Idlewild announce a new tour for 2026

Fresh from the success and reception of their eponymously titled 10th studio album, Idlewild are pleased to announce a new tour for 2026. 

The shows follow the 30th anniversary of the band’s first live performance on the 19th January 1996, at the Subway in Edinburgh.

Formed thirty years ago in Edinburgh by vocalist Roddy Woomble, Guitarist Rod Jones and Drummer Colin Newton, the band have released ten studio albums and toured worldwide as a headline act, alongside as support to REM, U2 and Pearl Jam amongst others. For the last decade Idlewild’s line up has been completed by multi-instrumentalists Andrew Mitchell on bass and Luciano Rossi on Keyboards.  

Initially gaining a fanbase and reputation in the late 90’s for their raucous and chaotic live performances (with NME famously comparing their live sound to ‘A flight of stairs falling down a flight of stairs’) Idlewild’s punkrock sound evolved naturally over several albums into a unique, richly melodic alternative rock which took them into the UK-mainstream for several years. Later albums introduced elements of both art rock and folk rock to their classic sound, always underpinned by Woomble’s poetic lyrics and consummate gift for melody.  

Selected praise for ‘Idlewild’: 

“Idlewild have been making churning, majestic alt-rock anthems for decades… “Stay

Out Of Place” is a big, hearty anthem about life’s temporary nature.”

Stereogum

“That Idlewild are still going thirty years into a career is quite a feat. The fact they are

producing some of their best work seems almost absurd, and yet here we are.”

The Line Of Best Fit

“One of the most impactful records of their career. An exhilarating ride from start to

finish”

CLASH

“Another constellation of tiny pivots and pinprick emotions... a record worthy of their

name”

Mojo

“A catchy and affecting portrait of the many ages of Idlewild across one album”

Record Collector

“Hitting perfection between old and new.”

The Standard

“With a forward motion and ever-wisened vision from Woomble’s vivid and poetic

lyrics, the group’s 10th album follows on from 2019’s acclaimed ‘Interview Music’

with flourishes of Idlewild’s renowned anthemic past but without ever leaning on

pastiche – with Idlewild still living a world entirely of their own making.”

NME

“Full of wistful, widescreen indie-rock songs that make great use of Roddy

Woomble’s soulful baritone.”

The Guardian

“Their flame is still lit.”

DIY