Nouvelle Vague, the French bossa nova collective, known for their enchanting reinterpretations of post-punk classics, is back on the road for an unforgettable anniversary tour! Celebrating 21 years since their self-titled debut album first captivated global audiences, this tour will see Nouvelle Vague transform the UK’s most beloved music venues into intimate settings for a truly unique experience. With 16 live dates across the country, including two nights at London’s iconic Koko, fans will be treated to a mesmerising performance that reinvents familiar tunes in fresh, hypnotic ways. Tickets are available now, so grab yours and prepare for an evening like no other!
Over two decades, Nouvelle Vague has become a genre-blending powerhouse, crafting their own musical niche by infusing punk and new wave hits with a distinct 1960s bossa nova vibe. As Muso Muso put it, “Nouvelle Vague took to the stage to redefine post-punk classics with their trademark French Bossa Nova flair.” The group’s founding members, Marc Collin and the late Olivier Libaux, initially envisioned the project as a one-off tribute to their favorite songs. But when their debut album became a global sensation, it was clear Nouvelle Vague had hit upon a concept that resonated deeply with listeners.
Through an ever-changing lineup of talented female vocalists—including Camille, Elodie Frégé, and Melanie Pain, as well as surprise collaborations with stars like Juliette Lewis and Vanessa Paradis—Nouvelle Vague has maintained a constantly evolving sound. Each singer brings her own flair to the songs, making every performance fresh and thrilling. The Skinny describes the experience as “a unique spotlight performance” of each song, turning covers into something wholly original.
Nouvelle Vague’s 2025 tour promises a mix of fan favorites and newly reimagined tracks, blending classics from their early albums with fresh, exciting interpretations from their latest LP. Recent highlights include a sultry take on The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and a drum-and-bass-infused cover of The Cure’s “A Forest,” showcasing the group’s boundless creativity. We Shoot Music praised Nouvelle Vague’s approach as “hypnotic, seductive, enthralling… songs you’ll recognize (almost) immediately but done in a way that is so unique you can’t help but be hooked.”
Fans can look forward to hearing Nouvelle Vague’s classic covers of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” The Specials’ “Friday Night Saturday Morning,” and Echo and the Bunnymen’s “The Killing Moon,” all reinterpreted with a sound that is as nostalgically rich as it is innovatively modern.
The magic of Nouvelle Vague lies in their ability to “take the best songs of a genre—punk/new wave—and give them arrangements that originated in 1960s Rio during the bossa nova explosion,” as noted by The Source. It’s a winning formula that has seen the group collaborate with musical legends like Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore and The Specials’ Terry Hall. Through each collaboration and reinterpretation, Nouvelle Vague has breathed new life into songs that continue to resonate across generations.
Beyond music, the band’s performances are known for their visual allure and atmospheric settings. With their anniversary tour, they promise an immersive experience where music, emotion, and artistry blend seamlessly. According to A Youngish Perspective, their live shows are “a combination of talent, which made for an electrifying and captivating evening.”
Don’t miss this chance to see Nouvelle Vague live and experience firsthand why they’ve remained a beloved and influential force for over two decades. The 21st Anniversary Tour will visit some of the UK’s most atmospheric venues, providing the perfect backdrop for their dreamy, genre-blending sounds.
Tour Dates:
Nov 12: Nottingham, Metronome
Nov 13: Leeds, Old Woollen
Nov 14: Liverpool, Arts Club
Nov 15: Norwich, The Waterfront
Nov 16: Lincoln, The Drill
Nov 17: Birmingham, Zumhof
Nov 19: Bury St Edmunds, Apex
Nov 20: Bristol, Trinity Arts Centre
Nov 21: Manchester, Gorilla
Nov 22: Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall
Nov 23: Glasgow, QMU
Nov 24: Newcastle, Riverside
Nov 26: Brighton, Chalk
Nov 27: London, Koko
Nov 28: London, Koko
Nov 29: Cardiff, Tramshed
Tickets are available now at nouvellevaguemusic.com.
Don’t wait—secure your spot for an evening of evocative performances and timeless music, as Nouvelle Vague celebrates a milestone in their legendary career!