Dave Stewart Announces New Solo Album “The Way It Was Back Then” For Limited Physical Release This September
Dave Stewart Announces New Solo Album “The Way It Was Back Then” For Limited Physical Release This September
Dave Stewart has announced a brand new solo album "The Way It Was Back Then", which will be released on 18th September 2026 through Bay Street Records as a limited physical-only edition on CD and vinyl. The album marks another fascinating chapter in Dave's prolific career and arrives just days after his birthday.
Written, performed and produced entirely by Dave, the 10-track collection was recorded at Stardust in the Bahamas and captures a remarkably spontaneous approach to songwriting and recording. Rather than arriving in the studio with completed lyrics and arrangements, Dave allowed the songs to emerge naturally in real time, singing melodies and lyrics as he played guitar, often recording complete performances in a single take.
Long-time collaborator Jesse Samler played a crucial role in bringing the album to life, contributing bass, drums, keyboards and programming. Together, the pair expanded and developed the original recordings before mixing the album themselves. Fans will know Jesse from numerous Bay Street Records projects and collaborations with Dave over the years.
What makes The Way It Was Back Then particularly intriguing is its deeply personal nature. According to Dave, the songs emerged almost subconsciously while he was navigating the many events and experiences happening around him. The resulting collection explores themes of memory, survival, love, loss, loyalty and betrayal, all viewed through the lens of a life rich with remarkable experiences.
Speaking about the album, Dave explained that he did not initially realise he was making a record at all.
"I wasn't aware that I was making an album. In-between the various things happening in my life, some I instigated and some just happenstance, I started to record myself singing songs at the same time as playing guitar."
He went on to describe the process as far more intimate than many of his previous solo recordings, with virtually every lyric being improvised as he sang.
The album's title, The Way It Was Back Then, reflects the reflective nature of the songs, although Dave is keen to point out that this is not an exercise in nostalgia.
"This is not looking back in a soft nostalgic way. These songs are about memory, survival, love, loss, damage, loyalty, betrayal, and the strange feeling of still being here after all of it."
Many of the songs draw inspiration from places, people and events from Dave's past. References to old friends, family, heartbreak, courtrooms and long-forgotten streets weave throughout the record, creating what Dave describes as a bittersweet, cinematic and deeply human listening experience.
The release continues an incredibly productive period for Dave, whose recent projects have ranged from solo albums and collaborations to new Bay Street Records releases and live performances around the world. Through it all, his creativity remains as restless and adventurous as ever.
Track Listing
- The Way It Was Back Then
- Your Wishes
- Cry If You Want To
- The House Where I Was Born
- Black Cat
- Makes Me Happy (And Sad)
- Oh Jesse
- All Done
- Thin Ice
- What's A Man Supposed To Do
For Eurythmics fans, the album promises a rare opportunity to hear Dave in one of his most personal and unfiltered settings. Created almost entirely from spur-of-the-moment performances, The Way It Was Back Then appears to capture Dave exactly as he was in the moment, reflecting on a lifetime of experiences while still looking forward.
The Way It Was Back Then will be released on 18th September 2026 through Bay Street Records in limited physical-only formats.
