Two of the most distinctive and influential forces in New Wave and alternative culture, The B-52sand DEVO, are today announcing two unmissable UK co-headline shows for June 2026 including Manchester’s AO Arena on Sunday 21 June, with special guests The Rezillos and Lene Lovich.
These UK shows are the next stop on the bands’ critically acclaimed Cosmic De-Evolution tour, which recently took to the US and Canada. Both bands had previously embarked on farewell runs in the early 2020s, but after joining forces on SNL, the reception for their US shows reignited demand from fans across the globe, setting the stage for this celebration of new wave in the UK next summer.
The UK dates will mark The B-52s’ first performances on these shores since 2019. Led by original co-founders Fred Schneider (vocals), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), and Cindy Wilson (vocals), the band have continued to captivate audiences with shows built around their colourful, danceable and era-defining catalogue. They remain one of the most iconic and influential American bands of the last four decades.
This renewed energy mirrors that of DEVO, fronted by original members Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Gerald Casale (vocals, bass, keyboards) and Bob Mothersbaugh (guitar, vocals). In 2023, the New Wave provocateurs launched their 50 Years of De-Evolution tour alongside a career-spanning compilation album, reigniting global interest in their innovative fusion of art rock, synth pop and punk. Their US run with The B-52s has proved a highlight of the live calendar, and now brings the two groups together on UK soil in 2026.
Completing the bill are Scottish punk legends The Rezillos, whose cult status was forged through their Top 10 debut album Can’t Stand the Rezillos and a string of underground classics. Known for their high energy blend of Sixties garage rock attitude, off kilter pop sensibility and technicolour punk theatricality, The Rezillos will bring their explosive live show to proceedings.
Opening the evening will be the iconic Lene Lovich, a beloved figure of New Wave whose theatrical, avant pop style and cult classics have left an enduring imprint on alternative music.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 5 December 2025 at 10am via www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/
