Eighties icon Holly Johnson will bring some Hollywood headline glamour to Lincoln next summer for an incredible night of retro hits.
The former Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman will headline Live at Lincoln Castle on Saturday 26 June, joined by special guests Haircut 100 and Toyah.
Tickets are on sale now via ticketmaster.co.uk.
Holly Johnson achieved massive fame as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. One of the biggest selling bands of the 1980s they debuted with three consecutive UK Number 1 singles – Relax, Two Tribes and The Power Of Love.
Holly’s voice, flamboyant stage presence and unapologetically bold persona helped secure the band’s status as provocative pop stars who blended social commentary with irresistible dance music.
Since going solo in 1987, he’s built a parallel catalogue of hits including album Blast and singles Love Train, Americanos and Atomic City, and become one of pop’s most enduring outspoken frontmen, remaining a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ visibility and human rights, using his platform to advocate for equality and acceptance.
This summer he played sold out shows at venues across the country, proving his distinctive voice hasn’t dimmed one bit.
Joining Holly Johnson will be New Wave pop favourites Haircut 100, who made their new music comeback with the release of album Boxing The Compass earlier this year, bringing the classic line up – Nick Heyward (vocals/guitar), Graham Jones (guitar), Les Nemes (bass) and Blair Cunningham (drums) – back together for the first time in 44 years.
The album followed single The Unloving Plum, which secured the coveted BBC Radio 2 Record Of The Week slot on its release, maintaining the magic which inspired their classic 80s hits Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), Love Plus One, Fantastic Day and Nobody’s Fool.
Completing the line-up is punk and new wave icon, singer, actress and performer Toyah – an artist who has built a five-decade career defined by fearless creativity, reinvention and an unmistakable connection with her audience.
With 13 Top 40 singles and 25 albums, Toyah’s back catalogue includes the iconic hits It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Good Morning Universe, alongside the platinum-selling albums Anthem and The Changeling. As well as appearing with Holly Johnson in 2027, Toyah will also release her new studio album Future Dreaming!
The headline concert is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor to bring world class artists to perform in this outstanding historic location.
Cuffe and Taylor promoter Mark Harrison said: “The Power Of Love for Holly Johnson’s music is phenomenal – and we are so excited to be bringing him to Lincoln Castle, with special guests Haircut 100 and Toyah. It’s going to be the retro night of dreams, don’t miss out!”
Kimberley Vickers, Lincoln Castle manager, added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the incredible triple bill of Holly Johnson, Haircut 100 and Toyah to Lincoln Castle for the first time.
“With its impressive medieval walls and magnificent cathedral views, the 1,000-year-old castle is a unique setting to enjoy live music, and we can’t wait to see it come alive to some of the biggest anthems of the Eighties and beyond at this special concert.”
Holly Johnson is the latest artist announced for Live at Lincoln Castle 2027 which will also see headliner shows from Kaiser Chiefs, Alfie Boe, Ronan Keating, and Jack Savoretti and James Morrison.
For more information go to ticketmaster.co.uk.