Beastie Boys’ Mike D Adds More UK Dates to 2026 Solo Tour
Beastie Boys member Mike D has expanded his 2026 solo tour, adding headline dates across the UK and Europe. The tour, which promotes his upcoming debut solo album Thank You, includes a headline performance at Brighton’s Mutations Festival on October 24, marking his first live appearance in the city since 1987.
The Evolution of a Solo Chapter
Since the release of his debut single Switch Up in May, Diamond has signaled a departure from the high-energy, collaborative output of the Beastie Boys, whose final studio album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, arrived in 2011. The upcoming release of Thank You on August 28 serves as the culmination of this creative pivot, which Diamond has described as a process of learning to “feel all over again.”
The sonic direction of the record, according to Diamond, contrasts “immature” musical sensibilities with more “mature” lyrical themes. This creative development was heavily influenced by his sons, Davis and Skyler Diamond, who are members of the indie-dance outfit Very Nice Person. Their involvement provided a critical feedback loop during the recording process, particularly regarding vocal delivery.
Logistical Leviathans and Festival Integration
The 2026 tour is structured around both intimate venue appearances and major festival slots, such as the eighth edition of the Mutations Festival. At Mutations, Diamond will top the bill at Chalk on October 24, following a headline performance by Fat Dog the previous evening. For organizers, the logistical requirements of hosting a veteran performer—whose last Brighton appearance was a 1987 show with Run-DMC—are substantial.
Revisiting the Past to Inform the Future
Diamond’s return to the stage follows a period of introspection following the death of Beastie Boys bandmate Adam “MCA” Yauch in 2012. He noted in an interview with NME that the subsequent years were defined by his focus on fatherhood and the collaborative effort behind the Beastie Boys Book with Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz. This retrospective work provided the necessary closure to begin his solo career.
Tour Itinerary: Autumn 2026
Following the October 24 festival slot in Brighton, Diamond will continue his tour through the UK and Europe:
- October 26 – Glasgow, SWG3 TV Studio
- October 27 – Manchester, Albert Hall
- October 28 – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
- October 30 – Amsterdam, Melkweg
- October 31 – Lille, L’Aéronef
- November 1 – Cologne, Carlswerk Victoria
- November 3 – Lausanne, Les Docks
- November 4 – Lyon, Le Transbordeur
- November 5 – Brussels, Ancienne Belgique