The Pogues Expand Rum Sodomy & the Lash 40th Anniversary Tour with New North American Dates
The Pogues Announce First North American Tour in 14 Years to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Rum Sodomy & the Lash
After a long hiatus from North American stages, Irish punk-folk legends The Pogues are set to reignite the spirit of their music with an anticipated tour this fall. With surviving members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Spider Stacy leading the charge, fans can finally experience the wild, celebratory energy of The Pogues live — 14 years after their last North American performance.
Kicking off their tour on May 1 at the O2 Academy Leeds, the band is also gearing up for a special run of U.S. and Canadian shows beginning in September. The North American leg will cover key cities including Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal, and New York — all while performing the classic 1985 album Rum Sodomy & the Lash in its entirety alongside beloved fan favorites.
While last year’s performances celebrated the band’s 1994 album Red Roses for Me — their first live show since the passing of iconic frontman Shane MacGowan in 2023 — this new tour is poised to be a heartfelt homage to their extensive catalog and enduring legacy. In a press release, the band summed up their excitement, declaring, “To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of our second LP, Rum Sodomy & the Lash, a veritable Super Session of musicians… will gather to rekindle the music on the record with a new fire.”
Known for their raucous and impassioned live shows, The Pogues will be joined by a stellar lineup of special guests that reads like a who’s who of contemporary folk and rock. Performers joining them include the dynamo Nadine Shah, soul-infused John Francis Flynn, and the eerie strains of ambient-folk band Lankum, as well as members from Nick Cave’s Bad Seeds. Expect a lively atmosphere filled with new collaborations and musical synergy as they celebrate this monumental milestone.
This tour isn’t simply a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it represents the joy of community and music that has persisted for forty years. Packed with raucous renditions, heartfelt tributes, and high times with both old fans and new, the nights will undoubtedly be a mix of cheers, tears, and wild revelry, rekindling an indelible passion for The Pogues’ sound, one pint at a time.
Here’s a complete list of The Pogues’ tour stops:
UK Tour Dates:
- May 1: Leeds, England – O2 Academy Leeds
- May 2: Birmingham, England – O2 Academy Birmingham
- May 3: London, England – O2 Academy Brixton
- May 6: Glasgow, Scotland – Barrowland
- May 7: Manchester, England – O2 Apollo Manchester
- May 8: Newcastle upon Tyne, England – O2 City Hall Newcastle
- May 11: Glasgow, Scotland – Barrowland
North American Tour Dates:
- September 5: Washington, D.C. – Lincoln Theater
- September 7: Boston, MA – Seisíun Festival
- September 8: Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
- September 10: Toronto, Ontario – History
- September 11: Montreal, Quebec – M Telus
- September 16: New York, NY – Terminal 5
- September 17: New York, NY – Terminal 5
This combined celebration of the past and future promises to be meaningful for die-hard fans and new audiences alike, making it a can’t-miss event for those who cherish the revolutionary spirit of The Pogues. Tickets are available now, and you won’t want to wait — the chance to raise a glass with these legends awaits, making for an unforgettable night of music, memories, and merriment.
