Edwyn Collins has officially announced his final UK tour, ‘The Testimonial Tour 2025: A Last Lap Around the UK’, marking the end of an era for one of Scotland’s most influential musicians. The tour, set to take place in late September and early October, will be Collins’ farewell to live performances after a career spanning over four decades.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Collins addressed fans directly, saying, “I know I don’t tour much, but this is my last. Touring in your seventies, it’s not for me. But my lovely band and crew, we’ll make this one special – love Edwyn x.“ He also confirmed that tickets will go on sale at 10 am on Friday, March 7.
I know I don’t tour much, but this is my last. Touring in your seventies, it’s not for me. But my lovely band and crew, we’ll make this one special – love Edwyn x
Tickets on sale from 10 am on Friday.https://t.co/Li2yMl9pgm pic.twitter.com/z6UdYXuBr4— Edwyn Collins (@EdwynCollins) March 4, 2025
The tour will begin on Saturday, September 27, at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal, before making stops in Buxton, Bath, Southampton, Brighton, London, Norwich, Manchester, and concluding in Newcastle at The Boiler Shop on October 8. This farewell run will give fans one final opportunity to witness Collins perform live before he steps away from touring permanently.
Born in Edinburgh in 1959, Collins first gained prominence as the frontman of the influential post-punk band Orange Juice. The group helped shape the sound of the early 1980s, with their signature track ‘Rip It Up’ becoming a defining song of the era. After the band’s split in 1985, Collins embarked on a successful solo career, finding international fame with his 1994 hit single, ‘A Girl Like You’. The song, with its infectious melody and sharp lyricism, became a worldwide success and remains his most recognised track.
Collins’ musical career has been marked by both triumph and resilience. In 2005, he suffered two severe cerebral haemorrhages, which left him with aphasia and required extensive rehabilitation. Despite the life-altering effects of his condition, he made an inspiring return to music, proving his enduring dedication to his craft. Since then, he has released multiple albums, each showcasing his ability to evolve while maintaining his distinctive sound.
His latest album, ‘Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation’, set for release on March 14, 2025, marks his tenth solo project. The album features his newest single, ‘The Heart Is a Foolish Little Thing,’, which offers a reflective and deeply personal look at love and vulnerability. The track has been well received, praised for its beautiful lyrics and timeless sound, further proving that Collins remains as compelling as ever.
With ‘The Testimonial Tour 2025’, Collins aims to celebrate his musical journey by bringing fans a setlist spanning his Orange Juice days, his biggest solo hits, and songs from his upcoming album. This final run of shows is not just a farewell but a celebration of his lasting impact on the music industry.
For many, Collins represents more than just a musician—he is a symbol of perseverance, creativity, and authenticity. His decision to retire from touring is a practical one, but it is clear that his influence will continue to resonate long after his last live performance.
