The xx Ignite Mexico City with First Comeback Gig in Eight Years

The xx’s electrifying Mexico City show marks their triumphant return after eight years, kicking off a sold-out three-night run.

A Long-Awaited Reunion in the Heart of Mexico

After what felt like an eternity for fans, The xx finally stepped back on stage on April 3, 2026, ending an eight-year hiatus. The buzz was electric at the Pepsi Center WTC in Mexico City, where the trio chose to launch their comeback with a sold-out show that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly alive. I still remember the thrill of hearing those first familiar beats of “Crystalised” fill the air, a perfect opener that immediately transported the crowd back into the intimate world The xx has crafted over the years.

Early in 2026, the band announced this special return gig, promising that it would be the start of a “next chapter” for them. What struck me—and many others—was their heartfelt decision to reunite first in Mexico, a city that clearly holds a special place in their hearts. They expressed this sentiment during the gig as well, telling the audience, “We talked a lot about where our reunion should be. The three of us said Mexico.”

The connection between the band and their Mexican fans was palpable, a joyous reunion full of smiles, dancing, and shared memories.

Setlist Bliss: Fan Favorites and Unforgettable Moments

From the opening chords of “Crystalised,” Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Jamie xx delivered a set brimming with fan favorites and crowd-pleasers. Tracks like “GMT,” “Loud Places,” “Night Time,” “Sunset,” and “Infinity” had the audience singing every lyric with fervor.

The atmosphere was electric; it was as if the years away had only made fans more eager to embrace The xx’s unique blend of minimalist indie pop and moody electronica. One fan described the experience perfectly: “It had been a long time since I’d seen the audience so connected with a band, but The xx managed to get everyone dancing, shouting, and singing along to every song.”

The band’s chemistry on stage was undeniable, their passion for the music a glowing reminder of why so many fell in love with them initially.

Immersive Video Highlights from the Gig

For those who couldn’t be there, several clips captured the magic of the night:

Fans Celebrate a Perfect Choice

The choice to start their reunion in Mexico City was unanimously praised by attendees and social media alike. One fan perfectly summed up the sentiment, saying, “Today’s crowd is the perfect proof that they didn’t choose wrong, everyone singing every song at the top of their lungs, dancing, and having the best day of our lives. Those going tomorrow and the day after have no idea what’s in store for them…”

Mexican fans clearly hold The xx close to their hearts, as echoed across many Twitter posts, celebrating the band’s return with heartfelt messages and unforgettable imagery.

The xx’s Mexico City Setlist

Here’s a full rundown of the songs The xx played during their landmark show:

• Crystalised
• Say Something Loving
• Islands
• Angels
• Fiction
• I’ll Take Care of U (Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx cover)
• Shelter
• VCR
• Loud Places
• GMT
• Enjoy Your Life
• Wanna
• Waited All Night / On Hold
• On Hold
• I Dare You
• Intro

Encore:

• Night Time
• Play Video
• Sunset
• Play Video
• Infinity

This setlist is a testament to their musical evolution, blending the old and new with seamless finesse.

The Road Leading to This Moment

Back in March, The xx were spotted in the studio together, fueling excitement about new material after Jamie xx shared in 2024 that the trio was “having a good time” working on fresh music. Following the Coachella lineup announcement, they even teased fans with rehearsal footage, offering a glimpse of the creative reunion in progress.

Jamie xx’s 2025 headline set at the LIDO Festival also featured a spontaneous onstage reunion with Romy and Oliver, hinting at the magic to come. It was as if the pieces were slowly falling into place, building anticipation for their full return.

Solo Ventures and Collective Resurgence

Since their last album, 2017’s I See You, each member ventured down solo paths that deepened their artistry:

• Romy’s debut album Mid Air (2023) introduced her ethereal, emotive voice in a fresh light, followed by a string of singles that solidified her solo identity.
• Oliver Sim’s Hideous Bastard (2022), paired with subsequent singles, showcased his raw emotional storytelling and distinct vocal style.
• Jamie xx’s sophomore solo album In Waves (2024) blended his signature production with collaborative moments, notably featuring his bandmates on “Waited All Night.”

Despite their individual journeys, the chemistry in Mexico City proved that their collective spirit remained undiminished.

Looking Forward: New Music and Open Doors

When speaking at the 2024 BRIT Awards, Romy hinted at the band’s evolving sound and their willingness to “try new things,” while assuring fans that it would still unmistakably be The xx. This open-minded approach leaves the door wide open for exciting new material, a prospect that has fans buzzing.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

I See You marked a high point for The xx, becoming their second UK Number One album and reaching Number Two in the US. Critics praised the record for its mature vulnerability and innovation, highlighting tracks like Romy’s haunting ballad “Performance” for its emotional depth.

Adding to their legacy, The xx also released a deluxe edition of their debut album xx in late 2025, a nostalgic nod to where it all began. They’re also part of Rough Trade’s 50th anniversary celebrations, a fitting tribute to their impact on indie music.

“The moment when The xx stop glancing shyly at their reflection and confront themselves in the mirror. What they discover is ‘infectious.’”

— From the I See You album review

The anticipation is now sky-high as The xx continue their three-night run in Mexico City, with festival appearances at Coachella and Primavera Sound on the horizon. This comeback feels like a perfect blend of past and future—a new chapter written with the same intimate honesty that made The xx so beloved.

FAQ

• How long has it been since The xx last performed together?
  Eight years have passed since their last full band gig before the April 2026 Mexico City show.
• Why did The xx choose Mexico City for their comeback?
  The trio personally voted for Mexico City as their reunion location, feeling a deep connection with their Mexican fans.
• What songs did The xx play during their Mexico City show?
  Their set included hits like “Crystalised,” “Say Something Loving,” “Loud Places,” “Night Time,” and “Infinity,” plus a Gil Scott-Heron cover.
• Have The xx released new music since their reunion?
  They have been working on new material since 2024, with hints of new sounds shared in rehearsal clips, though no new album has been released yet.
• What solo projects did the members pursue during the hiatus?
  Romy released Mid Air, Oliver Sim launched Hideous Bastard, and Jamie xx dropped In Waves, each exploring their individual artistic visions.

For those wanting to celebrate this iconic band in style, shop your favorite album cover posters and memorabilia at our store here. Bring a piece of The xx’s magic into your own space and keep the music alive every day.