Jay Buchanan, the 50-year-old frontman of Rival Sons, recently shared a surprising revelation during an interview with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation.
Buchanan disclosed that he had collaborated with Bob Weir for years on a major music project. However, following Weir’s recent passing on January 10 due to underlying lung issues after battling cancer, Buchanan expressed uncertainty about the project ever being released.
The unfinished project is described by Buchanan as “very, very cool,” but he acknowledged the reality that many collaborations never come to fruition. He explained that since it was Weir’s project, it remains unclear if it will ever see the light of day.
While the project with Bob Weir may remain in limbo, Jay Buchanan is forging ahead with an exciting new endeavor of his own. Set to release his debut solo album, Weapons of Beauty, on February 6, 2026, Buchanan reveals his long-standing desire to create solo music.
Despite initial expectations for solo work from Rival Sons when the band first started, Buchanan kept postponing his individual project due to the band’s busy schedule of touring and recording. Finally deciding to prioritize his solo album, Buchanan spent three months secluded in an underground, windowless bunker in the Mojave Desert to write songs in solitude.
As Buchanan embarks on his solo venture, Rival Sons is not slowing down. Confirming plans for a new album in 2026 and subsequent tours in the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., Buchanan expresses the band’s commitment to their music.
Sharing that Rival Sons now prefers to write songs before entering the studio, Buchanan also reveals a personal shift in timeline due to his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis. Putting plans on hold to focus on her treatment, Buchanan emphasizes the importance of prioritizing her health.
Despite delays, Buchanan remains optimistic about Rival Sons’ plans to release a new album in 2026, emphasizing the band’s flexibility and support for his personal circumstances.
In light of recent developments in his career, Jay Buchanan’s evolution as an artist is one to watch as he navigates between his solo pursuits and commitments with Rival Sons.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.