Party-starting New York-reared band Scissor Sisters are reuniting next year for their first shows since going on hiatus in 2012. Core members Jake Shears, Scott “Babydaddy” Hoffman and Del Marquis will not be joined by vocalist Ana Matronic, who is busy with other non-musical commitments. So far, the only dates are in the U.K., starting May 16 in Nottingham.
In light of the 20th anniversary of Scissor Sisters’ smash self-titled debut, Shears says “it really feels like the right time to revisit all the intense excitement of that moment.” The group was also inspired by watching their Live at the O2 concert film during the pandemic, with Shears noting, “I don’t think I’d seen that show since it was filmed in 2007, but we were all kind of surprised by how great it was. And chatting with fans during the screening really brought back what a special moment it was for all of us.”
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Adds Babydaddy, “there’s something really special about us being a gay band, a queer band, who really pushed into the mainstream with that album. We want to revisit that because there weren’t as many queer acts breaking through in that way 20 years ago. We do acknowledge that we did something pretty unique back then just by putting ourselves out there as queer people. We put queer culture in the mainstream at a time when there wasn’t much of it there.”
At the upcoming shows, Scissor Sisters will perform the debut album in its entirety for the first time. The project was particularly massive in the U.K., where it spawned five top 20 hits: “Laura,” “Take Your Mama,” “Mary,” “Filthy/Gorgeous” and a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.”
As for Ana Matronic, she wrote on Instagram that “people familiar with my story and career arc will know that in the heart of this showgirl lies a giant nerd. In the past decade my nerd self has taken the wheel and is now driving my career. I am currently finishing production on the first season of my history podcast Good Time Sallies which has grown into several long-term research and writing projects. With contracts signed and schedules agreed on these commitments, the timing of a Scissor reunion does not allow me to join my former bandmates on this tour. I wish the band and our fans all the best. I will be there in spirit to kiki with you!
Here are Scissor Sisters’ 2025 U.K. tour dates:
May 16: Nottingham (Motorpoint Arena)May 17: Glasgow (OVO Hydro)May 19: Bournemouth (International Centre)May 20: Cardiff (Utilita Arena)May 21: Manchester (Co-op Live)May 23: London (O2 Arena)May 24: Leeds (First Direct Arena)May 25: Birmingham (Utilita Arena)May 27: Belfast (SSE Arena)May 28: Dublin (3Arena)
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