Swedish indie veterans The Cardigans are set to make their return to the UK stage this Saturday, June 27, with a performance at London's Hammersmith Eventim Apollo. This marks their first UK concert since 2018 and comes amidst a noticeable surge in interest for 1990s music, a trend that frontwoman Nina Persson suggests is contributing to the band's current touring schedule.
Speaking from Barcelona, Persson highlighted the band's enjoyment of their 2026 tour, noting a more celebratory atmosphere compared to previous years. She commented on the increased requests for performances, directly linking it to the wider resurgence of 90s culture. The band, formed in 1992, achieved international recognition with their 1996 hit 'Lovefool', which reached number two in the UK charts and gained significant airplay after its inclusion in Baz Luhrmann's film 'Romeo + Juliet'.
Despite a hiatus after their sixth studio album in 2005, The Cardigans reunited for touring in 2012. Guitarist Peter Svensson, however, has not rejoined for recent tours, having carved out a highly successful career as a producer and songwriter for artists including The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, and Ellie Goulding. Persson noted that the band had been experiencing a renewed interest from a new generation of fans even before the more recent reunions of other iconic 90s bands like Pulp and Oasis.
Persson attributes the band's sustained appeal, particularly for tracks like 'Lovefool', to their distinctive production style. She explained that The Cardigans incorporated a mix of retro instruments, synths, brass, and strings, setting them apart from the more traditional guitar-driven sound prevalent in the 90s. This unique approach, she believes, gives their music a timeless quality, allowing it to transcend its original era.
Reflecting on her relationship with their earlier material, Persson admitted to a period where she found it challenging, describing the songs as 'juvenile'. However, with time, she has developed a more accepting perspective, acknowledging the band's current success is largely built on nostalgic appeal. She expressed humility regarding their continued relevance, stating, "We're totally here on nostalgic grounds. People still think we're a good band and we can stand our ground, but it's not like we've made any new material..."