As happy as this will make fans who’ve been longing for new music from the New Jersey quartet – completed by guitarist Alex Rosamilia, bassist Alex Levine and drummer Benny Horowitz – that’s not to say Brian always had it mapped out in such certain terms.

The one talent I have is not playing the guitar,” Brian laughs. “It’s writing Gaslight Anthem songs, and knowing when they’re good.” Walton, Ed (October 25, 2023). "ALBUM REVIEW: History Books – The Gaslight Anthem". Distorted Sound . Retrieved October 28, 2023. Fallon has also expressed his appreciation for where The Gaslight Anthem find themselves in 2023. “When you have a band reach any level of success or popularity, that’s a gift,” he explained. “It’s truly a miracle to be able to do your art for a living.” The Gaslight Anthem Concert Setlist at House of Blues, Houston, TX, USA". setlist.fm . Retrieved July 21, 2023.On the subject of Spider Bites: the line ‘ We struggle for each other’ is absolutely beautiful. Where did that come from? Dillon, Ryan (October 25, 2023). "Gaslight Anthem's History Books Is As Refreshing As It Is Familiar (Album Review)". Glide Magazine . Retrieved October 28, 2023. Ultratop.be – The Gaslight Anthem – History Books" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 5, 2023. You burn your hand on the stove, and that inspires you not to touch the stove again,” says the vocalist. “And when you lose the thing that you worked so hard for, that inspires you not to lose it again.”

Lugen, Mikala (March 28, 2022). "The Gaslight Anthem Announce First Headlining World Tour in Four Years". Volume Utah . Retrieved October 18, 2022. The Sailor Jerry Podcast Ep. 53 — Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem)" . Retrieved August 16, 2023– via YouTube. Benny Horowitz was working outside when his phone lit up, the name of Brian Fallon flashing on its screen. Laying down his tools, The Gaslight Anthem drummer answered the call from his long-time friend and one-time bandmate. The voice at the other end of the line was excited in a way Benny hadn’t heard for a long time. Inside his house, through the window Benny’s wife watched him gesticulating wildly at her. “It’s Brian!”he mouthed at her, pointing at the phone. “He’s calling about music! He’s calling about the band!” That was probably inspired by coming out of that really long 20-year, 30-year period of feeling mentally disconnected from the universe, and feeling like, ‘Why is every day so hard? This is terrible.’ And going to therapy and getting medication, I was then reflecting a little bit on that and going, ‘Man, if I had the things that I have now, and the way that I feel now, and the life that I have now, I’d be young so much better!’ Because I would have enjoyed it, is what the real meaning is. I don’t think that I really enjoyed growing up, because I was struggling the whole time.” Saalman, Austin. "The Gaslight Anthem - History Books (Thirty Tigers)". Under the Radar . Retrieved October 29, 2023.In an interview with Kerrang, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Brian Fallon described the themes behind “History Books”: I don’t know if you’re gonna get both as far as a record. If there was anything I wanted to do solo, really I could just do it with the band – I don’t think they’d be against it. But as far as the shows, I still like doing the theatre thing. A lot of these places I’m playing in the States, they’re theatres where plays are, and that’s a whole different vibe. I just like it when people are seated and I can tell them stupid stories all the time ( laughs). And I can play whatever I want. So that’s just for me, it’s just for fun which is good. So there may be more solo shows, but I couldn’t do double records – that would be crazy!” Mueller, Andrew (October 27, 2023). "The Gaslight Anthem – History Books". Uncut . Retrieved October 29, 2023. Sputnikmusic gave History Books a 3.8 out 5, criticizing album opener "Spider Bites" as a "clunky song" with "bland verse structure" and a "repetitive chorus", [35] a criticism echoed by Brian Stout in his 7 out of 10 review for PopMatters, stating that the song could "only muster up one memorable line." [34] In spite of their initial criticisms however, Sputnikmusic ultimately concluded that "this isn’t an album to convert the naysayers, but for the already initiated, prepare yourself to once more sing with your heroes, 33 rounds per minute", [35] a sentiment once again shared by Stout: "Longtime fans will probably find plenty to like, even love, about History Books. The Gaslight Anthem are in fine form; Fallon’s still a charismatic singer, and he still shows flashes of brilliance in his lyrics." [34] I always have ideas going, and there’s little stuff here and there. I’m sure we’ll start to make new stuff soon. We always do – we’re always moving around and making music. It’s just what we do!”