The Lemonheads performing their Love Chant Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Sunday 11th October 2026.

Review by Kevin Cooper

American alternative rock band The Lemonheads were at Rock City on Sunday night to showcase the release of their eleventh studio album, Love Chant and with Evan Dando remaining the sole original member of the band, it was clear that they still have the pulling power to attract a decent sized crowd.

The crowd did not know what to expect when Dando walked on to the stage, given that before their 1997 hiatus his drug problems were very well documented causing him then to be a very eccentric performer. But there was no evidence of his previous problems on Sunday night, and as opener The Great Big No started a twenty eight song set list, his instantly recognisable voice still sounded unique and unmistakable, fragile yet warm, vulnerable yet defiant showing the much loved Lemonhead sound is still solid.

They bookended new songs with a number of It’s A Shame About Ray songs such as My Drug Buddy, Hannah & Gabi and Rudderless. Classic Song Confetti drew the loudest reaction of the night, sounding every bit as affecting as it did three decades ago, transporting the crowd back to the 90’s.

Down About It from 1993’s Come On Feel The Lemonheads was full of hooks and charm and from the same album Big Gay Heart and Being Around encouraged the crowd to form a small mosh pit at the front.

There was the fuzzy rawness of new song Togetherness Is All I’m After and Deep End, the first single from Love Chant which could easily be mistaken for early Lemonheads. The band tore through Bit Part which sparked a massive sing along and exuberant dad dancing, before Smudge covers Tenderfoot and The Outdoor Type took the crowd on a trip down memory lane.

Dando is a natural performer who has always worn his heart on his sleeve. When he is engaged he is one of the most compelling front men, and along with bassist Farley Glavin and drummer John Kent the band delivered flashes of brilliance and glimmers of mayhem which will stay with the crowd for some time to come.

Led by the ever-charismatic Evan Dando, the ten date tour will begin in Sheffield on 30th September and includes dates in Bexhill, London, Norwich, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham before ending in Nottingham on 11th October.

Joining The Lemonheads as the tour’s very special guest will be the highly acclaimed American singer-songwriter Willy Mason, renowned for his unique blend of folk and indie rock that recalls Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along with the cynicism of grunge and punk.

TOUR DATES 2026

September

October

Tickets are now on sale

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