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British indie heroes The Kooks have been confirmed to round off a phenomenal year by helping the nation welcome in 2026. The Brighton-formed band will perform as part of Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny, which airs on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday, 31st December.
Set to be the ultimate New Year’s Eve party for viewers at home, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will be joined by a line-up of legendary artists and rising stars to ring in the new year. For their performance, The Kooks are set to play classic tracks from their pivotal debut album, Inside In/Inside Out, ahead of its upcoming 20th anniversary. They will also perform a song from their recent top 5 album, Never/Know, which was released in May 2025.
Frontman Luke Pritchard expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the show, describing it as a “genuine joy.” He noted that the performance serves as a tribute to the fans who supported their recent tour and album release. “We’ve been completely blown away by the reception Never/Know has had,” Pritchard said. “Doing this show feels like the perfect way for us to say thank you to everyone who’s been with us on the journey this year.”
This December marks the band’s second appearance on the Annual Hootenanny. The Kooks first appeared on the programme during their meteoric rise in 2006, performing their smash hit ‘Naïve’. They later returned to the Later… with Jools Holland series in 2008 to promote their second album, Konk.
Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny 2025 Line-up
- The Kooks – Performing indie classics and new material
- Ronnie Wood – The Rolling Stones guitarist celebrating a 60-year career
- Olivia Dean – British star capping off a breakthrough year
- Lulu – Scottish legend performing alongside Jools
- Jessie J – Essex-born singer-songwriter
- Craig David – Returning to the show for the first time in 25 years
- Heather Small – The voice of M People performing ‘Moving On Up’
- Imelda May – Irish jazz and blues singer
- Joe Webb – Mercury Prize shortlisted artist
- David Hermlin – Drummer and singer
- Ruby Turner – The Queen of Boogie Woogie
Pritchard praised the diversity of talent on this year’s bill, particularly highlighting fellow performers. “There are some seriously talented people on the lineup this year; Olivia Dean is an absolute star, and we’re buzzing to share the programme with her and so many other brilliant artists including the legendary Ronnie Wood,” he said. “Here’s to an incredible night and an even better year ahead.”
The television appearance caps a busy 2025 for The Kooks. Throughout the year, the band played a series of standout festival sets globally, followed by a massive arena tour that included career-defining concerts at Manchester’s Co-op Live and The O2 in London. Their latest album, Never/Know, became their highest-charting release since 2008, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
Despite debuting nearly two decades ago, the band has found themselves embraced by a new generation of fans. While their original following remains strong, a fervent Gen Z audience has discovered their catalogue through social media, helping them sell out shows worldwide. Following the broadcast, the band plans to hit the road again next year for a series of massive outdoor shows including Labyrinth Open Air at Tofte Manor.
Image credits:
Jemma Dodd
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