Adam Duritz Lends Voice to New Gang of Youths Track
Adam Duritz has confirmed he was invited to sing on new material by Australian rock band Gang of Youths. The Counting Crows frontman revealed the request during a recent podcast appearance.
New collaboration in the works
Duritz, 61, said frontman David Le’aupepe contacted him by text just days before Duritz left for Australia. Le’aupepe asked if Duritz wanted to contribute vocals to some tracks, and Duritz agreed.
He described the band as “just writing” their follow-up to the 2022 album Angel in Realtime. Duritz previously sang on that record, which established their creative rapport.
Origins of the friendship
The two acts first met backstage at a New York show several years ago. The connection deepened when the Sydney group spent Christmas at Duritz’s home.
That closeness led directly to their work together on Angel in Realtime. Duritz said the relationship continues to generate artistic exchanges.
Influence on Counting Crows’ record
Hearing Gang of Youths’ 2022 album prompted Duritz to revisit his own 2025 LP, Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!. He said the band’s work raised his creative bar.
Duritz reported receiving early Gang of Youths material from Le’aupepe. He then reworked parts of his album, tightening arrangements and revising choruses on select songs.
- Rewrote choruses on “Under the Aurora”.
- Tightened “Spaceman and Tulsa”.
- Left “Virginia Through the Rain” unchanged.
Tour plans and festival fallout
Counting Crows are due to begin their New Zealand and Australia tour next week in Auckland. The band had also been announced as a headliner for Bluesfest 2026.
Organisers cancelled Bluesfest last week. Duritz warned the loss could seriously affect international acts’ finances.
Concerns for touring artists
Speaking to Filmogaz.com, Duritz said festivals like Bluesfest act as tent-pole gigs. Without them, many visiting artists risk losing their most profitable dates.
He cited legacy acts such as Buddy Guy, the Wailers and the Black Crowes as examples. Duritz suggested some bands might cancel entire tours if the economics collapse.
Duritz’s ongoing ties with Gang of Youths mean he may soon lend voice to new Gang of Youths track recordings. Fans can expect further updates as the writing process unfolds.
