The legendary Celtic rock band The Pogues has officially announced an exciting 2025 U.K. tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their iconic second album, Rum Sodomy & the Lash. This highly anticipated tour promises to be a momentous occasion for fans and music lovers alike, as it marks a significant milestone in the band’s storied career.

This upcoming tour will be the band’s first live performance since their split in 2014, as well as their first since the unfortunate passing of their beloved frontman and lyricist, Shane MacGowan, in 2023. Fans can look forward to an incredible seven shows throughout May 2025, with performances scheduled in key cities including Leeds, Birmingham, London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle, bringing the spirit of their music back to the stage.

As detailed in an announcement on the band’s official website, the tour will feature founding members Spider Stacy, James Fearnley, and Jem Finer, alongside several undisclosed “special guests.” This gathering of talent promises to deliver an unforgettable celebration of the band’s legacy and the enduring impact of their acclaimed album as they take fans on a nostalgic journey through their rich musical history.

First released in August 1985, Rum Sodomy & the Lash stands as a pivotal work in The Pogues’ discography, produced by the acclaimed Elvis Costello. This album served as the follow-up to their debut, Red Roses for Me, which launched the band into the spotlight. Despite featuring beloved singles like “A Pair of Brown Eyes” and “Dirty Old Town” and receiving widespread critical acclaim, the album struggled to achieve commercial success, which was an unexpected outcome given its artistic merit and the band’s growing popularity.

Success finally followed with their subsequent album, 1988’s If I Should Fall from Grace with God, which became a significant cultural touchstone. This record featured the iconic and sometimes controversial holiday favorite, “Fairytale of New York.” Notably, it was also The Pogues’ highest-charting album in the U.S., peaking at No. 88 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a major milestone as their only album to enter the top 100, highlighting their evolving influence in the music scene.

Initially active from 1982 until 1996, The Pogues enjoyed a transformative journey in the music industry. They reformed in 2001 and continued to perform until 2014, however, during this latter period, the band did not release any new material, leading many fans to wonder about their future. Despite this, their live performances remained a cherished experience for fans, keeping the spirit of their music alive through dynamic shows.

The passing of the charismatic and enigmatic frontman, Shane MacGowan, in 2023 was a significant loss for the music community and seemed to signal the end of any future reunions. However, in a touching tribute during MacGowan’s funeral, Stacy, Fearnley, and Finer gathered with bandmate Terry Woods and Glen Hansard of The Frames to perform “The Parting Glass,” showcasing the bond and camaraderie among the band members. Additionally, on December 17, a special event will take place in Dublin, where Stacy, Fearnley, and Finer will host a celebration of Red Roses for Me, featuring performances from renowned groups such as Fontaines DC, The Pretenders, and The Mary Wallopers.

A recent statement from the band’s official website revealed that longtime drummer Andrew Ranken would not be participating in any reunion shows due to ongoing health challenges, which have unfortunately made performing impossible for him. This news underscores the complex and emotional journey of the band as they navigate their legacy and the impact of their music on fans around the world.