Howard Jones Announces '80s Nostalgia Tour with Wang Chung, The English Beat, and Modern English

The 'Things Can Only Get Better Tour' will bring beloved new wave acts to stages across North America this summer.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A bold, abstract illustration in the style of Saul Bass, featuring jagged geometric shapes and stark black silhouettes in a high-contrast red and white color palette, conceptually representing the 1980s new wave music scene and the 'Things Can Only Get Better Tour' lineup.The 'Things Can Only Get Better Tour' promises to transport audiences back to the vibrant new wave era of the 1980s with a lineup of beloved British acts.Napa Today

British singer-songwriter Howard Jones is set to headline a new '80s-themed tour this summer, dubbed the 'Things Can Only Get Better Tour.' The lineup features fellow British new wave acts Wang Chung, The English Beat, and Modern English, all joining Jones to perform their classic hits from the decade.

Why it matters

The tour taps into ongoing nostalgia for the music of the 1980s, a period that continues to influence contemporary pop culture. By bringing together several iconic bands from that era, the tour provides an opportunity for fans to relive the sounds of their youth and celebrate the enduring appeal of new wave and synth-pop.

The details

The 'Things Can Only Get Better Tour' is named after Jones' 1985 top-five hit of the same name. The tour will kick off on July 19 in Napa, California, and wrap up on August 23 in Toronto, Canada, with additional dates to be announced. Jones says he curated the lineup himself, aiming to 'bring some positivity in our troubled times' through the 'banging pop anthems that we all know and love'.

  • The tour will kick off on July 19, 2026 in Napa, California.
  • The tour will wrap up on August 23, 2026 in Toronto, Canada.
  • Additional tour dates are expected to be announced.

The players

Howard Jones

A British singer-songwriter known for his synth-pop hits in the 1980s, including 'Things Can Only Get Better.'

Wang Chung

A British new wave band that found success in the 1980s with songs like 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight' and 'Dance Hall Days.'

The English Beat

A British 2 Tone and ska revival band that was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for songs like 'Mirror in the Bathroom' and 'Save It for Later.'

Modern English

A British new wave band that gained recognition in the 1980s for their hit single 'I Melt with You.'

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What they’re saying

“I dreamed of curating a tour with my favorite bands that could bring some positivity in our troubled times. I'm thrilled that this is actually happening this summer with the Things Can Only Get Better Tour.”

— Howard Jones

“'Things Can Only Get Better' is a message of hope for a future that we can create, when we stand up for the world we want to live in. Can't wait to see you this summer!”

— Howard Jones

What’s next

A complete schedule and ticket information for the 'Things Can Only Get Better Tour' can be found at HowardJones.com.

The takeaway

This tour taps into the enduring popularity of 1980s new wave and synth-pop music, providing fans with an opportunity to relive the sounds of their youth and celebrate the lasting influence of these iconic British bands.