10 Things I’m Looking Forward to in 2026
Yeah, I go and see them every year; the 17th March at the Barrowlands is in the diary from one year to the next. I’ve loved Fingers since I first became aware of them at a Boys Brigade Camp in 1980 (yup the BB’s was the place I discovered punk). Jake Burns has, for me, has consistently been true punk in all that he has produced. Alternative Ulster and Suspect Device are obvious examples, but Each Dollar a Bullet and Harp are just as punk.
The big reason I’m looking forward to seeing Finger is simply this, they are cracking on and every time they come on tour I wonder if its going to be the last. Every opportunity to see SLF is a night to savour as I really do worry that each time may be the last. If you can get a ticket you should go…you just never know.
Scarborough Punk Festival
Spending the last weekend in March at the seaside has turned into a bit of an annual thing for my mates and me. This year there are a couple of new bands for me. I have never seen The Casualties before. The line up may have changed a bit, but they are still New York hardcore punk and to get a chance to see them will be a bit of a highlight of the weekend. The other new band for me is The Good, The Bad and the Zugly. I’d never heard of them when the line-up was announced, but having now listened to a blast of them, I cannot wait for a bit of Norwegian punk to go with my candy floss.
Chepstow Castle
The line up for this day out was just too much to say no to. Since I first heard them, I have loved The Scarlet Rebels. Any chance I have to see them is a chance I take. It will be great to see them headlining an outside gig in Wales. The undercard is a cracker too; Kris Barras has, for years now, been an outstanding guitarist who knows how to put on a show. I discovered The Virgin Mary’s last year, yup I was late to that particular party, and I loved them, they have never been off the earphones since. To top it off Juliet’s Not Dead. I like what I’ve heard but have never seen them live. I have however, seen Twister, their previous incarnation, and I always remember the efforts they made during covid to keep the music alive. It’s going to be a great day in south Wales.
Marillion – Amphitheatre of Pompeii
I’ve been a Marillion fan since ’83 and, whilst I was sorry when Fish left, I really love what the band have become over the last 10 years. The complexity of the instrumentation, the musicality of every album couples with the fantastic voice of Steve Hogarth make Marillion, in my view, one of the most musical live bands on the plant. This year they have decided to ramp it up a bit and play in Pompeii in the hight of July. My son and I will be taking the factor 50 along and hoping for a fantastic weekend of music. As a dad, getting away with my boy is always a highlight and there is not going to be much of a better combo then Marillion and spending time with him – a top highlight to look forward to.
The Moulin Rouge
Seriously! My wife’s nephew has managed to get a dancing gig here. He is only 19 and has grabbed the opportunity after years of hard work and training. Whilst I am expecting the Can-Can, I am told the show is pretty spectacular and it will be good to know a member of the cast. We are hoping to get a wee look around the back of it all when we head over. Wee bit different, but no worse for that.
Blondie – High Noon
Debbie and Co are planning a new release in spring. Johnny Marr makes a wee appearance on the record, but, more importantly, Clem Burke is laying down the beat. Who know what this album is going to sound like, what we do know, is that it will be the last one described as a Blondie album and that’ll make is special. They are one of the defining bands in terms of looks and sound who have endured since the 1970’s. I am hoping it’s a cracker.
Little Angels Reunion
Who doesn’t love a bit of Toby Jepson. I smiled when I heard about this reformation. I’ll be looking forward to big riffs, big solo’s and big grins when the Angels role into Glasgow in the back end of the year. Having Thunder’s Luke Morley in tow is a cracking addition too.
Stay Alive - The Life and Death of Stuart Adamson
I’ve always loved Big Country and though that channel I got into the Skids, perhaps the wrong way round but I got there. Stuarts guitar was iconic and, coming from Scotland, it was easy to be a fan. I was there for the Final Fling at the Barrowlands when he bowed out. Looking at that video again and again, one wonders what was going though this complicated guys mind that night. Perhaps this authorised biography will provide a hint. I’m looking forward to opening it.
The Undertones
Derry’s finest return to tour in the autumn, this time they are celebrating 50 years of great music. I wonder when they first gave Mars Bars a bash, did they think they’d still be around and filling big halls half a century later. Julie Ocean, When Saturday Comes and You Got My Number remain some of the finest pop/punk/new wave songs ever written and its always a pleasure to hear them. If you can get a ticket – do!
Ronnie Scott’s and the 100 Club
My wife and I have never been either to this iconic jazz club or this punk haven. We are going to sort both out on a trip to London this year. No idea what we are going to see in either venue, but I am simply looking forward to getting into these special places for a listen of whatever has made it there the nights we get along.
Who knows what else 2026 will bring. It’s going to be a hard year for live music particularly for smaller bands playing smaller venues. I’m going to try to get out to support as much as I can and also use that as an opportunity to spend time with those I love doing something we share a passion for. Bring it on.