Irish punk legends Stiff Little Fingers have moved their March 2021 UK tour back a year, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The tour has already been postponed twice, firstly, when – after just three gigs – the band were forced to call a halt to their March 2020 dates.
They were rescheduled until August and September 2020, and then until March 2021, but in a social media post, frontman Jake Burns has confirmed the news that many fans have been expecting.
He wrote: “We’ve had to postpone the UK tour again due to the pandemic.
“Obviously, compared to the bad news a lot of people have received over the last year or so this is a drop in the ocean, and our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones or suffered in some other way as a result of this terrible virus.
“With regard to the tour, we have moved as many of the shows as we could back a year, and as was the case with the initial move ALL tickets for the original shows will remain valid. However, there are a couple of changes. See the new dates, details, and ticket links for each gig on the homepage of SLF.rocks.”
The Professionals and TV Smith will remain as special guests at all dates, with the Neville Staple Band also joining the line-up in London.
The Newcastle date is moving from the O2 Academy to the City Hall at the request of the promoter.
Jake said: “We have played the City Hall in the past, and it’s a venue that holds a special place in our hearts (especially for myself and Ian). The seats will be removed from the ground floor and, as the capacity is slightly larger, there will be a few more tickets available for what was previously a sold-out show.”
Secondly, Portsmouth Pyramid Centre won’t exist by the time March 2022 rolls around, so the show is being moved to the Bournemouth O2 Academy. Portsmouth tickets will be valid for that show, but refunds will be available for anyone who can’t make it.
The one ray of hope on the horizon is that the Troon show scheduled for July 31, 2021, will remain on that date, and the band are hoping it can go ahead. Otherwise, it will also move to next March, with tickets remaining valid.
Jake added: “Once again, thank you all for, as always, sticking with us. We are always amazed at your patience, good humour, and tolerance. Hoping for a 2021 that is finally served loud!”
