The King’s Cross Group today announces that The Molotovs will open King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2026 on Thursday 13 August with a Bowie-inspired set in partnership with Lightroom – home of the acclaimed immersive show David Bowie: You’re Not Alone – marking the return of London’s highly anticipated free music and performance festival.
The special appearance comes ahead of The Molotovs’ ‘Welcome To Urbia‘ UK tour, for which a second date was added at the O2 Kentish Town Forum on September 26 after the first date sold out.
Tickets are available now.
Bowie Nights will launch King’s Cross Summer Sounds in Coal Drops Yard with headliners The Molotovs, with support from Ashaine White and Jack Kaye (formerly of The Magic Gang). The show will celebrate David Bowie’s impact on music today, with each act including a Bowie cover or two in their set.
Selling out venues worldwide, The Molotovs have become one of the UK’s hottest young bands. Expect sharp, punchy anthems delivered with highly charged stagecraft that leaves absolutely nothing in the dressing room and resonates with an eclectic audience of those in the know. Still in their teens, siblings Mathew and Issey Cartlidge have shared stages with the likes of The Libertines, Sex Pistols, Blondie, Iggy Pop and The Damned, as well as being championed by Green Day and Paul Weller both on stage and in the press.
Following a year of relentless touring, debut album Wasted on Youth hitting Number 3 in the charts, an unforgettable appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show and an arena tour with Yungblud, The Molotovs are set for a standout performance at Summer Sounds 2026.
Previously announced support acts
Support will be from Jack Kaye, the former frontman of The Magic Gang launching his solo career with debut single Dora alongside Ashaine White, a compelling and rebellious new voice in the UK music landscape.
Jack Kaye returns six years after his time with The Magic Gang, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for one of indie music’s most distinctive songwriters. Following a period of self-reflection, collaboration and starting a family, Kaye has rediscovered his creative voice. His debut solo release is the product of that journey – a confident and deeply personal introduction to his distinctive new sound, with more new music set to follow this year.
Ashaine White fuses raw vulnerability with bold creativity, blending alternative rock with soulful vocal delivery and emotive lyricism, drawing comparisons to PJ Harvey and Jeff Buckley while forging something entirely her own.
This year’s Summer Sounds line-up also includes: a celebratory showcase marking 35 years of pioneering jazz development charity Tomorrow’s Warriors; Americana with a twist with Little Grandad; indie pop and RnB from Len Blake and five mass community choirs on one day including London City Voices and West End Musical Choir performing a variety of musical showstoppers and pop mashups.
Further highlights include Queer Britain and Sounds Queer championing diverse voices and sounds from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum with performances from Kimmy Beatbox, Dyan Tai, Thandi Phoenix, Arno Sacco and Bessi; and the English Folk Dance & Song Society showcase with global folk from Mishra and progressive instrumental folk from Pons Aelius.
Full programme line-up: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/summer-sounds-music-festival
The Molotovs singer Matt Cartlidge said:
“We can’t wait to get on stage at King’s Cross Summer Sounds – and to pay tribute to David Bowie, one of this company’s musical legends. The Lightroom show is phenomenal and this gig is going to be something special.”
Lightroom CEO Richard Slaney said:
“The response to David Bowie: You’re Not Alone has been incredible and we’re proud to be presenting young artists who have found inspiration in Bowie’s work.”
King’s Cross Summer Sounds is produced and directed by Martin Collins, Arts Trust.
Martin Collins, Festival Director of King’s Cross Summer Sounds, added:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have The Molotovs opening King’s Cross Summer Sounds, working in partnership with Lightroom. Their energy, attitude and live presence make them the perfect artists to launch this year’s festival, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to King’s Cross for what promises to be a brilliant summer of music.”
Emma Symonds, Senior Events and Enlivenment Manager, King’s Cross Group, said:
“Summer Sounds is all about bringing people together to discover incredible live music. We pride ourselves on producing world class experiences and showcasing hot new talent. The Molotovs have quickly built a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting new live acts. With their electrifying stage presence and fresh take on classic British rock influences, they promise a truly memorable opening night. We can’t wait to see audiences fill Coal Drops Yard for what will be an unforgettable start to Summer Sounds 2026 and the perfect way to begin a summer of free live music.”
Summer Sounds is the centrepiece of Escape in London, King’s Cross’ relaxed summer season of free and affordable cultural moments designed for unhurried hours in one of the rare central London neighbourhoods. From watching live music under open skies at Summer Sounds and enjoying sunset views by the canal, to exploring makers’ markets, discovering new flavours and spending time with friends, King’s Cross offers countless ways to escape without leaving the city.
Plan the ultimate escape in London and discover what’s on at: kingscross.co.uk
