Get ready to dust off your 90s playlists because The Cardigans are making a rare UK appearance in 2026, marking their first show in the country since 2018. But here's where it gets exciting: this exclusive summer gig in London is a one-off event, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Is this a sign of a full-blown comeback, or just a nostalgic trip down memory lane?
The Swedish pop icons, who last graced UK stages in December 2018 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album Gran Turismo, will return to the Eventim Apollo on June 27, 2026. This venue holds special significance, as it was the final stop on their 2018 tour. And this is the part most people miss: the show will have a 9pm curfew, making it an early night for fans—but one that promises to be unforgettable.
Tickets go on pre-sale at 10am on Wednesday, January 28, for those who sign up in advance, and general sale begins at the same time on Friday, January 30. Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot at this highly anticipated event.
Formed in 1992, The Cardigans burst onto the international scene with their 1996 hit Lovefool, which peaked at Number Two in the UK and was immortalized in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Their success continued with tracks like My Favourite Game, Erase/Rewind, and Hanging Around, solidifying their place in pop history. However, after releasing their sixth studio album, Super Extra Gravity, in 2005, the band went on hiatus, leaving fans wondering if they’d ever return.
During their break, frontwoman Nina Persson pursued solo projects, including her side venture A Camp, and collaborated with Manic Street Preachers on the 2007 track Your Love Alone Is Not Enough. The Cardigans officially ended their hiatus in 2012 and have since toured sporadically across Europe and Japan, including a pair of shows in Japan last October.
But the question on everyone’s mind is: Will there be new music? In 2014, Persson hinted at the possibility, saying, ‘If we continue having this much fun [on tour], we would like to make another record, because we like to create new things.’ While fans have been eagerly awaiting fresh material, the closest they’ve gotten was a 2022 social media clip of the band playing what appeared to be new music. Is this London gig a teaser for something bigger, or just a nostalgic celebration of their legacy?
One thing’s for sure: this summer’s show is a must-see for any Cardigans fan. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In an era dominated by new artists, do bands like The Cardigans still hold the same cultural relevance, or are they simply relics of a bygone era? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
