Merseyside hero Ian Prowse announces his brand-new album, No Names, arriving July 3rd and with it comes the first single, ‘Keynote Speech’, out now – via Learpholl Music.
Featuring special guests Elvis Costello, Steve Wickham, Damien Dempsey and Rosalita Prowse, Ian’s 14-year-old daughter – No Names is Ian’s 12th studio album and one that promises to be a landmark moment for an artist who has spent over 30 years making music to widespread critical acclaim.
“It’s rock, it’s roll, it’s Celtic soul,” says Ian. “We definitely haven’t repeated ourselves. For some fans this one will be the best yet – it’s got a bit of everything. Half the songs address the wider world; radical hope, protest songs if you like. The other half map out where my emotional life and memories are at in 2026. Just like Lennon used to.”
The lead single offers a vivid glimpse of what’s to come: politically committed, intelligent and gloriously catchy. ‘Keynote Speech’ is a rollicking, communal singalong built around a sax solo and a chanting chorus of “Enough is Enough” – a rallying cry against societal injustice, and one that couldn’t feel more timely. It is Ian Prowse doing what he does best: striking lyrics that double as sharp social commentary, wrapped inside an irresistible pop song.
“Keynote Speech is a communal singalong,” says Ian. “Like an exasperated, updated version of Lennon’s Give Peace a Chance. We recorded it in the same way too.”
NO NAMES TOUR 2026
BELFAST Deer Shed Sept 25th
DUBLIN Sound House Sept 26th
NOTTINGHAM Bodega Oct 2
SALE (Manchester) Waterside Arts Oct 3
BRISTOL Thekla Oct 9
BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds Oct 10
SUNDERLAND Peacock Oct 16
TODMORDEN Unitarian Church Oct 17
BRIGHTON The Brunswick Oct 23
SOUTHAMPTON The Brook Oct 24
STOWMARKET John Peel Centre Oct 30
SOUTHPORT Atkinson Oct 31
GLASGOW Oran Mor Nov 6
EDINBURGH Cabaret Voltaire Nov 7
SHREWSBURY Albert’s Shed Nov 13
LONDON 100 Club Nov 14
LIVERPOOL O2 Dec 12
Ian Prowse Online:
Photo credit – press photo