When it comes to debut albums from the 1980s, few are as perfectly formed as Deacon Blue’s ‘Raintown’. The way the album’s songs shared a very 70s inspired level of storytelling could’ve presented a band out of time, but some very talented musicians fused Ricky Ross’s rich narratives with a musical sound that felt wholly contemporary for the era. It’s no wonder it quickly became a fan favourite,
In October, the band will set out on a UK tour where they’ll play the whole of the album from end to end, alongside other hits and album cuts. It promises a tour not to be missed. Full details can be found in the press release below. To read a review of Deacon Blue’s Margate gig from 2024, click here.
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Deacon Blue are delighted to announce that they will be performing 15 shows across the UK and Ireland in October 2027 to mark the 40th Anniversary of Raintown. These shows will feature a performance of the iconic debut album in full, and much more. The shows will go on sale at 1000 on 18 September 2026 from https://www.livenation.co.uk/
Ricky Ross said, “When we made our first record none of us imagined there would be an audience still wanting to hear it played live forty years on. To recreate the songs and the atmosphere of that debut album will be a great joy for us. Although each night will feature Raintown as the first part of the concert, the second act will include songs from all our albums and we aim to make each night a unique experience. We are thrilled you are all still there to be part of another adventure and we are excited about coming to a city near you in 2027”.
Deacon Blue have created a legacy of potent and uplifting songs and their creative trajectory continues undimmed to this day, their last album The Great Western Road gave them yet another album hit, reaching No.3 in the UK chart. Their roots however grow from Raintown, that first album in 1987, which is celebrated on this huge fortieth anniversary tour next year. These songs were taken to the fans’ hearts, and remain there: Dignity, When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring). Chocolate Girl, Loaded, and more. Raintown itself is now a Platinum album, as are the two that followed it.
Deacon Blue have now sold over seven million records, and had twelve UK Top 40 singles and two Number One albums, When The World Knows Your Name, and the compilation album Our Town.
With hundreds of sold out shows and a cycle of albums running right up to the recent success of The Great Western Road, this is a band with an almost unrivalled catalogue, but also an undimmed creative spark. Whilst Deacon Blue will never tire of playing those hits that mean so much to so many, and are proud to be marking the anniversary of Raintown next year, their eye is always on the horizon for what is next.
Deacon Blue photo credit: Mark K. Seager
