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.
The Kooks @ The O2
Released in 2006, Inside In/Inside Out became one of the most beloved British albums of the 2000s, selling over two million copies and producing timeless hits such as Naïve, She Moves In Her Own Way and Seaside. Two decades on, those songs continue to resonate with a new generation — particularly through social media — helping The Kooks become one of the few bands from their era to experience a full-fledged revival among Gen Z fans.
The anniversary shows follow a huge year for The Kooks, who recently wrapped up their biggest headline tour to date, including a sold-out performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live and a career-defining night at London’s O2 Arena, which Rockshot Magazine went along to check out. The run coincided with the release of their seventh studio album Never/Know, which landed at No.5 on the UK Albums Chart — their highest-charting record since 2008.
The Kooks @ The O2
The album has been hailed as a creative rebirth, showcasing the band’s trademark melodic hooks and refined songwriting while exploring new sonic ground. Lead single Sunny Baby quickly became a fan favourite and soundtracked festival fields all summer long, including the band’s standout set at Reading Festival, where Rebel Wilson made a surprise appearance to perform Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise.
Formed in Brighton in 2004, The Kooks helped define the mid-2000s indie sound, but their enduring appeal has only grown over time. Their music has found new life across streaming platforms and TikTok, introducing the band’s jangly guitars and effortless charm to younger listeners.
As frontman Luke Pritchard reflected during their recent tour: “It’s mad to think how far these songs have travelled. What started in tiny clubs 20 years ago has somehow reached new people all over the world. We’re so excited to celebrate Inside In/Inside Out properly — under the stars, with everyone singing along.”
The Kooks @ The O2
Tickets for The Kooks’ 2026 outdoor shows go on artist pre-sale Wednesday 29 October at 10am, followed by venue pre-sale Thursday 30 October at 10am, and general sale Friday 31 October at 10am.
The Kooks 2026 Outdoor Dates:
JUNE
17th – Delamere Forest, Northwich
18th – Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough
19th – Live at The Piece Hall, Halifax
23rd – Bristol Sounds, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, Bristol
With a Top 5 album, sold-out arenas, and a new wave of fans embracing their music, The Kooks’ 2026 summer shows promise to be a jubilant celebration of one of the UK’s most enduring indie success stories — and a fitting tribute to the album that started it all.
Not Naïve – The Kooks Are Always Where They Need To Be At London’s O2 Arena
Share Thing