Jools Holland announces Imelda May for autumn 2025 tour
Jools Holland has chosen Imelda May to join him and the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on the road for the 30-day 2025 autumn tour
Jools Holland is going out on the road with "one of the true greats of music", Imelda May.
The Squeeze piano player will kick off his 30-day tour beside the sea in Southend, Essex, where he will be getting fans on their feet as he performs songs from his back catalogue.
Joining the 67-year-old star and the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra is one of Ireland's most celebrated artists, Imelda May, whose self-written album 'Love Tattoo', where she perfectly blends blues, rock, soul, gospel, and jazz, has been named the best-selling record by homegrown female talent.
Jools said: "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.”
As well as the 50-year-old singer, Ed Richardson is stepping in as the orchestra's new drummer after replacing fellow Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, and he has admitted it is a "challenge" stepping into his idol's shoes.
He said: "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!”
The 66-year-old R+B 'I'd Rather Go Blind' hitmaker Ruby Turner will once again be accompanying Jools and the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, as well as top London venue performer Louise Marshall.
Sumudu Jayatilaka will also be singing to the expected packed auditoriums.
Tickets are on general sale from 10am on Friday, January 31.
To purchase, click here.
Full autumn UK tour 2025 dates:
October:
Thursday, October 30, Southend: Cliffs Pavilion
Friday, October 31, Southend: Cliffs Pavilion
November:
Saturday, November 1, Cambridge: Corn Exchange
Sunday, November 2, Northampton: Derngate
Thursday, November 6, Watford: Colosseum
Friday, November 7, Reading: Hexagon
Saturday, November 8, Stoke: Victoria Hall
Sunday, November 9, Oxford: New Theatre
Wednesday, November 12, Portsmouth: Guildhall
Thursday, November 13, Bath: Forum
Friday, November 14, Bournemouth: Pavilion
Saturday, November 15, Guildford: G Live
Thursday, November 20, Nottingham: Royal Concert Hall
Friday, November 21, London: Royal Albert Hall
Saturday, November 22, London: Royal Albert Hall
Thursday, November 27, Leicester: De Montfort Hall
Friday, November 28, Sheffield: City Hall
Saturday, November 29, Birmingham: Symphony Hall
Sunday, November 30, Birmingham: Symphony Hall
December:
Wednesday, December 3, Newcastle: O2 City Hall
Thursday, December 4, Stockton: Globe
Friday, December 5, Glasgow: SEC Armadillo
Saturday, December 6, Glasgow: SEC Armadillo
Friday, December 12, Plymouth: Pavilion
Saturday, December 13, Brighton: Centre
Wednesday, December 17, York: Barbican
Thursday, December 18, Leeds: First Direct Arena
Friday, December 19, Manchester: O2 Apollo
Saturday, Decemeber 20, Cardiff: Utilita Arena
Sunday, December 21, Bristol: Beacon
