UK Decay announce 2025 gigs and vinyl release

UK Decay announce 2025 gigs and vinyl release


Post-punk pioneers UK Decay are booking gigs for 2025 and are planning a vinyl re-release of their seminal album For Madmen Only, plus a release of their early John Peel Sessions and singles.


The band are booked to appear at next year’s Forever Now Festival on Sunday 22nd of June 2025 at the Milton Keynes Bowl. UK Decay will be appearing alongside Kraftwerk, Public Image Limited, The – The, Psychedelic Furs, Jesus and the Mary Chain, Johnny Marr and old friends such as Death Cult, Theatre of Hate and Peter Murphy. With further dates in the UK and Europe to be announced.


Formed in Luton in 1979, UK Decay built a large and dedicated international fan base on the back of politically charged, thunderous releases, and high intensity gigs. Described as ‘The Cult before The Cult’ by one journalist, their dark, angular music saw them inadvertently name and lead what was to be later called the ‘Goth’ scene. The ‘Goth’ tag was named after a passing tongue in cheek comment by singer Abbo in a Sounds interview with journalist Steve Keaton.


Released in 1981, For Madmen Only is the band’s debut album. While a CD version was released some 15 years ago, this new vinyl version will be released through Rough Trade Shops on heavy 180-gram vinyl and will be re-mastered from the original tapes. The band are also planning to license the rights for their two John Peel Sessions – and include those together with their early singles on a further vinyl release


Commenting on the upcoming gigs and releases, singer Abbo said, “I had no interest in being part of a band again, but when we reviewed the offer from Forever Now Festival it sparked a flame, and a voice said, “get out there again and try and be a voice for good in these unjust times”.


Guitarist Spon added: “It’s great to be rising from the dread in 2025 and mark mid-summer at Forever Now. This will not be the only Home Counties show we’re planning but this gig will be like no other. Stick it in your diaries!”


Drummer Ray said: “Playing Milton Keynes Bowl is mental. That’s the place Bowie owned back in 1983, right? That gold suit and everyone having to get hosed down by security because of the heat. We’re all looking forward to reanimating the mighty Decay – it’s what the world needs right now.”


Bassist Ed wrapped things up, Yes, it’s exciting.


Tickets for Forever Now can be found at www.forevernowfestival.co.uk, axs.com and ticketmaster.co.uk. Details on how to order and purchase the vinyl releases will be announced on the band’s social channels.

Please feel free to copy or share the below images

We are performing at Forever Now at the MK Bowl in June 22, 2024

A night to unwind at the O2

Steve Ignorant’s – Slice of Life, Frankie B’s – At Night We Cry and Cambridge’s very own Freedom Faction and a wonderful crowd , joined us for a mega night to unwind at the O2 Academy, Islington, London last Saturday. Big thanks to all of the artist’s mentioned above, plus Frank Flag, Jason and the O2 technical crew and staff for making the show run pretty much glitch free. We really enjoyed ourselves and thought all the other bands and the audience were fantastic, the O2 is well set up technically for bands, apart from the countless flights of stairs between the stage and the dressing rooms.

The only regret is that we didn’t get chance to meet up with everyone afterwards, the management needed everyone out, so they could open the night club in time.

Video by puremania7777

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Louder Than War review of NHFTD album

With one crashing blow, UK Decay have rewritten the rules of engagement for supposed ‘comeback’ albums and redefined the term ‘Punk’ for the modern age. Make no mistake about it, this is no sentimental rehash of a sound from over 30 years ago, this is a seismic explosion of anger unleashed in a sound that emanates from both Heaven and Hell depending on your current stand-point. Louder Than War

Opening salvo

Writing from a bunker hidden from the world’s reality here in the Llyn Peninsula , North Wales , I just wanted to send a big note of appreciation to all you that offered up such great hospitality in Helsinki (yes , the birthday party post gig was class ) and Berlin , and of course back home in London . We’re firing on all cylinders again , there is New Hope For The Dead , there are a lot of of you to hook up with in your home towns out there , the beers are on me , see you sooner ………