Sibling duo The Molotovs have today announced a massive UK and Ireland tour for later this year, as their debut album Wasted On Youth (whichs great, btw – review here) makes a serious bid for the Number 1 spot in the Official Charts. Despite only just being out on Marshall Records, the record has already hit Number 2 in the midweek figures, sitting just behind Lily Allen and knocking on the door of the top position.
It is a proper result for Matt and Issey Cartlidge, who have built their following the old-fashioned way. Eschewing the usual viral shortcuts and algorithms, the pair have played over 600 shows to date, proving that a solid live reputation still counts for something in 2026. The chart success is largely driven by physical sales and more than 6,000 pre-orders from a fanbase that has already snapped up 15,000 gig tickets over the last two years.
“After tearing up every dive bar and stage on the circuit, finally unleashing Wasted On Youth feels electric,” says 17-year-old Matt. “To see that raw energy bottled into our debut album is massive – it’s the payoff we’ve been chasing.” His sister Issey (19) added that while the chart success is great, the band’s real passion is connecting with people at shows. “That love of music can help build a positivity and optimism sorely lacking elsewhere in 2026,” she reckons.
The “Welcome to Urbia” tour kicks off in September and sees the band stepping up to some serious rooms, including the 2,300-capacity O2 Forum Kentish Town in London. Recorded at Marshall Studio with producer Jason Perry and mixed by Blair Crichton of Dead Pony, Wasted On Youth is a high-octane blend of new wave, punk, and garage rock. It features a tracklist of anthems like “Get A Life”, which takes a swing at social media negativity, and the defiant “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day”.
Tickets for the new dates go on sale this Thursday, 5th February. You can catch them at the following venues:
- 03/09 Cardiff – Tramshed
- 04/09 Nottingham – Palais
- 05/09 Brighton – Chalk
- 10/09 Glasgow – TV Studio
- 11/09 Newcastle – Digital
- 12/09 Sheffield – Foundry
- 17/09 Leeds – The Wardrobe
- 18/09 Liverpool – Arts Club
- 19/09 Manchester – Academy 2
- 24/09 Birmingham – O2 Academy 2
- 25/09 London – O2 Forum Kentish Town
- 02/10 Belfast – Ulster Sports Club
- 03/10 Dublin – The Grand Social
Header image by Derek D’Souza
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