The Pogues Announce 40th Anniversary Tour for Iconic Album

Bluesfest Tours has revealed plans for a special 40th Anniversary tour celebrating the iconic album Rum, Sodomy & the Lash by The Pogues. The band will perform three exclusive shows across New Zealand in April 2024, marking their first return to the country in 35 years. The concerts are expected to attract a significant audience, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of folk-punk’s most influential groups.

This unique celebration will take place on the following dates:
– April 8, 2024, at St James in Wellington
– April 9, 2024, at Town Hall in Christchurch
– April 11, 2024, at NZICC Theatre in Auckland

Tickets are currently available through Ticketmaster.

The Pogues, featuring original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Spider Stacy, will perform Rum, Sodomy & the Lash in its entirety, along with a selection of their greatest hits. This special line-up also includes acclaimed guest vocalists Daragh Lynch, Iona Zajac, and John Francis Flynn.

The album, released in 1985, has been celebrated for its raw energy and poetic lyrics, earning a place among Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Classic tracks such as “A Pair of Brown Eyes,” “Dirty Old Town,” and “A Rainy Night in Soho” have resonated with fans for decades, solidifying The Pogues’ status as pioneers in the music industry.

In addition to their New Zealand shows, The Pogues are part of the impressive line-up for Bluesfest 2026 in Australia. This festival will feature numerous world-class artists, collectively boasting sales of tens of millions of albums, multiple GRAMMY Awards, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors. The return of The Pogues to the stage promises to be a spirited celebration of their significant contribution to modern music.

The anticipation surrounding this tour reflects the band’s lasting impact on the genre, with fans eager to experience the unique blend of traditional Irish music and punk rock that defines The Pogues. As they prepare to take the stage, the upcoming concerts are poised to deliver a memorable experience for both new listeners and long-time fans alike.