British psychedelic rock outfit Spiritualized has announced a series of UK tour dates for December 2026, under the banner of 'Acoustic Mainlines'. The tour is set to commemorate two decades since the band's inaugural acoustic performances, which took place in 2006 around the creation of their 2008 album, 'Songs in A&E'.
Frontman J Spaceman, also known as Jason Pierce, reflected on the origins of these stripped-back shows, stating they provided a gentle means of returning to the stage following a period of serious illness. The initial acoustic sets were inspired by their support slots for Daniel Johnston at the Barbican in London, where they adopted a more intimate approach. These early performances also saw Spiritualized incorporating covers of Johnston's tracks, including 'Devil Town' and 'True Love Will Find You In The End'.
While the original 2006 acoustic performances featured only J Spaceman and guitarist Tony Doggen Foster, the upcoming 20th-anniversary tour promises a more elaborate presentation. J Spaceman confirmed that the new shows will recreate the acoustic experience with additional musicians, including string sections and a choir, building on how effectively this expanded format worked in subsequent performances. The setlist is expected to draw from their extensive back catalogue, alongside a selection of covers.
The 'Acoustic Mainlines' tour will commence on December 8th at the Albert Hall in Nottingham, followed by dates at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on December 9th and Halifax Minster on December 10th. The tour culminates with a performance at the Barbican in London on December 12th. Tickets for all dates are scheduled to go on sale tomorrow, Friday, June 12th, at 10am.
This tour follows a busy period for Spiritualized, who last year celebrated the 30th anniversary of their seminal album 'Pure Phase' with a full-album UK tour. In 2024, the band reissued their 2008 album 'Songs In A&E' with new artwork, and earlier this year, they participated in the BRITs War Child week of gigs. Their most recent studio album, 'Everything Was Beautiful', was released in 2022 and received critical acclaim for its densely orchestrated soundscapes.