Vintage-pop duo – BARBARA – will be supporting legendary new wave band Haircut 100 on their UK tour this October/November, and are set to share new single “Master Narrative” to coincide with the dates.

Kicking off in Newcastle on 12 October, the extensive live run will see stops in 14 towns and cities across the country – dates and details below.

Speaking of their excitement for the tour ahead, Barbara say:

“We can’t wait to tour with the guys in Haircut 100 this Autumn. We had such a brilliant time opening for them at Shepherd’s Bush in May, and it was a real thrill to play for their fans who are clearly connoisseurs of perfect pop. We’re very excited about performing our lovingly crafted collection of theatrical ditties for many more of them up and down the country!”

Around the tour, Barbara will share the artful and eccentric classic-pop of new single “Master Narrative”. A fun-filled schmaltz beamed straight out of the 70s, it sees the duo infusing the polished pop melodies of yesteryear with meticulously-crafted offbeat idiosyncrasies all their own. Due for release this November, the new track was produced by Paul Steel and mixed/mastered by Julian Tardo at Church Road Studios. Stay tuned for the new track in the coming weeks…

Hinting at what to expect at their upcoming shows, Barbara have also recently shared charming live performance videos for new songs “These New Communications” and “Pretty Straight Guy”, recorded live from their rehearsal space, Brighton Electric. The films were captured by Avocado Baby Media and are available to watch now.

Barbara’s full dates with Haircut 100 are as follows:

BARBARA – UK LIVE DATES

OCTOBER
18 MANCHESTER O2 Ritz*
19 LEICESTER De Montfort Hall*
25 BIRMINGHAM Town Hall*
28 READING Hexagon*

NOVEMBER
01 BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy*
02 CARDIFF Tramshed*
03 CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange*
09 BATH Forum*
10 BEXHILL De La Warr Pavilion*
11 IPSWICH Corn Exchange*
16 LIVERPOOL O2 Academy*
17 YORK Barbican*

*supporting Haircut 100

* * * *
A duo of brothers from Hove on the South Coast, Barbara are Henry and John Tydeman. Taking their lead from an eclectic set of influences that range from Glam Pop to Broadway, they make classic, irresistible pop music with a literary and intellectual approach. Whilst the influence on the music is noticeably American, Barbara’s lyrics are quintessentially British, infused with the inquisitive, satirical spirit of Harold Pinter, George Orwell and Ray Davies.

Releasing a string of tracks since their inception in 2021, the band have earned praise from national titles like BBC Introducing and Louder Than War. Catching the ear of kindred spirit Tom Rees (of Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard) he went on to produce the band’s previous single “Rainy Days In June”. The band released their humorously-titled debut EP ‘Mildly Entertaining’ last year.

With the brothers joined by three other musicians when performing on stage, Barbara’s live shows to date have attracted much acclaim. With sparkling performances at festivals such as Isle Of Wight, the band were also handpicked by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy to support the band on their ‘Charmed Life’ UK tour. “They are so up my street,” Hannon enthused, “really tight songwriting, very poptastic!’. Barbara have also recently supported Squeeze, with Chris Difford praising: “Barbara are wonderful. I love their songs and their humour. We need more Barbara in our lives!”.