Drinkin' Alone Again

The song "Drinkin' Alone Again" by Damn Yankees is a lesser-known track that never officially appeared on any of their studio albums, sparking curiosity among fans about its origins. According to posts found on X, some speculate it was a B-side or unreleased demo from the sessions for their 1990 self-titled debut album, though no official confirmation exists from the band. In a 2010 interview on MelodicRock.com, Jack Blades hinted at unreleased material from the band’s early days, saying, “There’s stuff in the vaults that’ll probably never see the light of day, but it’s got that raw energy we had back then.” Fans on the Damn Yankees Fan Club Facebook group have shared stories of hearing "Drinkin' Alone Again" played live during the band’s 1990 tour, describing it as a gritty, bluesy number that captured the band’s bar-room rock vibe. The lack of a formal release has made it a cult favorite among Zoo Freaks, who often request it on THE ZOO’s airwaves.

Damn Yankees formed in 1989 as a supergroup, bringing together rock veterans Tommy Shaw from Styx, Jack Blades from Night Ranger, Ted Nugent from The Amboy Dukes, and drummer Michael Cartellone, who later joined Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band was the brainchild of music executive John Kalodner, who saw an opportunity to combine their talents during a time when their original bands faced declining commercial success. As Jack Blades recalled in a 2015 InTheStudio interview, “When Tommy and I started singing, it was like we’d been harmonizing for a decade.” Their self-titled debut album, released in 1990, went double platinum, driven by hits like “High Enough” and “Coming of Age.” The band’s chemistry, blending Shaw’s melodic sensibilities, Blades’ songwriting, Nugent’s wild guitar riffs, and Cartellone’s steady rhythms, created a sound that resonated with hard rock fans.

The band’s formation wasn’t without challenges. Ted Nugent, known for his outspoken personality, initially clashed with the more laid-back Shaw and Blades. In a 1990 Ted Nugent interview, he jokingly said, “I told those guys I’d take ‘em bear hunting to toughen ‘em up, but they showed up with guitars instead!” Despite their differences, the group found common ground in their love for classic rock and roll. Their second album, Don’t Tread, released in 1992, went gold but faced hurdles due to a shifting music industry, with grunge taking over. By 1994, Warner Bros. paid the band to not record another album, as Blades noted in a MelodicRock.com piece, effectively halting their momentum. Still, the band never officially disbanded, and occasional reunions, like their 2010 NAMM Show performance, keep fans hopeful.

You can follow Damn Yankees on their official website at damnyankeesband.com, though it’s more of an archive than an active hub. Their Facebook page shares occasional throwback photos and fan memories, while their Instagram is less active but features vintage band shots. On X, the band’s account sporadically engages with fans, often retweeting posts about their classic hits. Individual members are more active: check out Tommy Shaw’s website, Jack Blades’ website, Ted Nugent’s website, and Michael Cartellone’s website for updates. Fans can join the Damn Yankees Fan Club on Facebook for lively discussions and rare live bootlegs. The fan-run site MelodicRock.com also has a dedicated Damn Yankees section with interviews and news.