49 Winchester have announced ‘Change of Plans,’ their forthcoming album arriving May 15, and the lead single “Pardon Me” makes an immediate case for why this record matters. The Virginia-based six-piece pair their signature Appalachian grit with a reflective, forward-looking perspective that signals a genuine artistic evolution without losing a single thread of what made them compelling in the first place. This is a band at a creative peak, and they know it.
The album was executive produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb at his recording studio in Savannah, Georgia. Cobb’s resume, which includes Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson, speaks for itself, and his ear for rooted, authentic American music is exactly the right fit for what 49 Winchester are building here. ‘Change of Plans’ expands their sonic palette while keeping the lived-in storytelling that has defined their career at the centre of everything.
“Pardon Me” balances rugged instrumentation with vulnerability and emotional honesty in a way that feels earned rather than performed. It follows the band’s debut release under Lucille Records/MCA, a powerful cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” which announced the new partnership with real confidence. The Virginia group has been building a dedicated fanbase through relentless road work and electrifying live shows, including two nights at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium last November.
The touring schedule in 2026 reflects how far this band has come. Alongside their own headline run, 49 Winchester will support Eric Church and Tim McGraw throughout the year, putting them in front of some of the largest country audiences in North America. ‘Change of Plans’ arrives May 15, and “Pardon Me” is out now.