ShareMusical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are thrilled to announce their 2025 Autumn and Winter tour of their sensational dates across the UK, joined this year by one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, special guest Imelda May.
One of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, Imelda May has had many high-profile collaborations with Jeff Beck, and performed with music legends including Lou Reed, Bono, Tom Jones, Noel Gallagher, and Robert Plant. With a dynamic blend of blues, rock, soul, gospel, and jazz, Imelda’s self-written and produced album Love Tattoo remains the best-selling album by a home grown female artist in Ireland. Her electric performances promise an unforgettable experience for audiences.
Jools expressed his enthusiasm saying: “From the moment I first heard and saw her, I realized that she is one of the true greats of music who understands old and new music. Her ravishing voice can illuminate both ballads and boogie woogie like no one else.”
The tour will also mark an exciting new chapter as Ed Richardson is welcomed in as the orchestra’s new drummer, following the retirement of the legendary Gilson Lavis. After starting out together in Squeeze, Gilson became a cornerstone of Jools’ Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, keeping the beat over a span of several decades and retiring with an incredible legacy.
Reflecting on his new role, Ed says: “I’ve been a fan of Gilson since my dad first sat me down in front of the Hootenanny. His iconic style left an indelible mark on me. To now step into his shoes is both a challenge and an honour. I’ll do my utmost to continue his legacy and keep the drum chair as exciting as he made it!”
Fans will be thrilled to hear that the shows will once again feature the incredible ‘Queen of Boogie Woogie’ Ruby Turner, as well as the outstanding vocals of Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Together with the skilful musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools Holland will be performing songs from throughout his career. With a catalogue of classics to choose from, the show is sure to have fans on their feet!
TOUR DATES 2025
October
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Thu 30th | Cliffs Pavilion Southend |
| Fri 31st | Cliffs Pavilion Southend |
November
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Sat 1st | Corn Exchange Cambridge |
| Sun 2nd | Derngate Northampton |
| Thu 6th | Colosseum Watford |
| Fri 7th | Hexagon Reading |
| Sat 8th | Victoria Hall Stoke |
| Sun 9th | New Theatre Oxford |
| Wed 12th | Guildhall Portsmouth |
| Thu 13th | Forum Bath |
| Fri 14th | Bournemouth Pavilion |
| Sat 15th | G Live Guildford |
| Thu 20th | Royal Concert Hall Nottingham |
| Fri 21st | Royal Albert Hall London |
| Sat 22nd | Royal Albert Hall London |
| Thu 27th | De Montfort Hall Leicester |
| Fri 28th | City Hall Sheffield |
| Sat 29th | Symphony Hall Birmingham |
| Sun 30th | Symphony Hall Birmingham |
December
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Wed 3rd | O2 City Hall Newcastle |
| Thu 4th | Globe Stockton |
| Fri 5th | SEC Armadillo Glasgow |
| Sat 6th | SEC Armadillo Glasgow |
| Fri 12th | Plymouth Pavilion |
| Sat 13th | Brighton Centre |
| Wed 17th | Barbican York |
| Thu 18th | First Direct Arena Leeds |
| Fri 19th | O2 Apollo Manchester |
| Sat 20th | Utilita Arena Cardiff |
| Sun 21st | Bristol Beacon |
Tickets are now on sale
