The trio played 02 Academy on Tuesday. Bria Stell was there to capture the visuals.
The album title ‘These Are The Good Days’ is the truth for the trio, whose enduring popularity continues almost twenty years after their breakthrough. Their current headline tour has seen all 24 shows sell-out; their previous album saw them return to the Top 20 for the first time in eight years; and the future is brighter still, with their two biggest headline shows ever confirmed for 2027. So these are the best of times, and those sentiments fuel the dynamic, defiant, sunshine-filled singalong optimism of the new album.
As vocalist and songwriter Roy Stride says, “What this album is about, what I feel the band is about, what my life is about… It’s all the same: bringing people together through live music and having a good time and singing along. And that’s why live music is so important. That’s what the title song is all about. About being in the present moment but also coming together.”
That sense of unity inspires the new focus track, ‘Stars Never Fade’. Roy wrote the song in response to the excitement and awe-inspiring atmosphere generated by the great Oasis comeback, and its blend of irresistible melodies with a huge singalong chorus give it the feel of being Scouting For Girls’ answer to ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’.
The singles that previewed the album all captured the big hooks, straight-to-the-point messages and heartfelt fervour that are hallmarks of the band at their best. That standard carries into the brand new material on the record, too, taking in highlights including a new arena-sized anthem in the shape of ‘Get What You Give’, the thumping rocker ‘Waiting For Your Love’, and folk-pop exuberance on ‘Love Gone Bad’. And the atmosphere stays on a rousing high until the finale ‘Alright In The End’, with brass and piano that echoes the likes of Billy Joel and Randy Newman, with a touch of ‘80s pop sophistication that recalls Nik Kershaw. So that’s the good days wrapped – but with many more still to come.
Fans eager to support Scouting For Girls in their quest to once again climb the charts can buy the album HERE. Formats include two striking vinyl designs, and three value-for-money CDs themed around each band member. Roy’s adds five unplugged tracks, bassist Greg Churchouse’s adds four new songs from the sessions as well as an alternate vocal version of ‘Counting Down The Days’, while drummer Pete Ellard’s features band commentary for every song. All album bundles purchased from their official store are rewarded with a signed print.
What’s more, fans who buy the album will receive access to a ticket pre-sale for the band’s special 20th anniversary shows at Manchester’s AO Arena (February 12th, 2027) and the OVO Arena Wembley (February 13th, 2027). Expect wall-to-wall hits, fan favourites, a brass section and surprise special guests. The pre-sale opens at 10am on Tuesday, March 31st, fans can sign up HERE, before remaining tickets go on general sale HERE from 10am on Thursday, April 2nd.
Roy Stride says, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for us, and we’ll do everything we can to make these the biggest and best shows of our career. We honestly can’t wait to celebrate 20 years of Scouting for Girls with our amazing fans. One of the first gigs we ever played together was at Wembley Youth Club when we were still teenagers, so the fact we now get to play Wembley Arena feels completely mad in the best possible way. And Manchester’s mighty AO Arena too… honestly, it’s a dream come true.”
In the meantime, Scouting For Girls conclude their current sold-out UK headline tour at London’s Roundhouse tomorrow. They are also celebrating the release of ‘These Are The Good Days’ with a run of intimate record store performances and signing sessions.
Their hectic festival schedule includes headline sets at the Wild Life Festival Weekender, Robin Hill Adventure Park and Pigstock, plus Y NOT?, Belladrum, Summer Fest At The Beach, Leigh Sports Village Stadium (with Lottery Winners), Lakefest, In It Together and Southampton FC’s St. Mary’s Stadium (with McFly). They also have three special cathedral shows scheduled in October.
Please see HERE for details and tickets for all dates.
Photography by Bria Stell, taken at 02 Academy on 24 March 2026.
