Blacklist Union are back with their latest single, ‘Up In Smoke,’ (released 4th July), which follows hot on the heels of previous single ‘Mississippi Moonhound.’ This new track is a potent and irresistible anthem that perfectly encapsulates their signature blend of Stone Temple Pilots’ grit, Guns N’ Roses’ swagger, Malfunkshun’s otherworldly vibe, and The Cult’s anthemic power. ‘Up In Smoke’ is the second single from their upcoming sixth studio album, ‘Slay the Dragon’, produced by Christopher Johnson (Evanescence, Scott Weiland, Josh Todd, Phoebe Bridgers), set for release in September.
Tony West, the main man of Blacklist Union, explains that “‘Up In Smoke’ is about living in the moment… which is really hard to do. Not hanging onto your past and your trauma. Staying in the moment. I tell my kids that it’s the present, because if you can stay in the moment, it’s a gift.”
West was raised in the Bronx, immersed in Ramones, Bad Brains, and the New York hardcore scene, before heading to Los Angeles as a teenage runaway with just $20. Initially collaborating with guitarist Todd Youth (known for Murphy’s Law and Danzig) and Malfunkshun, Tony decided to pursue his own musical direction in 2005, leading to the formation of Blacklist Union. The lasting friendship between Tony and Todd resulted in co-writing the 2015 Blacklist Union album Back To Momo. Following Todd’s passing, Tony traveled to the jungles of Peru for transformative ayahuasca journeys in the Amazon, which helped him heal and prepare for the next era of his music—a process he describes as releasing layers of trauma, heartache, and sorrow.
Blacklist Union has built a reputation for explosive live performances. Last year they toured with punk legends Dead Boys, and this year they are headlining CrüeFest Hollywood at the Whisky A Go-Go on July 12th. Their performance at CrüeFest 2024 was described as “exhilarating… a first-rate rock show.” Operating at the peak of their creative powers, Blacklist Union continues to deliver powerful, unforgettable rock experiences that resonate with fans and critics alike.
‘Up In Smoke‘ –
Written by: Tony West / Christopher Johnson
Produced by: Christopher Johnson
Mixed by: Claudio Cueni
Recorded at: East West Studios, Hollywood, CA
The Village Studios, Los Angeles, CA
CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL ‘UP IN SMOKE’ VIDEO
PRE-SAVE – https://unitedmasters.com/m/up-in-smoke-14
Blacklist Union LIVE
Cruefest Hollywood @ the Whisky A Go-Go – 8901 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood Los Angeles – July 12th, 2025 https://hollywoodcruefest.com/tickets/
Bar Sinister -1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles – September 13th, 2025 – Strict all-black dress code