Paul Heaton has announced a series of intimate, close-up unplugged shows set for December, celebrating the release of his new album Jenius. Joined by special guest singer Rianne Downey, the acclaimed singer-songwriter will perform three exclusive acoustic dates across the UK in partnership with local independent record shops.
The special run of shows kicks off on December 1st at 53 Degrees in Preston, presented in association with Jacaranda Records. Heaton will then head to Circuit in Kingston Upon Thames on December 2nd alongside Banquet Records, before concluding the trio of dates at Brighton’s Chalk on December 3rd in partnership with Resident Music. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026.
The acoustic tour follows the release of Jenius, Heaton's 23rd studio album, dropping on August 21st, 2026, as well as a major UK arena tour scheduled throughout October and November.
Recognised at the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards in 2022 for his songwriting genius, Heaton remains one of the UK’s most celebrated musical figures, boasting five number-one albums and over 15 million album sales throughout his career. He first rose to fame in the 1980s as the frontman of legendary indie pop band The Housemartins, releasing classic albums London 0 Hull 4 and The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death.
In 1988, he formed The Beautiful South, leading them through nearly two decades of massive success across ten hit albums, including Blue Is The Colour and Miaow. Following the band's split in 2007, Heaton built an impressive solo catalogue alongside a highly successful artistic partnership with former Beautiful South vocalist Jacqui Abbott, releasing five acclaimed duo records including Manchester Calling and N.K-Pop. Heaton returned to solo releases with 2024’s The Mighty Several, continuing a prolific run that cements his status as a national songwriting treasure.
Paul Heaton Unplugged December 2026 Dates:
December 1 – Preston, 53 Degrees (with Jacaranda Records)
December 2 – Kingston Upon Thames, Circuit (with Banquet Records)
December 3 – Brighton, Chalk (with Resident Music)
