Howard Jones Announces “Things Can Only Get Better” North American Tour

Jones To Headline With Support From Fellow British ‘80s Greats Wang Chung, The English Beat, Modern English And Hosted By SiriusXM’s Richard Blade

(DETROIT – April 7, 2026) – 104.3 WOMC presents new wave icon Howard Jones who is very proud to announce the “Things Can Only Get Better” North American tour for summer 2026, including a date at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The feel-good ‘80s event of the summer features a bill curated and headlined by Jones himself with support from fellow British ‘80s greats Wang Chung, The English Beat and Modern English and will be hosted by SiriusXM’s Richard Blade. All four artists will perform full sets.

Fans can expect to hear the biggest hits from the decade including “Things Can Only Get Better,” “What Is Love,” “No One Is To Blame,” “Dance Hall Days,” “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Save It For Later,” “I Confess” and “I Melt With You.” Oakland University Credit Union is the exclusive presenting partner of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com, HowardJones.com and Ticketmaster.com.

In other imminent Howard Jones news, he will be appearing on SiriusXM’s First Wave Hollywood Happy Hour with Richard Blade on Friday, April 10. The segment will feature both a live interview and performance in front of a studio audience. Tune in to First Wave (channel 33) on SiriusXM at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT that day to listen.

Of the upcoming tour, Howard Jones commented, “I dreamed of curating a tour with my favorite bands that could bring some positivity in our troubled times. I’m thrilled that this is actually happening this summer with the Things Can Only Get Better Tour. Joining me are my friends Wang Chung, The English Beat, Modern English, and Richard Blade. I’m so excited to be touring with these amazing talents. Our aim is to bring some joy with the banging pop anthems that we all know and love. ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ is a message of hope for a future that we can create, when we stand up for the world we want to live in. Can’t wait to see you this summer!”

Wang Chung’s Jack Hues and Nick Feldman stated, “We are very excited to be joining Howard on this tour. We have known each other since the 80s but have never toured extensively together before. We have worked with Dave Wakeling and the English Beat and Modern English more recently. They are all great guys and exciting bands. Four British bands bringing their hits and that unique ‘80s energy to your hometown. Don’t miss it.”

Modern English’s Robbie Grey added, “Will be great touring with old friends again. Every night will be a top night. We will play songs from our latest album 1234 and of course the classic early material and that song ‘I Melt With You.’”

Electronic music pioneer Howard Jones has been a constant presence on the international touring scene for the past four decades, playing live in several different configurations including intimate solo shows and dates with his full high-tech band set-up.

He first burst upon the contemporary music scene in 1983 with his very English songwriting and pioneering synthesizers with “New Song.” His first two albums Human’s Lib and Dream Into Action were worldwide hits. Human’s Lib reached #1 in 1984 in the UK and featured the hits “New Song” and “What Is Love?” In 1985, Jones released the follow-up, Dream Into Action, which quickly became a Top Ten Platinum album in the United States and featured the smashes: “Things Can Only Get Better,” “Life In One Day,” “No One Is To Blame,” and “Like To Get To Know You Well.”

Howard Jones has sold upwards of 10 million albums worldwide and continues to make new music and tour the world. Jones has performed on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! as well as NBC’s Today and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. His hits can be heard in series and films such as Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, Watchmen, The Carrie Diaries, Superstore and Bumblebee.

Wang Chung came out of the post-punk, new wave scene in the UK, achieving global success and selling millions of records. Throughout their 40-plus-year career, they have released seven albums and three greatest hits compilations, with six US Top 40 hits including a #1.

The English Beat blends ska, pop, reggae and punk into a signature sound that has endured for decades. Led by Dave Wakeling, the band continues to tour worldwide with an all-star backing group performing hits from The Beat and General Public.

Modern English, formed in Colchester, England, remain one of the defining bands of the post-punk era and are best known for their iconic hit “I Melt With You,” which continues to resonate with new generations.

Richard Blade is one of the most recognized DJs in America, hosting a daily show on SiriusXM’s 1st Wave and middays on KCBS Jack FM. He has received numerous awards including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER North American Tour Dates 2026:

JULY
19 – Napa, CA – Blue Note Napa Summer Sessions
20 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
21 – Paso Robles, CA – Paso Robles Event Center
23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
24 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
26 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
29 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center
30 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

AUGUST
1 – Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s Stir Cove
4 – Austin, TX – ACL Live At The Moody Theatre
5 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
7 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater At White River State Park
8 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
11 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion
12 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Amphitheater
14 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Resort Spa & Casino
15 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
19 – Boston, MA – Citizens House Of Blues
20 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health At Jones Beach Theater
21 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
23 – Toronto, ON – The Bowl At Sobeys Stadium

For more information, please visit www.howardjones.com.