Irish genre-benders Hothouse Flowers will return to Australia in February 2026, marking their first appearance on local stages in 20 years.
Blending elements of Irish folk, American gospel, and rock ’n’ roll, the Dublin group have carved out a distinct place in the musical landscape since forming in 1985. What began as street busking soon evolved into a career that saw them play international stages, win critical acclaim, and build a reputation as one of Ireland’s most enduring live acts.
Their debut album People (1988) became the most successful debut in Irish chart history, hitting No.1 in Ireland and No.2 in the UK. Propelled by the success of the single “Don’t Go” — still their most streamed track — the album confirmed the band’s knack for weaving raw musicality with emotional directness. Its follow-up Home (1990) continued that trajectory, featuring a cover of Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now, which found renewed visibility through its use in the opening sequence of The Grand Tour in 2016.
The band’s third studio album Songs From the Rain (1993) further cemented their standing, followed by a run of live performances and studio releases that underscored their adaptability and longevity. Their most recent release, Let’s Do This Thing (2020), maintains the band’s focus on heartfelt songwriting and stylistic fusion.
Hothouse Flowers have long been known for the spontaneity and variation of their shows. No two sets are the same — a mix of rehearsed and improvised, song and story, silence and intensity. Their concerts move easily between traditional Irish ballads and gospel-tinged soul, with a sense of humour and emotional weight that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Their upcoming Australian tour offers local fans a rare opportunity to witness the group’s evolution firsthand — and to reconnect with one of Ireland’s most storied musical exports.
HOTHOUSE FLOWERS TOUR DATES 2026
Wednesday, February 11: Astor Theatre, Perth
Friday, February 13: Factory Theatre, Sydney
Saturday, February 14: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Wednesday, February 18: The Gov, Adelaide
Thursday, February 19: The Triffid, Brisbane
Saturday, February 21: Tuning Fork, Auckland
Tickets HERE.
