South African blues-rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Ross Harding has announced the first wave of UK live dates for early 2026, continuing the momentum behind his acclaimed album The Blood & The Blues and his steadily growing reputation on the British live circuit.
Now UK-based, Harding has spent the past two years carving out a distinctive space within the modern blues-rock landscape ā one rooted in tradition but delivered with a darker, heavier edge.
His 2026 dates will see him return in multiple live formats, ranging from intimate solo acoustic shows to full electric performances, with the latter now operating under the banner Ross Harding & The Dark Blues.
While the band name may be new, the core of Hardingās sound remains unchanged: raw, emotive blues rock driven by powerful vocals, expressive guitar work and a deep respect for the genreās roots.
Photo Credit: Chris Griffiths / Riff Photos
Harding hit the ground running across the UK in 2024 and 2025, performing in cities including Newcastle, Glasgow, London, Southampton, Woking, Bristol and Kingsbridge. Those appearances came in a variety of settings ā solo acoustic, acoustic band and full electric ā helping establish him as a versatile live performer capable of commanding both small rooms and larger stages.
Along the way, he shared bills with artists such as Dan Patlansky, Jack J Hutchinson, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, and Will Wilde, while festival appearances at Guilfest, Shynefest, Stockport Blues & Roots Festival, Midhurst Jazz & Blues Festival, and The Great Rhythm & Blues Festival introduced his āDark Bluesā sound to new audiences across the country.
That momentum now carries into 2026, with Harding confirming a run of headline and showcase dates beginning in February, and further shows to be announced throughout the year.
Saturday 7th February 2026
Ram Jam Records ā Kingston upon Thames
Hardingās debut full-band headline show at the venue
Tickets – Ram Jam Records
Thursday 12th February 2026
Stockport Blues Night @ The Spinning Top ā Stockport
Tickets – Fatsoma
Saturday 28th February 2026
John Peel Centre for Creative Arts ā Stowmarket
Tickets – John Peel Centre
Friday 20th March 2026
Colne Delta Blues & Americana Club ā Brightlingsea
Solo acoustic support set for Big Wolf Band
Venue info: https://colnedelta.club/
Saturday 21st March 2026
The Fiery Bird ā Woking
Tickets – The Fiery Bird
Friday 27th March 2026
Riff Factory ā Stoke-on-Trent
Debut Dark Blues electric band performance at the new venue
Tickets: – Riff Factory
(More dates to be announced)
A defining feature of Ross Hardingās appeal is his ability to present his music in three clearly defined live formats, each offering a different perspective on his songwriting and musicianship.
Dark Echoes ā Solo Acoustic
An atmospheric solo performance blending original material with select covers. Harding makes extensive use of alternate tunings, slide guitar, effects pedals and looping to build immersive soundscapes that stretch far beyond the expectations of a traditional acoustic set.
Acoustic / āUnpluggedā Band
A more intimate band presentation, reimagining Hardingās songs in a stripped-back setting inspired by classic unplugged performances. This format highlights the emotional depth of the material while retaining its blues-rock backbone.
Ross Harding & The Dark Blues ā Electric Band
A full-throttle electric blues-rock show delivering high-energy rock ānā roll alongside slower, moodier blues passages. Itās here that Hardingās darker influences come fully into focus, drawing comparisons to artists spanning classic rock, grunge and modern blues.
Hardingās work has been praised for its raw authenticity and emotional weight. Get Ready To Rock described his music as possessing āa primal and primitive feel,ā while Fabrications HQ highlighted his ability to give traditional blues forms a darker, more contemporary edge.
His latest album, The Blood & The Blues, is out now on CD and digital platforms, continuing to attract radio play in the UK and US.
Speaking about the upcoming tour, Harding said:
ā2026 is all about my Dark Blues Revival ā honest, authentic music, both live and recorded. Iām humbled by the warmth music lovers in the UK and abroad have shown me, and I look forward to revisiting those cities while bringing the music to new audiences both here in the UK and beyond.ā
With further dates expected to be announced soon, The Blood & The Blues tour looks set to be Hardingās most confident and wide-reaching UK run to date.