FINGER ELEVEN Unleashes The Truth Behind Their 10-Year Hiatus and New Album

In a candid exchange with Scott Rizzuto on "The Rizzuto Show" at 105.7 The Point, FINGER ELEVEN's frontman Scott Anderson and axe-slinger James Black peeled back the curtain on their impressive 35-year run with nearly all original members still intact. "We still enjoy what we do," Anderson declared, emphasizing the band's evolved communication skills and their undying commitment to rocking hard. "You can tell that when you watch us live. We're still in it for that reason."

James Black added a personal touch to the narrative, stating, "We were friends before we were a band. So that, I think, plays into the dynamic. We're friends who have a band; we're not a band who are trying to be friends." This unique bond has allowed them to navigate the tumultuous waters of the music industry while keeping their original lineup and ethos firmly in place.

The duo also touched on their latest offering, "Last Night On Earth", which finally hit the airwaves in November 2025 after a decade-long silence following 2015's "Five Crooked Lines". Reflecting on the lengthy gestation period, Black expressed satisfaction with the final product, noting, "I think all the time that it took was well spent making it what we want." However, he also acknowledged that the band's commitment to collective satisfaction often leads to prolonged writing sessions, stating, "You don’t wanna make something that, like, 'Oh, one of the guys doesn’t really like it,' ... it takes a long time to get there."

Anderson weighed in on the band's creative process, revealing their traditional approach of gathering at a cottage to hash out ideas. "We would just improve the material. We would break it down and keep what’s cool about this song and write it and rewrite it again over and over and over," he explained. This method may have ensured high-quality output, but it also contributed to their lengthy hiatus.

The singer lamented that while taking a decade to perfect their craft is beneficial for the music, it can be a career killer. "It’s murder for your career. It’s terrible. Don’t do it. Finish the record," Anderson warned, offering sage advice to musicians everywhere. As they gear up for the future, FINGER ELEVEN is ready to take their time—but fans can hold out hope that we won't have to wait another decade for the next release.