The Long Ryders, pioneers of the alt-country movement, return to the stage this October. Fusing punk energy with country-rock harmonies, the band bridged the gap between Gram Parsons and today’s americana, influencing folk such as Wilco, The Jayhawks, and hundreds more. A recent article from excellent AUK scribe Darren Lumbroso gives you their top ten songs here.
Formed in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, The Long Ryders helped lay the foundations of what would later become known as alternative country, blending the influences of Gram Parsons, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and punk rock into a sound that pre-dated the movement by nearly a decade. Their landmark 1984 debut album Native Sons was hailed by Rolling Stone as an album “where Nashville, ’77 London and the mid-60s Sunset Strip converge,” while subsequent releases, including State of Our Union, further cemented their reputation.
Featuring the alt-radio classic Looking for Lewis and Clark, The Long Ryders’ signature sound- jangling 12-string guitars, heartfelt songwriting, and a raw, roots-driven edge helped define a sound and continues to resonate today.
Following the critical acclaim of Psychedelic Country Soul and September November, the band returned in March 2026 with their new studio album High Noon Hymns. Produced by longtime collaborator Ed Stasium, famed for his work with Ramones as well as previous Long Ryders albums.
Recorded following the passing of bassist Tom Stevens, the album stands as both a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy and a new chapter in their story. Tickets are available here.
The Long Ryders UK Tour Dates 2026:
02/10 — Shoreham by Sea — Ropetackle Arts Centre
03/10 — Cardiff, Wales — Acapela
04/10 — Weston-super-Mare — The Blakehay Theatre
06/10 — Liverpool — The Cavern
07/10 — Newcastle — The Cluny
08/10 — Kendal — Brewery Arts Centre
09/10 — Glasgow, Scotland — Drygate
10/10 — Leeds — The Old Woollen
11/10 — Manchester — Bread Shed
13/10 — Nottingham — Metronome
14/10 — Kidderminster — Town Hall
15/10 — London — Electric Ballroom
16/10 — Hastings — The Piper
17/10 — Canterbury — Gulbenkian Arts Centre
18/10 — Southampton — Papillon
