Pioneering British country duo The Shires are officially back. Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes have announced the release of their first album in four years, Bonfire, set to arrive on July 3. Described as a joyous celebration of positivity and escapism, the record marks a return to the instinctive, harmony-driven sound that made them a household name.
To celebrate the announcement, the duo has unleashed their infectious lead single, "Getaway Car." Driven by a thumping kick drum and sun-seeking lyrics, the track is designed for the big stage. "It’s a foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ festival sing-along song," says Crissie. Ben adds that the album itself was a lesson in spontaneity: “If it was fun, we went with it.”
Fans won't have to wait long to hear the new material live. Following their appearance at the C2C Festival in London today, The Shires have confirmed a massive 12-date headline tour for November. The run will see them performing at some of the UK’s most prestigious rooms, including a landmark night at the London Palladium. Buy The Shires tickets
here.
November UK Tour Dates:Tue 3: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Thu 5: Gateshead Glasshouse
Fri 6: York Barbican
Sun 8: Manchester Bridgewater Hall
Mon 9: Birmingham Symphony Hall
Wed 11: London Palladium
Thu 12: Brighton Dome
Sat 14: Ipswich Regent Theatre
Sun 15: Poole Lighthouse
Mon 16: Swansea Building Society Arena
Wed 18: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Thu 19: Bedford Corn Exchange
Fri 20: Bristol Beacon
Since their 2015 breakthrough, The Shires have been the definitive trailblazers for the genre in the UK. They were the first British country act to secure a UK Top Ten album and remain the only British act to win a prestigious CMA award. As the UK enters a "golden age" of country music popularity, Ben and Crissie are reclaiming their spot at the forefront of the scene.
Bonfire is available for pre-order now on LP, CD, and digital formats.
Buy The Shires tickets
here.
