Ron Sexsmith, who has just released the new album, “Hangover Terrace“, will tour the UK and Ireland in 2026 with his band (Don Kerr on drums, who has toured with him since 1987, and Jason Mercer on bass since 1996). Tickets are available here. Sexsmith and his band made their last appearance in the UK in November 2024 with his acclaimed “Sexsmith at Sixty” tour before he extended his stay to record a new album at London’s Eastcote Studios with long-time collaborator Martin Terefe. The trip had sparked a wave of inspiration, including the album’s title, which Sexsmith describes as a metaphor for the emotional residue left by the pandemic years. “It speaks of this hangover I feel from the last few years of pandemic and life knocking us around,” he reflects. The album moves away from the rural contentment of his recent work and delves into something “more wounded and introspective, shaped by personal loss, strained friendships, and a rawer worldview”.
Recording in London for the first time since 2007, Sexsmith found creative freedom working with Terefe, whose spontaneous style helped reimagine songs daily. The sessions at Eastcote became a revolving door of musical talent, featuring past collaborators like Claes Bjorklund and Ed Harcourt, as well as surprise guests, including guitarist Robbie McIntosh and producer Chris Kimsey. Another contribution came from Nora Joy Stephens, a young songwriter from his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, who lent her voice to the album’s closing track.
Now 61, Ron continues to write with the same introspective honesty that’s marked his career, shaped by new perspectives and life’s ever-changing terrain. He still walks daily to untangle lyrical knots and often composes at whichever instrument is nearby. “I never worry about repeating myself,” he says. “The 31-year-old Ron couldn’t write these songs.” With 17 studio albums under his belt and songs covered by everyone from k.d. lang to Rod Stewart, Sexsmith remains one of Canada’s most cherished songwriters. His memories of childhood in St. Catharines continue to surface in his music, including new tracks like ‘Cigarette & Cocktail‘ and ‘Burgoyne Woods‘. Reflecting on it all, he’d offer this to his younger self: “Don’t give up. Be patient. Stay focused on what’s real.” You can read more of Sexsmith’s thoughts in the AUK interview here.
Ron Sexsmith 2026 UK/IE Tour dates:
22nd Feb – Brighton, Komedia
23rd Feb – London, Cadogan Hall
24th Feb – Leeds, Howard Assembly Room
25th Feb – Sunderland, Fire Station
26th Feb – Glasgow, Oran Mor Auditorium
28th Feb – Manchester, RNCM
1st March – Liverpool, Hangar 34
4th March – Limerick, Dolan’s Warehouse
5th March – Waterford, Theatre Royal
6th March – Kilkenny, Set Theatre
7th March – Cork, St Lukes
7th March – Dublin, Ambassador Theatre
10th March – Galway, Town Hall
11th March – Dundalk, Spirit Store
12th March – Belfast, Limelight
