker, the singer-songwriter clarified this week that no such sessions have taken place. However, his choice of words has left a small window of hope open for fans of the two Grammy winners, suggesting that while the timing isn’t right now, the door isn’t exactly slammed shut.

Johnny Blue Skies, formally known as Sturgill Simpson, has kept fans buzzing ever since he created a new Instagram page in September of last year. And since the release of the JBS debut, Passage du Desir, fans have been craving new music from the Kentucky native.

However, it appears that it might be coming sooner rather than later. Just a couple of months back, the “Scooter Blues” singer revealed to the Red Rocks crowd that they’ve already got a new record put together:

“We just wrapped up a nice little … a new record, in the can. And for all the record labels out there acting like record labels that want to f*** around… f*** around. Find out. I just want to make America f*** again. That’s all.”

@whiskeyriff Come on with it. // : bknorskn (IG) #whiskeyriff #sturgillsimpson #johnnyblueskies #redrocks ♬ original sound – Whiskey Riff

And whether or not this is related to an upcoming album announcement, thanks to the aforementioned conversation with The Tennessean, fans were told JBS was allegedly collaborating with The Black Keys band member and talented producer in his own right, Dan Auerbach. He’s been nominated for 24 Grammys in his two decades in music, and this year, he could take home the “Producer of the Year” title.

Auerbach was talking with the publication about the latest in his career when it was revealed that he’s working with Johnny Blue Skies in 2026. The article said:

“In 2026, Auerbach’s got work on the horizon with Sturgill Simpson.”

However, according to Stu’s own Instagram that is some big ol’ fake news.

In a recent social media post, JBS created a graphic that read:

“Fake news!! Although it probably wouldn’t suck, Dan Auerbach and Johnny B & The DC’s have not worked together. But the band did hi-jack and pop the cherry sh*t out of his new studio months back.”

JBS added in the caption of the post:

“Keep holdin’ yer horses..”

View this post on Instagram

So could this mean that he recorded the record he teased at Red Rocks in Dan Auerbach’s studio? Does this mean they will work together in the future?

While the post clarifies that they have not previously collaborated, it notes that Johnny Blue Skies hasn’t worked with Dan. But Dan said the name Sturgill Simpson… semantics? Maybe, but it begs the question… why would Dan say that if it isn’t happening? I assume Dan wouldn’t bring that up if he just used your studio without any collaboration. Or perhaps it was just a misunderstanding in the reporting? Who knows

As JBS says, a collaboration with Auerbach “prolly wouldn’t suck,” but only time will tell.The post Sturgill Simpson Sets The Record Straight On Dan Auerbach Collaboration first appeared on Whiskey Riff.