Indie legend Paul Heaton announces Leeds gig with Lightning Seeds as part of major 2026 UK tour

Indie-pop legend Paul Heaton has announced his brand-new album, Jenius, alongside a huge UK tour that will see him return to Leeds’ First Direct Bank Arena this autumn.

Heaton’s 11th solo album, produced by Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds, will be released on August 21, 2026. It features the new single Favourite Kind of Idiot, which is out now.

Returning to Leeds on October 31, the tour will feature songs spanning Heaton’s career, including classic tracks from The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, alongside material from his extensive solo catalogue.

Heaton first rose to prominence in the early 1980s as frontman of The Housemartins, alongside bassist Norman Cook, now better known as Fatboy Slim. The band released two albums before splitting in 1988.

Heaton went on to form The Beautiful South in 1988, with the group releasing 10 successful studio albums. He launched his solo career in 2001 before focusing on solo work full-time following the band’s split in 2007.

A string of successful solo albums followed, along with five collaborative albums with former Beautiful South singer Jacqui Abbott. In 2022, Heaton received the Outstanding Song Collection award at The Ivors in recognition of his decades-long songwriting career.

When is Paul Heaton performing in Leeds?

Paul Heaton will perform at Leeds’ First Direct Bank Arena on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

When and where can I get tickets to see Paul Heaton in Leeds?

Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 5, at 9.30am via the First Direct Bank Arena website.

All tickets will be priced at an affordable £39.50 plus booking fees.

Special guests The Lightning Seeds will support the tour.