UK Decay

UK Decay booked for rare appearance with a Hometown Show at Luton's Hat Factory

Post-punk pioneers UK Decay will be playing a hometown show at Luton’s Hat Factory on Saturday 8 November 2025 to coincide with the vinyl re-release of their seminal album For Madmen Only.

This follows the band’s appearance at Forever Now Festival on Saturday June 2025 at the Milton Keynes Bowl, with potentially one or two other gigs being realised this year and perhaps into 2026 – For Madmen Finale?

Formed in Luton in 1979, UK Decay built an ever-growing, truly international fan base on the back of politically charged, thunderous releases, and high-intensity gigs. Described as “the cult before The Cult” by one journalist, their dark, angular music saw them (inadvertently) name and lead the proto-goth movement.

Released in 1981, For Madmen Only is the band’s debut album. While a CD version was released some 15 years ago, this new vinyl version will be released through Rough Trade on heavy 180-gram vinyl and will be re-mastered from the original tapes. The band are also planning to license the rights for their two John Peel Sessions and include those together with their early singles on a further vinyl release.

Commenting on the upcoming hometown gig, singer Abbo said:

“Good to get out there again, same songs, same message, same messed up world that we’re talking about….. the hope? It will get better, and where best to start spreading that word than the centre of the World – Luton Town.”