Haircut 100

An unexpected second chapter in the Haircut 100 story gathered pace last year when their irresistible first single in forever, The Unloving Plum, became Radio 2’s Record of the Week.

It was a track which showed the magic that inspired their classic ‘80s hits - Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), Love Plus One, Fantastic Day and Nobody’s Fool.

Now that comeback steps up a gear as they announce that their new album Boxing The Compass will be released on 20 March 2026. They launched the album alongside the new single Dynamite, which was premiered by Scott Mills on Radio 2 and now embark on a new UK tour.

Boxing The Compass will be just the second album from the classic line-up since 1982’s hit-packed, Platinum-certified #2 record Pelican West (another album minus Nick Heywood, Paint and Paint, followed in 1984). Nick Heyward (vocals/guitar), Graham Jones (guitar) and Les Nemes (bass) had reconvened to discuss issues around the band, but that business meeting felt more like a reunion of old friends. Things soon snowballed from an unforgettable comeback gig at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire to a full UK headline tour, with drummer Blair Cunningham also subsequently jumping back onboard.

Subsequent writing and recording sessions with Sean Read (Dexys) at Famous Times studio in East London showed that they still shared that special something. Their flair for a classic, melody rich pop song was firmly intact alongside with a host of fresh influences that they had never had the chance to explore together. And despite the passing of four decades, their boyish charm is still luminous - surely because each member is grateful for having a second chance with their old friends.