The Brand New Heavies will bring their 2026 UK tour to York Barbican on Thursday 19 March, with tickets on sale now. The run marks 35 years since the pioneering acid jazz group first formed, and they’ll be joined at every show by special guests Galliano.
With more than 2.5 million albums sold and a reputation for blending jazz, funk and hip-hop long before it became mainstream, The Brand New Heavies remain one of the most influential British groups of their era. Their catalogue includes big radio staples such as ‘Dream On Dreamer’, ‘Midnight At The Oasis’, ‘Back To Love’, ‘Sometimes’ and ‘You Are The Universe’. Platinum albums Brother Sister and Shelter cemented their position as key figures in the acid jazz movement.
Founder members Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy continue to lead the band, with Angela Ricci bringing her powerful vocals to the lineup once again. Known for exceptional live performances, the group have released three live albums across their career, demonstrating their enduring connection with audiences.
Joining them at all shows are Galliano, who released the first-ever single on the Acid Jazz label and scored a Top Ten hit with The Plot Thickens in 1994. After returning from hiatus in 2023, many of the original members remain in place, and they released their first album in almost three decades, Halfway Somewhere, in 2024.
The two bands share deep roots in the UK’s soul and jazz scenes, making this a rare opportunity to see both influential acts on the same bill.
The Brand New Heavies play York Barbican on Thursday 19 March 2026. Tickets are on sale here

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