10 THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026
System of a Down at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Though I’d rather it was just about anywhere other than a stadium, the news that System of a Down were returning to the UK for the first time in nine years was enough to lure me back into a huge venue. A band who very much soundtracked my time at secondary school (it turns out googling the lyrics to Cigaro on school computers can land you in a spot of bother!), I’ve never managed to catch them live. But that’s going to change in July, and I’ll definitely be getting to Tottenham Hotspur early for Queens of the Stone Age and Acid Bath too.
Black Stone Cherry Celebrate 20 Years
As someone who caught on to Black Stone Cherry early, the news that they would play their debut album in full on their upcoming tour was music to my ears. Though the band has grown hugely in popularity over the years, the likes of Rain Wizard and Lonely Train remain firm favourites with me; heavier and more raw than much of what followed, but with the flair for melody that has served Black Stone Cherry so well. Having seen the band many times over the years, the concept of two sets with an interval is an exciting one, and I can’t wait to see how the new material from the upcoming Celebrate EP is integrated.
Margate Rock Festival
A carefully curated indoor festival that deserves more love than it gets, Margate Rock Festival is for the connoisseurs. Less about big names and more about bands who should be on your radar but probably aren’t, I’ve been introduced to the likes of Lucifer, Wytch Hazel, TankZilla and more over the last couple of years. With Orange Goblin headlining year one and South of Salem stepping up in 2025, I’m buzzing to find out who’s next. And, with a change of venue apparently on the cards, there’s lots of questions to be answered over the next few months. In any case, the fact that my home town now has a dedicated rock festival is definitely worth getting excited about.
Deep Purple at the Eventim Apollo
A band I absolutely adore who I have continually missed in my 20 years of going to gigs, I thought it was time to rectify the situation. Like so many of the greats, you never quite know when it’s going to be your last opportunity to see them, and I’m not sure I want to go through life without hearing Highway Star or Space Truckin’ live. If they could just throw in the excellent Portable Door from 2024’s =1 album I’d be very happy indeed. I’ve heard great things about Jayler too, who have earned themselves a coveted support slot.
Def Leppard at the O2 Arena
Another band I’ve never seen live, I’m hoping to get down the front for this one (preferably on the side nearest Phil Collen!). It’s hard to imagine an evening in the company of Def Leppard being anything other than a good time - they’ve got more hits than you can shake a stick at and surely a fantastic show to match. Though always divisive, I’m happy to see Extreme on the bill too - it’s a bonus to get another band that I enjoy as part of the deal.
Marillion at the Eventim Apollo
I always thought I preferred Marillion with Fish on vocals, but now I find it a harder choice to make. Steve Hogarth has been up front for more than 30 years now, and the more I listen, the more enamoured I become. Footage of the band performing at the Royal Albert Hall convinced me that I needed to see Marillion live, and I’ve finally taken the plunge and got myself a ticket for one of their London shows this year. Guitarist Steve Rothery is one of my favourites, so I’m sure there’ll be goosebumps when he plays some of his beautiful solos, maybe even some tears.
New albums
If you know me reasonably well, you probably know that I have a lot of CDs. We’re talking well over 1000. But that won’t stop me buying more. And with HMV recently returning to Canterbury, my bank balance looks set to take a hammering in 2026. I’m especially looking forward to new releases by The Black Crowes, Jared James Nichols and Tyketto, but I’m sure there’ll be plenty of others along the way. I do like to treat myself to the odd LP too, but for that, I’ll be heading to Vinylstore Jr - highly recommended and always my preferred Record Store Day haunt (it’s on the 18th April this year, if you’re interested!).
Local gigs
I’m ticking a lot of big names off the bucket list this year, but that doesn’t mean I’m forgetting my local venues. As a huge Rosalie Cunningham fan, I’m delighted that she’s visiting Faversham’s Old Brewery Store later this year. I’m similarly thrilled that Martin Turner will be bringing his Wishbone Ash classics to the Red Arrow Music Club in Ramsgate next month. Adam Wakeman’s Jazz Sabbath hit Canterbury’s Gulbenkian in October, and Creeping Jean play Folkestone in May. There’s loads of great events out there if you know where to look; Keep an eye on venue websites and socials to make sure you’re not missing out.
Sammy Hagar bringing the Best of All Worlds to the O2 Arena
A bit of an accidental purchase (I asked my mum to check how much the tickets were, next thing she’s messaged to say she’s got them!), but I’m definitely not upset about it. In fact, I’m delighted. As the voice of Montrose, Van Halen and Chickenfoot, Sammy Hagar is established as part of rock history and has been involved in more than a few classic songs. I think I’ve almost forgiven him for fluffing the lyrics to Flying High Again during his Back to the Beginning performance last year! It’s an exciting triple bill, with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Jayler filling in the supporting slots.