A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down for a Zoom call with Benny Horowitz, the drummer of the legendary rock band The Gaslight Anthem. We delved into the recent remastered and expanded edition of their album *History Books*, which features not only new mixes but also some incredible covers and B-sides. Our conversation touched on various aspects of the album, including the collaboration with Bruce Springsteen, the band’s hiatus after *Get Hurt*, and their ongoing headlining tour.
Remastering *History Books* – A Creative Experiment
The remastered version of *History Books* was released digitally earlier this year, offering a fresh take on the album that dropped in 2024. It includes some compelling cover songs and B-sides from those sessions, breathing new life into the band’s already impressive catalog. I asked Benny about the band’s thought process behind the remastering and the decision to include a cover of Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes.”
Benny explained that the idea of revisiting the album was initially sparked by a casual and spontaneous decision to create an EP for fun. The band had the time, the opportunity, and the creative drive to explore this new direction. *History Books* wasn’t just about the re-release itself; it was a chance to experiment. “We had the time to do it. We were home, Butch Walker was interested, and all these things lined up,” Benny noted. The result was a creatively fueled venture that allowed them to add new layers to their existing work.
One interesting part of this release was the inclusion of a cover of Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes.” The idea for this cover came from a rather personal place—Brian Fallon, the band’s frontman, was driving with his daughter when they
The Remix and the New Mix
Benny elaborated further on the band’s decision to remix and remaster the record, describing it as a creative endeavor rather than a necessity. “There was no mistake in how we put it out… the way we produced it and the way it sounded was something that was intentional,” Benny said. The original mix of *History Books* had been well-received, but after repeated listening and feedback from fans, the band felt curious about how the album might sound with a different mix. The opportunity arose to work with a talented mixer who could provide a fresh take on the sound, and Benny was quick to point out that it wasn’t about trying to “fix” the album—it was more about seeing what else could be done creatively with the material.
When the new mix came back, the band was surprised by how it “jumped out of the speakers” in a way that the original version didn’t. “It kind of felt like a learning curve,” Benny said, referencing how different mixes can affect the listening experience on various platforms, particularly in terms of vinyl versus digital formats. For Benny and the band, this remix was less about fixing something wrong and more about exploring new territory. “It’s kind of like a fun experiment that worked out,” he added, describing the whole process as a rewarding creative journey.
The Long Hiatus and the Springsteen Connection
One of the most fascinating aspects of *History Books* is the collaboration with Bruce Springsteen, who has become a close friend and mentor to The Gaslight Anthem over the years. I asked Benny about how this collaboration came about and the circumstances behind the band’s hiatus after the release of *Get Hurt*.
“We had a really intense and long period of being on the road,” Benny explained, discussing the band’s decision to step away after their 2014 album. “It was a long time, and we just needed to take a break.” He went on to say that, although it wasn’t a formal breakup, the band’s hiatus allowed everyone to recharge and refocus on their personal lives and projects. However, it was during this break that the band’s relationship with Bruce Springsteen grew stronger, with Bruce offering advice and support when they were ready to make new music.
The collaboration with Springsteen on *History Books* came about organically. Benny reflected on how Bruce’s involvement was more of a natural extension of their friendship, rather than a planned collaboration. “It was one of those things where it just made sense,” Benny said. Springsteen’s influence on the album is undeniable, and his contribution helped shape the sound and narrative of *History Books*.
The Gaslight Anthem’s Headlining Tour
As The Gaslight Anthem continues to promote *History Books*, they’ve also been hitting the road for a headlining tour. Benny expressed excitement about being back on stage with the band after such a long break. “It’s been amazing,” he said, noting the energy and passion they’ve felt from their fans. Despite their time away, the band’s live shows have been as electrifying as ever, with new and old fans alike filling the venues to experience their signature blend of anthemic rock.
In closing, Benny shared that the entire process of creating *History Books*, from remastering the album to collaborating with Springsteen and taking on new challenges like remixing and reinterpreting covers, has been a deeply rewarding experience. The band has clearly found a renewed sense of excitement in their creative journey, and *History Books* reflects that spirit of experimentation and reinvention.
As the tour continues, it’s clear that The Gaslight Anthem’s story is far from over. With their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, the band’s future looks bright—both on stage and in the studio. For now, fans can look forward to more incredible music and unforgettable live performances from one of rock’s most enduring acts.
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