The Pogues have announced their first UK tour since the death of former frontman, Shane MacGowan, with Leeds one of just half a dozen cities chosen.
Nearly a full year on from his death at just 65, the Anglo-Irish favourites best known for their eternal Christmas classic, ‘Fairytale of New York’, are gearing up for their first outing since their iconic lead singer’s passing as a celebration of his life and their seminal second album.
It’s been 13 years since their last headline tour shortly before their split and it will be 40 years since the release of Rum Sodomy and the Lash by the time they hit the road along with special guests.
Safe to say it’ll be an emotional series of shows for everyone involved.
Revealing just six shows here in the UK, the long-standing band are set to play their sophomore release in full as well as a selection of their greatest hits.
The tour will feature remaining original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Peter Richard ‘Spider’ Stacy, as well as a series of support that are yet to be confirmed.
Speaking on the upcoming dates, The Pogues said: “After the uproarious bash which was the 40th anniversary of our first record, Red Roses for Me, in 2024, we wanted to do it again, but with Rum Sodomy & the Lash.”
The Pogues return in 2025 for their first UK Tour since 2012 to celebrate 40 years of Rum Sodomy & the Lash Ft James Fearnley, Jem Finer, Spider Stacy & special guests. Tickets go on sale 9:30am Fri 22 Nov. Sign up at https://t.co/PxhZ8bnwBA by 5pm on 19 Nov for presale access ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/hFACjdf7yc
The music veterans are remaining tight-lipped about who they’re bringing along but they have promised their selections have been “thoughtfully chosen”.
With MacGowan, lead guitarist Philip Chevron (2013), bassist Darryl Hunt (2022) and long-time collaborator Kirsty MacColl (2000) now having passed away, the band will be roping in plenty of help on vocals and instrumentation.
Even though the gigs themselves will be coming at the of next spring, you can rest assured you’ll get to hear your beloved festive ballad.
Kicking off the tour right here in Leeds, The Pogues will play their first show in over a decade – and without Shane MacGowan front and centre – at the O2 Academy on Thursday 1 May 2025.
Leeds Festival have announced further names set to join the festival's lineup this summer.
Yep that's right, Bramham Park is set to welcome even more fabulous artists to Leeds Festival over August Bank Holiday weekend.
If we weren't already excited enough, now we really can't wait. Is it too early to start packing?
Just announced to be joining the lineup are the likes of Villanelle, December 10, Beth McCarthy, After, JD Cliffe, Untitled, Alex Spencer, unpeople, SINN6R, 54 Ultra, unpeople, Kibo and Camille Blackman.
Images: Supplied
Following the announcement of indie legends Blossoms’ special guest appearance, newly announced Leeds exclusive performances will come from Dylan John Thomas, The Clause, M60 and 4AM Kru.
Also announced is the return of Leeds Festival’s famed late-night home LS23 - which has become a fixture of the festival over the years.
Soundtracking late into the night and only found at Leeds Festival, this year’s lineup includes the likes of Lens, Soul Mass Transit System, ZERO, CROSSY, Osmosis Jones and more.
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave, Fontaines D.C. and more topping the bill.
For the first time ever, Kasabian will be performing a headline slot on the Thursday night amongst many more.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Leeds Festival 2026 is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
80s icons Duran Duran announce huge Leeds gig as part of UK tour
Clementine Hall
British pop-rock legends Duran Duran are heading out on tour and coming to Leeds.
The ‘Rio’ and ‘Girls on Film’ singers are still going strong nearly five decades on, after releasing their 16th studio album, Danse Macabre, back in October 2023.
Later this year, Duran Duran will be heading to first direct bank arena for a spectacular live show, bringing decades of chart-topping hits, legendary performances and unmistakable style to our city.
It's set to be a very special evening, as their night in Leeds will act as the closing night of the UK Tour.
Formed in Birmingham in 1978, Duran Duran became one of the defining bands of the 1980s and helped shape the global New Romantic movement.
Across a career spanning more than four decades, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned multiple BRIT Awards, Grammy Awards and an enduring reputation as one of Britain’s most influential pop-rock acts.
Known for their truly groundbreaking music videos, electrifying live shows and timeless catalogue, it's safe to say that Duran Duran continue to captivate audiences across generations.
Fans can expect an unforgettable night featuring some of the band’s biggest hits including Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, Girls on Film, Ordinary World, The Reflex and Save A Prayer.
Duran Duran will perform at Leeds' first direct bank arena on Saturday 24 October and they will be joined by special guests Pigeon.
Duran Duran tickets at Leeds' first direct bank arena go on general sale this Friday 5 June 2026, and you can get yours here.
Danny Jones -
20th November 2024 
