The legendary English rock band The Soft Boys delighted fans with an unexpected reunion performance during Yo La Tengo’s beloved annual Hanukkah Residency in New York City. This event is a highlight of the holiday season for music lovers, showcasing unique collaborations and special guest performances.

This remarkable reunion unfolded on the fourth night of Yo La Tengo’s festive holiday celebration, specifically on Saturday, December 28. The evening was further enhanced by a captivating opening act from Robyn Hitchcock, who is closely associated with The Soft Boys, providing a nostalgic atmosphere that fans cherished.

After an exhilarating 16-song set that included a memorable performance of “The Race is on Again” featuring Kimberley Rew of The Soft Boys, the encore brought a wave of excitement as Rew returned to the stage alongside his former bandmates, Hitchcock and Morris Windsor. This collaborative spirit truly captured the hearts of the audience.

Joining the performance was Rew’s partner, Lee Cave-Berry, who contributed his talents on bass for an engaging five-song set that began with the fan-favorite “Queen of Eyes.” The set also showcased the powerful track “I Wanna Destroy You” as its penultimate number. Additionally, the band treated the audience to a series of stellar covers, including Eric Von Schmidt’s “Baby, Let Me Follow You Down,” The Velvet Underground’s iconic “Run Run Run,” and they concluded with the unforgettable Beatles classic, “It’s All Too Much.” Each song resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the band’s enduring legacy.

Originally formed in 1976, The Soft Boys released two critically acclaimed albums—1979’s A Can of Bees and 1980’s Underwater Moonlight—before their first breakup in 1980. While Robyn Hitchcock embarked on a successful solo career, Kimberley Rew gained substantial recognition as a co-founder of the new wave group Katrina and the Waves, best known for their 1985 chart-topping hit “Walking on Sunshine.” Their distinct contributions to music have solidified both artists’ places in rock history.

The band made a notable return in 1994, followed by another reunion in 2001, which produced their final studio album, Nextdoorland. Tragically, bassist Matthew Seligman, who joined the group in 1979 after the departure of founding member Andy Metcalfe, passed away in 2020, marking a significant loss for the music community and a poignant reminder of the band’s rich history.

It’s important to note that this recent performance isn’t the first instance of The Soft Boys members collaborating on stage in recent times. During Hitchcock’s U.K. tour in August and September, Rew, Cave-Berry, and Windsor joined him for several songs. These moments highlight the ongoing musical synergy and friendship among the band members, much to the delight of their dedicated fans.