Paul Heaton Announces New Album ‘Jenius’ and Huge UK Arena Tour for 2026
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Paul Heaton returns with new album Jenius and major UK arena tour featuring Lightning Seeds
Paul Heaton has announced details of his brand new studio album Jenius, set for release on 21st August 2026, alongside a huge UK arena tour later this year.
Produced by Ian Broudie and recorded at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, Jenius features 15 new original songs performed by Paul Heaton, his band, and regular live vocalist Rianne Downey. Irish singer-songwriter Declan O'Rourke also appears on the track “The Whisky Did”.
The announcement arrives with the release of the new single Favourite Kind Of Idiot, an infectious and heartfelt pop track that captures the warmth, humour and sharp songwriting that have defined Heaton’s career for four decades.
Paul Heaton UK Tour 2026 Dates
The newly announced UK arena tour will see Paul Heaton perform songs spanning his entire catalogue, including classics from The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, alongside new material from Jenius.
Special guests on all dates will be Lightning Seeds.
Paul Heaton 2026 UK Tour Dates
October 2026
- Newcastle – Utilita Arena – Thursday 29th October
- Glasgow – OVO Hydro – Friday 30th October
- Leeds – First Direct Arena – Saturday 31st October
November 2026
- Cardiff – Utilita Arena – Monday 2nd November
- Plymouth – Plymouth Pavilions – Tuesday 3rd November
- Sheffield – Utilita Arena – Friday 6th November
- London – The O2 – Saturday 7th November
- Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena – Tuesday 10th November
- Liverpool – M&S Bank Arena – Wednesday 11th November
- Birmingham – Utilita Arena – Friday 13th November
- Manchester – Co-op Live – Saturday 14th November
‘Favourite Kind Of Idiot’ Is Classic Paul Heaton
The first single from the album, Favourite Kind Of Idiot, blends witty lyricism with a warm, anthemic groove. Speaking about the track, Heaton described it as a love story between two imperfect people who embrace each other’s flaws rather than fight against them.
The song continues Heaton’s ability to combine humour, tenderness and sharp observational songwriting in a way few British songwriters can match.
Musically, the track leans into melodic pop territory while still carrying the emotional honesty and everyday storytelling that fans of The Beautiful South and Paul Heaton’s solo work will instantly recognise.
Jenius Tracklist
- Can’t Get Next To You
- Favourite Kind Of Idiot
- I Want The Job
- Sad Songs And Lawsuits
- She Ain’t Pretty
- One Eye Open
- Send In The Clowns
- Do Not Ask Me
- Don’t Lean On Me
- Jet Black Sky
- The Whisky Did
- Before Before
- Good For The Bees
- Go Upstream
- A Son A Father
A Career Spanning Four Decades
Jenius marks Paul Heaton’s 23rd album release and arrives almost exactly 40 years after the debut album from The Housemartins, London 0 Hull 4.
Across his career, Heaton has become one of the UK’s most successful and respected songwriters, with multiple Number One albums and more than 15 million album sales. His catalogue includes iconic tracks recorded with The Housemartins, The Beautiful South, his acclaimed partnership with Jacqui Abbott, and his solo material.
In 2022, Heaton received the Outstanding Song Collection award at the Ivor Novello Awards, recognising the depth and consistency of a songwriting career that has produced some of Britain’s most enduring pop and indie classics.
Paul Heaton’s Jenius Available To Pre-Order
The album be released on 21st August 2026 across vinyl, CD, cassette and digital formats and is available to pre-order Jenius now at Chalkys.com
Fans can expect a record filled with Heaton’s trademark themes of love, community, humour, football, pubs, relationships and everyday British life -all delivered with warmth, wit and unmistakable songwriting craft.
With a major arena tour now confirmed and new music already generating excitement, 2026 is shaping up to be another huge year for Paul Heaton.
FAQ: Paul Heaton ‘Jenius’ and UK Tour 2026
When is Paul Heaton’s new album released?
Jenius is released on 21st August 2026.
Who produced Paul Heaton’s new album?
The album was produced by Ian Broudie of Lightning Seeds.
Who is supporting Paul Heaton on tour?
Lightning Seeds will appear as special guests on all UK tour dates.
What is Paul Heaton’s new single called?
The lead single is called Favourite Kind Of Idiot.
Will Paul Heaton perform Beautiful South and Housemartins songs on tour?
Yes. The tour will feature songs from across Paul Heaton’s entire career, including material from The Beautiful South and The Housemartins.