Belfast, get ready — IDLES are coming back, and this time they’re bringing their biggest ever Northern Ireland show to Custom House Square on Wednesday 26th August 2026. Joined by special guests CHALK, this is set to be one of the standout moments of CHSQ’s 2026 lineup.
📅 Date: Wednesday 26 August 2026
📍 Venue: Custom House Square, Belfast
⏰ Gates: 6pm
🎟️ Tickets: On sale Friday 21 November at 10am via Ticketmaster
ℹ️ Age entry info: customhousesquare.com
A Career Defining Belfast Moment for IDLES
Formed in Bristol in 2009, IDLES have grown from cult favourites to one of the most powerful and innovative forces in modern rock. Their rise has been nothing short of explosive — and Belfast is about to experience it at full scale.
With two UK #1 albums, a ferocious global fanbase, and a reputation for cathartic, high-octane live shows, IDLES have cemented their place as one of the most important bands of their generation.
Their latest record, TANGK, has pushed the band even further into the global spotlight, earning:
- ⭐ Three GRAMMY nominations
- ⭐ Twenty-one 4★ UK reviews
- ⭐ Production credits from Nigel Godrich, Kenny Beats, and Mark Bowen
Fueled by raw emotion, vulnerability, and explosive energy, TANGK captures IDLES at their boldest and most expansive yet.
A Band at Their Peak – And Still Rising
The TANGK era has become a cultural moment:
✨ A viral deepfake video for “Grace,” reimagining Coldplay’s “Yellow”
✨ A secret show at Village Underground that fans still rave about
✨ A powerhouse performance of “Gift Horse” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Their sold-out UK tour included:
- Two nights at Alexandra Palace
- Two nights at Birmingham O2 Academy
- Three nights at Manchester O2 Apollo
- Two monumental sold-out hometown gigs at Bristol’s Queen Square – the first major music events there in over 20 years
Across the Atlantic, they headlined Forest Hills Stadium in New York, marking a new height in their international domination.
And at Glastonbury, a headline performance on the Other Stage became global news when Banksy unveiled an inflatable migrant boat during their set — a hauntingly powerful art intervention aligning perfectly with the band’s political voice.
IDLES Beyond the Stage
Not ones to sit still, IDLES have been expanding creatively across new mediums:
🎬 Original film score – composing the soundtrack for Darren Aronofsky’s latest project Caught Stealing
🎤 Podcasting – Joe Talbot’s acclaimed new podcast Oh Gatekeeper, featuring guests like Danny Brown, Julian Casablancas and Peaches
Each step shows a band unafraid to evolve while remaining fiercely authentic.
Why Belfast Cannot Miss This Show
Custom House Square is built for nights like this — raw energy, communal release, and the type of atmosphere IDLES thrive in.
With support from CHALK, one of the most exciting rising acts from the island of Ireland, this will be a full-throttle celebration of noise, soul, and solidarity.
This will sell out. Fast.
🎟️ Ticket Info
Tickets go on sale Friday 21 November at 10am via Ticketmaster.
Set your alarms. Charge your phone. Tell your mates.
This is IDLES at Custom House Square.
This is going to be monumental.
🔗 More info:
idlesband.com
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