The Long Ryders will return to the stage this autumn for an extensive UK tour, bringing the fiery spirit and punk-infused energy that first established them as legends back to live audiences. Kicking off on 2 October 2026 at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea, the 15-date tour will see the alt-country pioneers travel across major venues in England, Scotland, and Wales, culminating in a performance at Southampton's Papillon on 18 October.
Formed in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, the band helped lay the foundations of what would later become known as alternative country, blending the influences of Gram Parsons, The Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield with a raw, roots-driven edge. Their signature sound—defined by jangling 12-string guitars and heartfelt songwriting—pre-dated the modern Americana movement by nearly a decade, influencing seminal acts such as Wilco, The Jayhawks, and Uncle Tupelo. Their landmark 1984 debut album Native Sons was famously hailed by Rolling Stone as a record where Nashville, '77 London, and the mid-60s Sunset Strip converge.
The upcoming tour follows the success of their powerful new studio album, High Noon Hymns, which was released in March 2026. Produced by longtime collaborator Ed Stasium—famed for his extensive work with the Ramones—the record captures the group at their most vital, combining their trademark vocal harmonies and driving rhythms with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. Recorded following the passing of longtime bassist Tom Stevens, the new material stands as both a poignant celebration of the band’s enduring legacy and a bold new chapter in their remarkable story.
As a dynamic live force packed with history and unrelenting energy, the group's setlists will feature new material alongside classic alternative radio anthems like "Looking for Lewis and Clark." Tour stops include historic venues such as Liverpool's Cavern Club, Glasgow's Drygate, and a major London headline date at the Electric Ballroom on 15 October. Tickets for all scheduled dates are available now via official box office outlets.
