Kelly Hansen Joins The Dead Daisies on “Lift Me Up”

The Dead Daisies have introduced Kelly Hansen as their new singer with “Lift Me Up,” the first release to feature him on lead vocals. The former Foreigner and Hurricane frontman joins guitarists Doug Aldrich and David Lowy, bassist Jimi Crutchley and drummer Tommy Clufetos.

The band unveiled the official video on October 5, 2026. Directed by David Pear, it accompanies a track that Aldrich describes through its straightforward rock riff, heavy groove and melodic chorus.

A guitar riff leads the next chapter

On the band’s official release page, Aldrich places the song in the tradition of 1970s rock. He describes the chorus as the point where the melody opens up, with an upbeat outlook running through the words and vocal lines. That puts a familiar guitar-first approach at the centre of Hansen’s arrival.

Aldrich’s background reaches across several corners of hard rock. The Dead Daisies’ official biography lists his work with Whitesnake, Dio, Hurricane, Burning Rain and Bad Moon Rising, as well as Glenn Hughes’ touring band. Here, he and Lowy remain the guitar pairing in the newly announced lineup.

For a documented point of reference, Premier Guitar’s July 2021 Rig Rundown identified Aldrich’s main Goldtop as a Gibson Custom Shop ’57 reissue fitted with his Suhr signature pickups; that historical touring instrument is the context for our illustration, with no claim that it was used on “Lift Me Up.”

A new album and 2027 touring plans

The band calls “Lift Me Up” the first taste of its next album and says the remaining months of 2026 will be spent finishing that record in the studio. Touring is planned to follow in 2027, beginning with Europe and the UK in March before further runs in the United States and Scandinavia.

The European dates open at Zeche in Bochum on March 4 and run through Frankfurt on March 21. The Quireboys and The Gems are listed as special guests for that leg.

Swedish fans also have three dates to watch: Luleå on September 13, Stockholm on September 17 and Gothenburg on September 18, 2027. The band’s current schedule lists the cities and dates, while venues and ticket-sale details for the Scandinavian run are still to be announced.

“Lift Me Up” is available through the band’s official streaming links, and the video is on The Dead Daisies’ official YouTube channel. The full 2027 itinerary is available on the band’s website.

Watch the official “Lift Me Up” video and check The Dead Daisies’ 2027 tour schedule.

Want to dig deeper into Doug Aldrich’s guitars and gear? Read our full guide.