The Proclaimers

The Proclaimers bring their sharp-edged folk rock to Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth, on 12 November 2026. Formed in 1983 by twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid, the duo started out acoustically before opening up to a fuller band sound. Their songs lean on tight harmonies, brisk rhythms and a plainspoken writing style, ported by a distinctly Scottish accent that’s part of their identity.

On stage, they revisit a catalogue that runs from Letter from America, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and Sunshine on Leith to later chapters like Life with You, Notes & Rhymes, Like Comedy, Angry Cyclist and Dentures Out. Personal stories, social observations and a clear-eyed political streak suture these tracks together, between folk roots, country touches and pop sensibilities shaped by a punk impulse.

Whether in a stripped-back setup or with a full band, The Proclaimers keep the focus on the songs and the voices, with arrangements that highlight melody and pulse. Four decades in, they continue to trace a line between intimacy and collective singalong, delivering a set that sums up what defines their sound.