Slide Away Festival Reunites Shoegaze Legends Hum and Chapterhouse in 2026

Shoegaze fans rejoice as Hum and Chapterhouse gear up for their first live shows in years at the Slide Away festival tour.

A Shoegaze Celebration You Can’t Miss

If you’ve been craving a return to the dreamy, swirling world of shoegaze, the Slide Away festival is about to deliver major nostalgia and fresh excitement. The festival, curated by Philadelphia’s cult-favorite band Nothing, promises to reunite two iconic acts—Hum and Chapterhouse—bringing their distinctive sound back to the stage after long hiatuses. Mark your calendars for May 2026 because these shows are not just concerts; they’re rare moments in shoegaze history.

Three Cities, One Magical Tour

The Slide Away festival will hit three major cities, each hosting a lineup of acts that perfectly capture the ethereal and noisy spirit of shoegaze and adjacent genres. Fans can catch the festival at:

• Brooklyn Paramount on May 15-16
• Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom on May 23
• Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium on May 29-30

Philadelphia’s own Nothing will be the through-line, performing in every city and anchoring the festival’s vibe. Alongside Hum and Chapterhouse, the lineup sparkles with bands like Bleary Eyed, Lovesliescrushing, Manslaughter 777, She’s Green, Swirlies, Warmachine, Cloakroom, Sunshy, Cryogeyser, Mint Field, Ovlov, Seko, and Terraplana. It’s a shoegaze haven—perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Hum’s Emotional Return

Hum’s presence on this tour is especially poignant. Their last shows were in 2019, and the band has endured the tragic loss of drummer Bryan St. Pere in 2021. For fans who grew up with their anthemic 1995 hit “Stars,” this reunion is a chance to reconnect with the band’s lush soundscapes live once more.

Hailing from Champaign, Illinois, Hum helped define an era with three critically revered albums before their initial split in 2000. Their surprise 2020 album Inlet—their first release in 22 years—reminded fans why their sonic swirl is timeless, receiving some of the best reviews of their career. This festival marks a new chapter for Hum, honoring their legacy while embracing the future.

Chapterhouse Returns to the Stage

For fans of the British shoegaze scene, Chapterhouse’s return is equally monumental. The band hasn’t performed live since 2010, and their presence at Slide Away will be a rare and treasured event. Known for their dreamy melodies and lush layers of guitar noise, Chapterhouse helped shape the shoegaze soundscape in the early ’90s, and their reunion is sure to add a nostalgic yet fresh dimension to the festival.

How to Grab Your Tickets

Tickets for Slide Away go on sale to the general public starting October 3, but lucky fans can already get their hands on pre-sale tickets. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Hum, a Chapterhouse aficionado, or someone eager to dive into shoegaze magic, this festival promises unforgettable nights filled with reverberating guitars and dreamy vocals.

For more details on ticket sales and the full lineup, check the official Slide Away festival site.

Why Slide Away Matters

Slide Away isn’t just another festival; it’s a heartfelt homage to the shoegaze genre and its enduring influence. The gathering of bands, some legends and others rising stars, creates a bridge between decades of ethereal music. It’s a chance for fans to immerse themselves in swirling guitars, washed-out vocals, and the kind of atmosphere that only shoegaze can offer.

"Hum’s surprise album Inlet garnered some of the best reviews of their career."

FAQ

• When and where will the Slide Away festival take place?
  The festival will tour Brooklyn, New York (May 15-16), Chicago (May 23), and Los Angeles (May 29-30) in 2026.
• Which bands are headlining the festival?
  Shoegaze icons Hum and Chapterhouse will headline, with Philadelphia’s Nothing performing all dates.
• What is significant about Hum’s return?
  It’s their first live shows since 2019 and the first tour following the death of their drummer Bryan St. Pere in 2021.
• How can I buy tickets?
  Pre-sales are currently happening, and general public tickets go on sale October 3 at the festival’s official site.
• Are there any other bands performing at Slide Away?
  Yes, the lineup includes Bleary Eyed, Lovesliescrushing, Manslaughter 777, She’s Green, Swirlies, Warmachine, Cloakroom, Sunshy, Cryogeyser, Mint Field, Ovlov, Seko, and Terraplana.

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