Photography: Truck Festival 2017

There are punk shows, and then there are Hot Water Music shows where sweat, heart, and community all melt together into something bigger than just a gig. When the Common Thread Tour rolled into London’s Roundhouse, it wasn’t just another date on the calendar; it felt like a celebration of everything punk rock stands for: passion, honesty, and a damn good sing-along.

British indie favourites The Kooks have announced a run of major outdoor concerts for summer 2026, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their era-defining debut album Inside In/Inside Out.

The four-date run will see the band take over some of the UK’s most scenic open-air venues, kicking off at Delamere Forest, Northwich on 17th June, before heading to Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Live at The Piece Hall, Halifax and Bristol Sounds at Canons Marsh Amphitheatre.

British punk pioneers The Damned have announced details of their new album Not Like Everybody Else, a powerful collection of covers recorded in tribute to the band’s founding guitarist Brian James, who passed away in March 2025. The album is set for release on 23rd January 2026, marking both a poignant farewell and a full-circle moment for one of the most influential bands in punk history.

Rising British rock outfit The Molotovs took over Camden’s Electric Ballroom a sold-out show that cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting young live acts in the country. The gig came just days before the release of their new single Rhythm Of Yourself, out 31st October via Marshall Records, as the teenage sibling duo aim for a remarkable third consecutive UK No.1 physical single.

Liverpool four-piece Courting release the deluxe edition of their acclaimed album, How to Thread the Needle and Come Out the Other Side to Tell the Story, Or: ‘Lust for Life’, out now via Lower Third Recordings.

Best known as the magnetic frontman, guitarist and songwriter for space-rave pioneers HENGE, Matthew C. Whitaker steps...

Guitar pop visionary Ben Cook — formerly known as Young Guv — has announced his new album Warmer Than Gold, set for release on 30th January. The record marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Cook’s long-running project, now simply known as GUV, and arrives with the vibrant lead single Let Your Hands Go.

Rising electronic pop artist Sophie Grey. returns with a dazzling new take on Video Killed the Radio Star, reworking the Buggles’ 1979 classic into a lush, synth-driven dreamscape. The single — out now — arrives as Sophie prepares to open for Sting across three London shows later this month as part of her global Middle of October tour.