Dance music pioneers Faithless have announced a highly anticipated UK and European tour to coincide with the release of their new album, Champion Sound, marking their most extensive tour in a decade. UK Fans can look forward to performances in major cities including Belfast, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, London, and Manchester.
The tour kicks off on November 1 at Edinburgh’s O2 Academy, setting the stage for a 21-date journey that will conclude at Copenhagen’s Poolen on December 14. While the release date for Champion Sound has not been confirmed, the tour is marketed as supporting the upcoming release. Joining Faithless on the tour as opening act will be Dutch electronic duo Tinlicker. General sale for tickets will begin on Friday August 30, with fans able to purchase here.
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After forming in London in 1995, the group rose as part of the burgeoning electronic scene in the city, blending trip-hop, trance, house, and other electronic styles. Their debut album, Reverence (1996), featured hits like “Insomnia” and “Salva Mea”, which, combined with a reputation live shows of great energy and emotional depth, made them a staple at major festivals worldwide. The announcement of the Champion Sound tour comes on the heels of Faithless’ recent festival appearances, including a standout performance at Glastonbury.
The tour will be the first major outing for the group since the passing of their frontman, Maxi Jazz, in December 2022. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, surviving members Sister Bliss and Rollo expressed their gratitude for the support they’ve received over the past year. “Maxi died just over a year ago and obviously we miss him every day. Thank you all for all of your kind words of support over this last year. It has really, really meant a lot,” they wrote.
Champion Sound is set to be Faithless’ eighth studio release and their first since 2020’s All Blessed, which Magnetic Magazine called “reinvigorated” from previous releases, as well as “blissful, tranced out Balearic.” In contrast, the band appears to be dealing with Maxi Jazz’ death in Champion Sound‘s already shared first single, “Find A Way,” which has been met with enthusiastic acclaim from fans and critics alike. Teaming up with London poet Suli Breaks, the track opens: “I wish our worlds weren’t so far apart / Please know you’ll always be my star”, over a more grave, anthemic and moody beat than those seen on the group’s last release.
