The formidable Thomas G. Waites, as defined by the adjectives ‘admirable’ and ‘inspiring,’ has taken a new direction in his 48-year theatrical journey, releasing his album Heartbreak Waites. Waites and his band, also known as Heartbreak Waites, features Tony Daniels on guitar, Cedric Allen Hills on vocals and keyboard, and Annie McGovern on vocals. The group debuted their new album at The Cutting Room in New York City.

According to Waites’ website, the album explores love and loss and allows him to connect with fans “while retaining the essence of his storytelling roots.”

“Through my music, I aim to engage listeners with captivating narratives and emotional depth, drawing from personal experiences and universal themes.”

The album’s theme is well integrated throughout the listening experience.

Protest, Politics, and Purpose: Waites Opens with ‘Heartbeat of Nation’

A Personal Call to Civic Awareness

Waites opened the show with a stirring commentary on what is happening around us today through the song “Heartbeat of Nation,” clarifying that our country may be on the verge of destruction. Waites explains this is his personal protest, as he feels a sense of urgency for all citizens to be aware and change.

‘Kelly Anne’: A Protest Song in a Softer Tone

One song on the album, Kelly Anne, written by Waites and Mikel Campbell, is a parody — as the lyrics suggest — of Kellyanne Conway, the former political consultant to the current President. Upon listening to the song, one would have to be familiar with her right-wing stance, yet this is a true protest song in a softer tone.

Cedric Allen Hills Steals the Spotlight with ‘You’re Addicted’

Cedric Allen Hills gave an unforgettable performance of “You’re Addicted” that captivated the audience. Some will remember his outstanding performance in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the Gene Frankel Theatre, the site of Waites’ acting school. He is spectacular.

Waites thanked the audience for attending, thanked actor Chris Noth for opening The Cutting Room, where many artists have performed over the years, and was quick to thank the talent on stage as well.

How John Goodman Named the Band: The Story Behind ‘Heartbreak Waites’

From CBGB’s to Carnegie: A Band Name Born from a Pickup Line

Back in the ’80s, Waites had a band, The Push-Ups, that played at CBGB’s, and during concerts, he would strip while doing one-handed push-ups. Actor John Goodman, his friend from Juilliard, was at the show one night and overheard Waites use his favorite pickup line on a girl in the bar: “Baby, don’t fall in love with me because I will break your heart.” Waites got the girl, and the band got its name.

Audience Favorites: Laughter, a Semi-Strip, and a Perfect Finale

Audience members persuaded Waites to semi-strip during the performance, prompting a raucous laugh. Waites also informed the audience that he would be in two upcoming movies and shared how the band got its name. The final song, “Take a Load Off Fanny,” reminds us to sit down, relax, and rest. Enjoy Thomas G. Waites, Heartbreak Waites, relax. There are fourteen songs on the album.

Venue Information: The Cutting Room, New York City

Address & Contact

• Address: 44 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016 (between Park and Madison Avenues, Midtown Manhattan)
• Phone: +1 (212) 691-1900
• Website: The Cutting Room NYC.com
• Instagram: @cuttingroomnyc

About The Cutting Room

The Cutting Room is an elegant rock club and lounge in Midtown Manhattan’s Flatiron/NoMad district. Co-founded by music industry veteran Steve Walter (Berklee College of Music alumnus) and actor Chris Noth (Sex and the City, Law & Order, The Good Wife), the venue opened in 1999 on West 24th Street and relocated to its current East 32nd Street home in 2013. The club has hosted luminaries including Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Sting, David Bowie, Post Malone, and Lizzo, among many others. It is fully handicap accessible.

Ticket Information

• Tickets are available online at thecuttingroomnyc.com or at the door one hour before showtime.
• The venue operates as a dinner theater: food and cocktails are available during performances.
• No box office on-site; all tickets sold online.

Heartbreak Waites Album & Upcoming Performances

Album Details

• Album Title: Heartbreak Waites: Americana Music for the Soul
• Number of Tracks: 14
• Price: $19.99 (includes free shipping within the continental US and an autograph, limited time)
• Purchase: Available at thomasgwaites.com/heartbreak-waites or via Venmo @tgwactingstudionyc

Track Listing

• Heartbreak Waites
• Love’s Loneliness
• Lisa’s Birthday Song
• Kelly Anne
• Poppy T & Butterfly
• Broken Girl
• Allentown Hair
• No More Lies – Ft. Cedric Allen Hills
• Lost
• Hope
• Macaire
• Ride – Ft. Tony Daniels
• One Last Kiss
• Lucky Man

Upcoming Shows & Tour Information

As of publication, the following performance has been listed on the band’s official website. Always check thomasgwaites.com/heartbreak-waites for the most current schedule, as additional dates are added regularly.

Note: The Cutting Room show reviewed here (February 17, 2026) was a one-night-only album release event beginning at 9:00 PM. For future engagements, visit thomasgwaites.com or follow @heartbreakwaites on Instagram.

Social Media & More

• Instagram: @heartbreakwaites
• Facebook: com/tgwstudios
• YouTube: com/channel/UCuRwfWj-iimcmxrfF2Cvoyg
• Twitter/X: @tgwacting

Heartbreak Waits album is available at thomasgwaites.com/heartbreak-waites — Thomas G. Waites, Tony Daniels, Cedric Allen Hills, Annie McGovern, Heartbreak Waites Band.