James Blake, the Grammy-winning musician and producer, has officially announced a UK and European tour set for 2026 in support of his newly released album, Trying Times. The announcement came on March 13, 2024, coinciding with the album’s launch, and Blake expressed his excitement to connect with fans through a mix of new and classic music.
The tour will kick off with a headline performance at the O2 Academy Brixton in London on September 29. Following the London show, Blake will perform in several cities across Europe, including Utrecht, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, and Cologne throughout October. He is also scheduled to return to the UK for performances in Glasgow, Manchester, and Bristol later that month.
In a post on social media, Blake shared his enthusiasm, stating, “It was only a matter of time. Excited to announce the ‘Trying Times’ European tour. Can’t wait to play the new and celebrate the old with you.”
Tickets for the tour will go on general sale at 10:00 local time on March 20, 2024. Fans can also access a pre-sale starting at 11:00 on March 17, 2024, by signing up on Blake’s official website.
The confirmed tour dates are as follows:
September 29 – O2 Academy Brixton, London, UK
October 5 – TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, NL
October 8 – Cirque Royal, Brussels, BE
October 12 – Le Grand Rex, Paris, FR
October 15 – Astra Kulturhaus, Berlin, DE
October 18 – E-Werk, Cologne, DE
October 21 – SWG3 Galvanizers, Glasgow, UK
October 25 – New Century, Manchester, UK
October 28 – O2 Academy Bristol, Bristol, UK
In addition to the European tour, Blake will also be performing in North America this year to showcase Trying Times. He is slated to appear at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland in May 2024.
This latest project marks a significant moment for Blake, as it is his first independent studio album following his departure from Republic Records. He expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from fans, emphasizing that their backing has allowed him to pursue his musical vision without constraints.
“Trying Times is out now. This is my favourite record I’ve ever made,” he stated. “This would not be possible without the unbelievable dedication and genius of my collaborators.”
As anticipation builds for his upcoming tour and album, Blake continues to solidify his presence in the music industry, showcasing his evolution as an artist dedicated to delivering authentic and innovative work.
