The Hastings-born trio is hitting the road for a 22-date run in early 2026, celebrating a debut year that saw them skyrocket from local favorites to chart-topping punk icons.
Following a whirlwind 2025 that saw their debut album Hot Shock claim the UK Record Store Chart #1 and a spot in the UK Top 40, HotWax are returning to their roots. This January and February, the band embarks on an extensive headline tour across the UK and Europe, bringing their signature brand of “snarling, swaggering” grunge-laced punk to the fans who built them.
The tour is a massive nod to the independent music scene. The first four UK dates are officially part of Independent Venue Week, while the remainder of the UK leg is held in partnership with the Music Venue Trust. Joining them on the road are rising stars Jeanie and the White Boys and Slag, ensuring every night is a high-octane showcase of the next generation of alternative music.
Since its release in March 2025, Hot Shock has become a critical darling. Named Rough Trade’s Album of the Month upon release, it recently secured the #16 spot in Rough Trade’s Top 25 Albums of the Year. To celebrate the accolade, the band has released a limited-edition silver vinyl featuring their live performance at Rough Trade East—a testament to the raw energy they bring to the stage.
“Hastings-via-Brighton’s HotWax debut lands with fierce intent… it’s a snarling, swaggering statement of grunge-laced punk that we’ve reached for time and again in 2025.” — Rough Trade
The bond between Tallulah Sim-Savage and bassist Lola Sam dates back to when they began writing together at age 12. After meeting drummer Alfie Sayers at music college five years later, the trio’s chemistry became undeniable. Over the past 18 months, HotWax has played over 200 blistering live shows, including major festival slots at Reading + Leeds, Download, and Mad Cool, as well as support tours with heavyweights like Royal Blood and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes.
The magic of Hot Shock lies in its production. After witnessing a “sweaty, packed” show at Third Man Records’ Blue Basement, legendary producer Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Wolf Alice) insisted on capturing that specific lightning in a bottle. To achieve this, the band assembled an all-female production team, including Marks and Steph Marziano. They invited a crowd of friends into RAK Studios to record a live run-through, ensuring the record felt like a party. The sessions even stretched across the Atlantic, with the band recording at Joshua Tree with Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgawa.
While the album is built to be played loud, it is grounded in the reality of young adulthood. “Touring and constantly living in the moment can be chaotic,” says bassist Lola Sam. “But there’s also a feeling of knowing that the more life experience we gain, the more fearless we become.” Whether you’re there for the mosh pit or the vulnerable songwriting, the Hot Shock tour promises to be one of the definitive live experiences of 2026.
