HotWax Unveil Extensive 2026 UK Tour

Rising Hastings trio HotWax have confirmed a substantial UK and European headline tour for early 2026, marking a major milestone in the wake of their acclaimed debut album, Hot Shock. The 22-date run is scheduled across January and February, taking in independent venues, established city stages and select European dates, and further cementing the band’s reputation as one of Britain’s most exhilarating new live acts.

The opening four UK shows form part of Independent Venue Week, underlining HotWax’s longstanding commitment to grassroots music spaces. The remaining UK dates are presented in partnership with the Music Venue Trust, a collaboration that reflects the band’s vocal support for the sustainability of small and mid-sized venues. Support on the tour will come from fellow high-energy acts Jeanie and the White Boys and Slag, promising consistently explosive line-ups throughout the run.

Released in March 2025, Hot Shock quickly made an impact on the UK charts, debuting at number one on the UK Record Store Chart and breaking into the UK Top 40. The album was named Rough Trade’s Album of the Month and attracted widespread critical praise for its raw power, melodic punch and visceral honesty. Its success has continued well beyond release: most recently, Hot Shock placed at number 16 in Rough Trade’s Top 25 Albums of the Year. To coincide with this recognition, the band issued a limited-edition silver vinyl capturing their live performance at Rough Trade East in London, recorded last March.

Before the album’s arrival, HotWax had already built formidable momentum through two well-received EPs and an intense touring schedule. Over the past 18 months alone, the trio have played more than 200 shows, appearing at major festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Mad Cool, All Points East and Download, while also supporting the likes of Royal Blood, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Deap Vally. Their ferocious stagecraft and boundless energy caught the attention of producer Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Wolf Alice) during a packed, sweat-soaked show at Third Man Records’ Blue Basement. According to frontwoman Tallulah, Marks was determined to capture the unfiltered party atmosphere of that night on record.

To realise that vision, HotWax assembled an all-female production team, with Marks co-producing alongside Steph Marziano. Recording sessions included a live run-through at London’s legendary RAK Studios with friends packed into the room, as well as additional work in Joshua Tree with Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgawa. The result is an album engineered for maximum impact in a live setting, yet threaded with moments of vulnerability shaped by life on the road.

Key Facts at a Glance

With their 2026 tour, HotWax look set to translate studio acclaim into another blistering chapter on stage, reaffirming their status as a band best experienced at full volume, in a crowded room.