Hayden Thorpe, former frontman of indie band Wild Beasts, has announced three UK live shows for November 2026 where he will perform the band's songs solo. The performances mark his first revisit of the material in nine years. Tickets go on sale April 7.
Hayden Thorpe co-founded Wild Beasts in 2002, and the group released five albums before disbanding in 2017: Limbo, Panto in 2008, Two Dancers in 2009, Smother in 2011, Present Tense in 2014, and Boy King in 2016. Thorpe has since pursued a solo career, releasing three albums, including 2024's Ness and contributing to a sound installation called WETLANDS at London's Walthamstow Wetlands, running until June. Bandmate Tom Fleming has also continued under the name One True Pairing, with his second solo album Endless Rain in 2024. The announcement coincides with the 20th anniversary of Wild Beasts' debut single, Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants. Thorpe chose venues tied to the band's history: Brewery Arts in Kendal as their cultural headquarters, Hoxton Hall in London for a breakthrough Two Dancers show, and Brudenell Social Club in Leeds where they matured as musicians. Thorpe said, “I’ve come to learn that as time passes, the heart’s connections do not fade and the potency of the music remains strong.” He added that fans often share how much the songs mean to them, and he has missed them himself, prompting him to revisit the high notes. “I’m thrilled to be taking this moment to celebrate the shared history we all have with Wild Beasts music,” he stated. The shows are scheduled for November 14 at Brewery Arts in Kendal, November 17 at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, and November 19 at Hoxton Hall in London. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 7, at 10am local time, with pre-sales available now.