Sturgill Simpson was the featured musical guest on Tuesday’s episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he and his band performed a retooled version of “Breakers Roar”. The song originally appeared on Simpson’s 2016’s A Sailor’s Guide To Earth album, and has since received a bluegrass makeover on the Americana guitarist’s latest studio effort, Cuttin’ Grass Vol 1 – The Butcher Shoppe Sessions.
Related: Watch Sturgill Simpson Perform For An Empty Ryman Auditorium In Nashville
Tuesday’s performance saw Simpson surrounded by much the same cast of characters with whom he recorded the album. These include Scott Vestal (banjo), Mike Bub (bass), Sierra Hull (mandolin), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Miles Miller (percussion), and more. From inside the familiar confines of Nashville’s The Station Inn, Simpson once again reinvents the tune as something wholly original. Despite his history of snubs placed on him by the country music establishment, Simpson has stuck to his guns and made the music he wants to make, and has gained a legion of devoted fans in the process.
Watch Sturgill Simpson perform the new bluegrass version of “Breakers Roar” on Colbert.
Sturgill Simpson – “Breakers Roar”
[Video: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]
Following his performance, Simpson also took in an interview with Colbert where the two discussed how Simpson came to meet the late, great John Prine, as well as other hot topics including COVID-19 and the Waffle House.
Sturgill Simpson Reflects On Meeting John Prine, And How He Honors His Mentor’s Memory
[Video: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]