After more than five decades of shaping the landscape of post-punk, industrial, and experimental music, Cabaret Voltaire has announced their final UK tour. The 11-date run, set to take place in October 2026, will see co-founders Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson bid farewell to live performances as they celebrate the extraordinary legacy of one of Britain’s most influential bands.
A Last Lap Around the Block
The announcement comes shortly after Cabaret Voltaire’s 50th-anniversary show in Sheffield on October 25, 2025, part of the Sensoria Festival—a fitting prelude to what promises to be an emotional and historic tour. In a heartfelt statement, Mallinder reflected on the significance of this final chapter:
“What a wonderful opportunity to go round the block one more time and share that with one of the most unique and spectacular artists we know,” he said. “The connective tissue between ourselves, our history, and the world Gazelle Twin now conjures up, will be out there and shared with people. It seems like a special, magical moment.”
Joining them on all dates is multidisciplinary artist Elizabeth Bernholz, better known as Gazelle Twin, whose avant-garde approach aligns seamlessly with Cabaret Voltaire’s pioneering spirit. Bernholz expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Pinch me. Go on. I’m feeling excessively lucky at the prospect of touring with Cabaret Voltaire in 2026. They are electronic music pioneers, but also the loveliest, kindest folk in music that I could ever hope to share the stage with.”
A Legacy Spanning Decades
Founded in 1973 by Mallinder, Watson, and the late Richard H. Kirk, Cabaret Voltaire emerged as trailblazers in the UK’s post-punk and industrial scenes. Their innovative sound evolved over the years, incorporating elements of ambient, house, techno, and dub, leaving an indelible mark on generations of musicians. Though Kirk passed away in 2021, his influence continues to resonate through the band’s work.
Their most recent studio album, Shadow of Fear (2020), marked their first release in 26 years and reaffirmed their relevance in contemporary music. This final tour not only honors their storied past but also celebrates their enduring impact on experimental music culture.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
Kicking off on October 10, 2026, at Birmingham’s Town Hall, the tour will traverse cities such as Liverpool, Nottingham, Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, and London. The journey concludes with a poignant homecoming performance at Sheffield’s Octagon on October 25, exactly one year after their anniversary show.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 31, at 10 a.m. GMT, with a pre-sale beginning Thursday, October 30, at the same time. Fans can secure their spots via the official ticketing links provided on the band’s website.
The Full Tour Schedule
Here are the confirmed dates for Cabaret Voltaire’s farewell UK tour:
October 2026
10 – Birmingham, UK @ Town Hall
11 – Liverpool, UK @ Arts Club
13 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
14 – Cardiff, UK @ Tramshed
15 – Bath, UK @ Forum
17 – Newcastle, UK @ Boiler Shop
18 – Glasgow, UK @ Barrowland
19 – Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall
21 – Bexhill, UK @ De La Warr Pavilion
22 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
25 – Sheffield, UK @ Octagon
Cabaret Voltaire’s final UK tour in 2026 marks the end of a legendary 50-plus-year journey, with performances across Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, London, and more, culminating in a hometown show in Sheffield.