As their lead singer prepares to hang up his microphone, the top-notch UK rock ensemble give details of Anniversary shows to come…

UFO will embark on a very special 50th anniversary UK & Ireland tour for Spring 2019.

The influential hard rockers will play a total of 22 shows opening at O2 Academy, Bristol on Thursday 7th March 2019 and wrapping up four weeks later at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, on Thursday 4th April 2019.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 31st August 2018 at 9.00am (UK Time).

As well as commemorating their half-Century landmark, the dates will be their last UK & Ireland shows with sole constant member Phil Mogg as frontman.

Phil announced his retirement in May, saying: “This decision has been a long time coming, I’ve considered stepping down at the end of UFO’s previous two tours. I don’t want to call this a farewell tour as I hate that word, but next year’s gigs will represent my final tap-dancing appearances with the band.

“2019 marks UFO’s 50th anniversary, so the timing feels right. There will be a final tour of the UK and we will also play some shows in selected other cities that the band has a strong connection with. But outside of the UK this won’t be a long tour.

You can read our full announcement of Phil Mogg’s retirement here: http://bit.ly/2HE2AW5

Alongside guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way, and drummer Andy Parker, Mogg formed Hocus Pocus in London in 1968 and they later changed their name to UFO in October 1969.

Last year’s covers collection ‘The Salentino Cuts’ is Phil’s swansong release for the band as he has confirmed he will no longer be recording any new material.

A full list of dates, venues and ticket links can be found below.

Pete Sargeant