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Acclaimed space rock outfit Spiritualized celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first-ever acoustic performances with a rare ‘Acoustic Mainlines’ show in the Barbican Hall this winter.

Born around the time of the making of the album Songs In A&E, and after J Spaceman had survived serious illness, the ‘Acoustic Mainlines’ shows originally grew out of the band’s appearance at the Barbican’s acclaimed “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” tribute concert in 2006 where Spaceman and Spiritualized guitarist, Tony Doggen Foster, performed covers of Johnston’s Devil Town, Funeral Home and True Love Will Find You In The End.

As Spaceman later recalled: “I was underweight and battered and this was a gentle way of getting back on stage. It wasn’t my show for a start, and it was small, and it was beautiful. Originally, it was just going to be the two of us, but we ended up getting the strings and the choir and because it worked so well, it led to other things.”

The Acoustic Mainlines shows that followed featured songs from across the Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized catalogues as well as various cover versions. The same will be true this time round - and once again, J Spaceman will be accompanied by a string quartet, gospel singers and Spiritualized guitarist Tony Foster.

Produced by the Barbican in association with Kilimanjaro
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SUPPORT ACT ADDED

Visionary bassist Meshell Ndegeocello performs No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin in a powerful live set with her band in the Barbican Hall.

A genre-defying sonic exploration blending jazz, soul, funk and spoken word, the deeply atmospheric work of Ndegeocello draws on the writings and legacy of acclaimed author and civil rights activist James Baldwin. Weaving together Baldwin’s essays, novels and poetry, Ndegeocello creates a prophetic musical odyssey that moves through moments of intimacy, intensity and improvisation, anchored by her fluid basslines.

The performance draws audiences into Baldwin’s meditations on race, sexuality, resistance and belonging, forming a profound dialogue between literature and music that celebrates his enduring influence nearly a century after his birth.

Support on the night comes from Mercury Prize-nominated artist ESKA, presenting Singing The News as The Urban Griot. Drawing on the ancient tradition of the griot as storyteller, witness and commentator, ESKA transforms contemporary news stories into live, improvised song. Moving between humour, lament, satire and celebration, she responds to the headlines of the day in real time, creating a performance that is both deeply rooted and entirely of the moment.

Known for her collaborations with Grace Jones, Tony Allen, Matthew Herbert, Zero 7 and UNKLE, ESKA brings her singular voice and fearless improvisational spirit to a performance where current affairs become folklore and the news becomes song.

Produced by the Barbican 
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