British electronic duo Basement Jaxx have revealed plans for their first live tour in a decade. Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe, known for their high-energy performances and genre-blending sound, will embark on a UK and Ireland tour in 2025, marking an emphatic return to live performance, culminating in a headline appearance at Latitude Festival.
The tour begins on 21 June at Scarborough Open Air Theatre and features stops in Dublin, Cardiff and London, among others, but the Friday night headline slot at Latitude Festival on 25 July will see the duo put the capper on the brief tour. The group will join fellow 90s electronic pioneer Fatboy Slim as well as Sting as headliners for the weekend at Suffolk’s Henham Park. Tickets for the highly anticipated tour go on general sale this Friday, with pre-sale options available from Wednesday here.
Basement Jaxx last toured in 2014 following the release of their album Junto. The album received praise for its diversity and energy, with Renowned for Sound highlighting its ability to unite people on the dance floor and beyond. Tracks like “Never Say Never,” featuring ETML’s vocals, were described by the mag as “radio-friendly” and “melodic,” while “Mermaid of Salinas” and “Rock This Road” brought carnival-inspired rhythms compared to “brilliant FIFA World Cup anthems.”
Since the album’s release, the duo have focused on DJ performances around the globe, choosing to stay away from full-scale live shows. “After a few years DJing round the globe, it’ll be great to return to the live stage and the live show experience,” Buxton said to NME, adding, “to connect to people with life-affirming energy and give people a great time.”
The duo, who first gained prominence in the late 1990s with tracks like “Red Alert” and “Rendez Vu”, are known for their dynamic live sets featuring a blend of live musicians, dancers, and visual effects. They have also hinted at including new material in their performances, alongside their classic hits. Ratcliffe shared his excitement about the upcoming shows with NME, stating, “It feels like 2025 is the beginning of a new era for many, and I think that’s probably true for Basement Jaxx too.”
Latitude Festival organisers celebrated the inclusion of Basement Jaxx in their lineup, calling the duo “the ultimate festival act.” Melvin Benn, the festival director, praised the duo’s live chops, saying, “Their performances are a whirlwind of energy, packed with euphoric pop anthems, dazzling visuals, and a vibrant cast of musicians, singers, and dancers.”
Formed in 1994, Basement Jaxx have long been recognised as pioneers in electronic music, earning multiple awards and accolades, including a BRIT Award for Best British Dance Act. They headlined Glastonbury in 2005, stepping in for Kylie Minogue, and their shows have become known for their theatrical stage sets. Although the current tour is limited to UK and Ireland dates, there is speculation about a possible appearance at Glastonbury in 2025 and hopes for a North American leg.
