Legendary rock band Pixies announce Manchester gig at leading arts venue for anniversary tour
Legendary band Pixies have announced a brand new global tour to mark an incredible landmark anniversary, and will be coming to one of our favourite Manchester venues.
The Boston rock icons are celebrating 40 years as a band in 2026, and as part of the newly announced ‘P40’ world tour, they have revealed a run of European dates and a dedicated leg of live gigs right here in the UK.
In terms of dates here in England, the Manc show is also one of just three, so count yourselves lucky.
With a fandom as die-hard as the one they’ve maintained for going on 40 years, you can expect this one to sell out rather quickly.
P40 • Celebrating 40 Years of PIXIES
— PIXIES (@PIXIES) September 23, 2025
2026 marks the 40th year since the bands formation.
In celebration we're pleased to announce that we're heading back on the road. Announcing the first of many tour dates for next year.
Tickets are on-sale on Friday morning:… pic.twitter.com/F7NItuKYsu
The major live plans will see founding members Black Francis, Joey Santiago and David Lovering, as well as bassist Emma Richardson, visit Britain, Ireland and beyond – including their very first performance at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall.
Seems hard to believe given their legacy, right?
As for the Manchester date, Pixies will be playing at our leading city centre arts and cultural venue, Aviva Studios, located right next to the banks of the River Irwell.
Not only a thriving live music space, but the home of Factory International’s hub here in Greater Manchester, it’s fast become one of our favourite places to watch a gig.
You can find the rest of the P40 UK/EU live shows down below.
Pixies’ 40th anniversary tour UK and Europe dates
- 20 May – Barbican, York
- 21 May – Alhambra theatre, Dunfermline
- 25 May – Aviva Studios, Manchester
- 28 May – Royal Albert Hall, London
- 31 May – Live at the Castle, Limerick
- 2 June – Olympia, Dublin
- 30 June – Zitadelle Spandau, Berlin
- 1 July – Parkbühne Clara-Zetkin-Park
- 2 July – myticket Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt
- 14 July – Parco Della Musica, Milan
- 17 July – Maassilo, Rotterdam
- 18 July – Muziekcentrum, Enschede
- 19 July – PLT, Heerlen
This announcement comes amid their ongoing worldwide tour, which kicked off back in August and wraps up this November.
Not only is it approaching four whole decades since their formation as a band, but it’s also 35 years since their groundbreaking Platinum-certified third album, Doolittle, and the 20th anniversary of their reunion at Coachella.
Commenting underneath the post, Factory International‘s official account replied: “Cannot wait to welcome you to Manchester.”
Tickets go on sale this Friday, 26 September at 10 – get ready to grab yours HERE.
Another groundbreaking group of musicians are celebrating the exact same milestone this year and couldn’t resist booking a Manchester date either.
Read more:
- Villanelle announce Manchester date on special UK/IE university tour
- Take That announce Etihad Stadium gig as they bring back legendary The Circus tour
- The Lottery Winners have announced their first headline stadium gig in Greater Manchester
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Featured Images — Travis Shinn (supplied)/Audio North