Chesney Hawkes, once dubbed the quintessential British pop prince of the early ‘90s, has proved he’s more than just The One And Only. With a creative fire that burns brighter than ever, Hawkes is celebrating a year of musical and personal triumphs as he announces his 2026 Smash It To Pieces UK headline tour — a bold new chapter in a career that continues to evolve far beyond its nostalgic beginnings.
Chesney Hawkes
The announcement caps a whirlwind 2025 for the singer-songwriter, whose recent album Living Arrows signalled a stunning return to form. Released to critical and fan acclaim, the album earned BBC Radio 2’s coveted Album of the Week slot and flew into the Top 10 across numerous Official UK Charts, including Album Sales, Vinyl Albums, Independent Albums, and Album Downloads. For an artist more commonly known to many for his infectious 1991 hit, this chart resurgence marks something deeper — a moment of rediscovery, resilience, and redefinition.
At the heart of this new chapter is Living Arrows — a reflective, sonically rich body of work that confronts grief, celebrates legacy, and leans into life’s complexities with open arms. It’s also a deeply personal record, dedicated in part to Chesney’s best friend Vic, whose final words inspired the tour’s poignant title, taken from the opening lyric of lead single Live Forever.
“After the success of the ‘Live in 25’ tour, I can’t wait to hit the road again,” Chesney shares. “This time playing bigger venues in more towns and cities across the UK! Expect an even bigger and better party — with songs from the new album, the classics, and of course one or two surprises! There’s nothing I love more than playing live and seeing my fans. These are going to be special nights.”
If 2025 reminded us of Hawkes’ talents as a songwriter and recording artist, his return to the live stage has reaffirmed his enduring appeal as a performer. His UK dates earlier this year and support slot on James Blunt’s European tour saw him light up arenas with a blend of infectious energy, heartfelt storytelling, and a cross-generational stage presence that few peers can match. The live lineup features a true family affair — with brother Jodie Hawkes on drums and son Indiana Hawkes on guitar — adding another layer of emotional resonance to his performances.
Chesney Hawkes @ The Half Moon, Putney
Setlists across recent tours have mixed Hawkes’ early hits like I’m A Man Not A Boy with new favourites from Living Arrows — including Live Forever and Fall Into The Sun — alongside bold cover choices and impromptu crowd-pleasers. For long-time fans and new listeners alike, the experience has been nothing short of euphoric.
Chesney’s renaissance hasn’t been confined to music. His surprise rise to finalist on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year reintroduced his charm and sincerity to a whole new audience, reaffirming his status as a beloved British entertainer. But what’s perhaps most remarkable is how seamlessly he’s blended his pop culture presence with a mature artistic voice — one that speaks to themes of loss, love, friendship, and perseverance.
Bringing his infectious energy and heartfelt storytelling to more towns and cities than ever before, the Smash It To Pieces tour promises to be one of Chesney’s most emotionally charged and entertaining runs yet:
MARCH 2026
5th – Bath, Komedia
6th – Gloucester, Guildhall
7th – Kendal, Brewery Arts
8th – Glasgow, Oran Mor
10th – Carlisle, Old Fire Station
11th – Stockton, ARC Centre
12th – Leeds, Brudenell
13th – Manchester, Band On The Wall
15th – Barnsley, Birdwell Venue
16th – Norwich, Waterfront
17th – Colchester, Arts Centre
18th – London, Islington Assembly Hall
20th – Birmingham, O2 Academy
21st – Chester, The Live Rooms
22nd – Exeter, Phoenix
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