The Hold Steady are celebrating a major milestone in style. To mark the 20th anniversary of their beloved 2005 album ‘Separation Sunday’, the band will release a deluxe new edition on December 5 via their own Positive Jams label and Thirty Tigers. The expanded collection pairs the original 11-track record with nine newly remastered bonus tracks, including rare demos, outtakes, and selections from 2005’s ‘The Virgin Digital Sessions’ — all available on vinyl for the first time. Fans can look forward to both 2xLP standard black vinyl and limited edition 2xLP gold-swirl vinyl, as well as digital formats.
“‘Separation Sunday’ changed everything for The Hold Steady,” says frontman Craig Finn. “We found a new lineup, a solidified sound, and through incessant touring started building the THS community that exists today. It was a thrilling time to live through, and to revisit with this new look at the album.”
Upon its original release in May 2005, ‘Separation Sunday’ cemented The Hold Steady’s reputation as one of America’s most vital rock bands. Named by Paste as one of the “250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far,” the record topped end-of-year lists in SPIN and The Village Voice, with critic Robert Christgau calling it “literature with power chords.” The album’s fiery storytelling, vivid characters, and raw energy helped define a new generation of barroom poetry and rock ’n’ roll grit.
To further honor the anniversary, The Hold Steady will perform ‘Separation Sunday’ in full during Massive Nights 2025: 10 Years of Killer Parties! — their annual multi-night celebration at Brooklyn Bowl in New York City. Running from Wednesday, December 3, through Saturday, December 6, the four-night event will kick off with the first-ever Storytellers set, a special seated performance offering stripped-down versions of fan favorites and deep cuts.
The weekend will continue with two unique sets each night from Thursday through Saturday. Thursday, December 4, will feature a complete ‘Separation Sunday’ performance, while Friday and Saturday promise surprise full-album shows alongside fan-favorite deep dives. Tickets for Wednesday and the first two nights are limited, with Saturday’s show already sold out.