Jake Shears Is The Last Man Standing

by | May 24, 2023

Scissor Sisters man Jake Shears has shared his new single Last Man Dancing, the title track from his much-anticipated sophomore solo album which drops on 2nd June. Shears will take Last Man Dancing out on the road this summer with an intimate, quickly-sold out run of UK shows, international festivals including Glastonbury and Mighty Hoopla, plus in-store events for week of release also now confirmed.

Jake Shears @ The O2

A universal message told in novelistic detail, Last Man Dancing is a reminder to keep moving whatever life throws at you. Portraying a cast of misfits alone (but together) in a bar scene, the track’s soaring, Abba-esque melody is partnered with a moving lyric – “finally I’m feeling / something like alive / I don’t care if it’s happening / at quarter past five”that has the immediate feel of another Jake Shears classic. The video brings the vibrant world of the album artwork to life; a chaotic house party in which the 44-year-old earns his trophy not just as the ‘Last Man Dancing’, but also as one of this generation’s most influential pop stars.

Jake Shears @ The O2

Last Man Dancing was introduced in irresistible style earlier this year with the redemptive disco groove of Too Much Music, and followed by recent single I Used To Be In Love (a symphonic blast of house, hedonism, and finding yourself right at home in a crowd of strangers). The record was conceived between the US, Portugal, and London – where Jake relocated from his New Orleans home during the pandemic – alongside the sort of head-turning guestlist that, in Shears’ cross-pollinating universe, also makes total sense: from Amber Martin and Boys Noize to Big Freedia, Kylie Minogue, and cameos from Jane Fonda and Iggy Pop.

Jake Shears @ The O2

Check out the Lynne Page-directed video for Last Man Standing below:

The results already sound like the record Shears was born to make – taking a lifelong affair with club culture towards new heights (and on its second half, almost dystopian depths). In a polymathic career which variously takes in multi-million global album sales, Brits, Ivor Novellos, an acclaimed memoir, a Broadway show, plus his Olivier-Award-winning musical Tammy Faye, Shears’ pull to keep moving has remained a constant: whether in the heat of the dance floor, or in creating cathartic and unconventional art. As the man himself puts it: “while not everyone might make it to the end, it’s the last ones dancing who are rewarded with the most magical moments.”

Jake Shears @ The O2

With work that still speaks evenly to the margins and the masses, Jake Shears’ new solo album will continue a whirlwind of activity for the Scissor Sisters’ frontman. Recent appearances range from Radio 2’s Piano Rooms (where he was joined by Pet Shop Boys frontman Neil Tennant and the BBC Concert Orchestra) and Saturday Night Takeaway to a surprise appearance at queer London nightclub House Of Trash, the Aladdin Sane tribute at London’s Southbank Centre, and an arena tour with Duran Duran.

Jake Shears @ The O2

Upcoming UK live dates:

MAY
30th – SWG3 Warehouse, Glasgow

JUNE
1st – Concorde 2, Brighton
2nd – Village Underground, London
4th – Mighty Hoopla Festival, London
5th – Rough Trade East, London (In Conversation & Signing)
24th – Glastonbury Festival (Avalon Stage), Somerset
28th – Lytham Festival, Lytham

JULY
8th – Pride, Bristol
23rd – Splendour Festival, Nottingham

AUGUST
25th – Lost Village Festival, Lincolnshire (DJ Set)
27th – Pride, Manchester

Live photography of Jake Shears by Kalpesh Patel @ The O2 Arena, London

Duran Duran Bring Hits And Deep Cuts To The O2

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam @ BST Hyde Park 2022 (Simon Reed)

Matt Cameron Departs Pearl Jam After 27 Years Amidst Wave Of Drummer Changes In Rock

After nearly three decades behind the kit, Matt Cameron has announced his departure from Pearl Jam. The legendary drummer, 62, shared the news via social media on 7th July, marking the end of a 27‑year tenure that began in 1998. His departure comes in the wake of the band’s Dark Matter World Tour, which concluded earlier this year.

Sydney Rose @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Sydney Rose Shines In Mid-Afternoon Magic On The Rainbow Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

While headliner Noah Kahan was preparing to command the Great Oak Stage later in the evening, over on the Rainbow Stage a quieter but equally stirring performance was unfolding under the soft mid-afternoon sun. Georgia-born singer-songwriter Sydney Rose brought her headline tour to a moving finale, wrapping her journey in heartfelt lyrics and gently fierce vocals that captivated a festival crowd seeking intimacy amid the day’s growing energy.

Gigi Perez @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Gigi Perez Captivates London With Raw Emotion And Rising-Star Power At BST Hyde Park 2025

At just 25 years old, Gigi Perez has already carved out a reputation as one of indie-pop’s most compelling new voices — and her late afternoon set on the Great Oak Stage at BST Hyde Park proved exactly why. Supporting headliner Noah Kahan and following a string of breakout moments this year, the Hackensack, New Jersey native delivered a deeply affecting performance filled with vulnerability, power, and soaring vocals

Paris Paloma @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Paris Paloma Brings Barefoot Magic To The Rainbow Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

In a festival rich with soaring choruses and star power, it was Paris Paloma’s barefoot grace and gothic romanticism that carved out one of the day’s most mesmerising sets. Taking to The Rainbow Stage on a golden midsummer afternoon, the Derbyshire singer-songwriter captivated her growing legion of fans with an intimate, emotionally charged performance that felt part séance, part storybook.

FINNEAS @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

FINNEAS Warms Up London With Heart And Humour Before Noah Kahan’s Headline Set At BST Hyde Park 2025

It’s not every day that a support slot feels like a moment of main event magic, but FINNEAS — the GRAMMY®-winning songwriter, producer, and solo artist — brought just that to the Great Oak Stage at BST Hyde Park on Friday. Performing ahead of headliner Noah Kahan and main support Gracie Abrams, the 27-year-old delivered a slick, emotionally charged set that balanced heartfelt sincerity with tongue-in-cheek charm.

Noah Kahan @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Northern Attitude In London: Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams & Friends Light Up BST Hyde Park 2025

It was, as the name requires, the perfect summer's day for British Summer Time Hyde Park on Friday. The sun was...
The Raven Age @ London Stadium (Kalpesh Patel)

Heirs To The Throne? The Raven Age Blaze Their Own Trail Supporting Iron Maiden At The London Stadium

On a scorching June evening that would culminate with the almighty Iron Maiden setting London Stadium ablaze, the...
Olivia Rodrigo @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Sophia Carey)

Olivia Rodrigo Proves That London Is Her Favourite City At BST Hyde Park 2025

British Summer Time is officially underway in Hyde Park, and the unbearable heatwave will continue to remind us all of...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing