Black Star Riders have announced they are pulling out of their planned European tour with Tyketto, which was due to take place across September and October 2026.
Ah mun, this is the kind of news that lands like a snapped guitar string mid-solo. Not ideal, not fun, and definitely not what fans were hoping to see while already counting down the days to a proper night of hard rock swagger.
The band confirmed that the decision was made because ticket figures were not where they needed to be, meaning they have chosen to step away from the tour before leaving things too late for fans, promoters, venues, crew, and everyone else involved in the big touring machine.
A Tough Call From The Black Star Riders Camp 🎸
In their statement, Black Star Riders said they “regret to announce” that they have pulled out of the planned European dates with Tyketto.
They explained that, as is sadly the way of the world right now, the numbers simply were not stacking up.
And let’s be honest, touring in 2026 is not cheap. Fuel prices, crew costs, hotels, production, venues, insurance, buses, gear, and the general madness of getting a rock band across Europe all adds up quicker than a bar tab at a festival after someone says, “just one more round, butt.”
For bands outside the massive stadium-headliner bubble, ticket sales are everything. If those numbers do not hit the right level, even a cracking line-up can become impossible to keep on the road.
Refunds Available For Fans 🎟️
Black Star Riders have apologised for any inconvenience caused and confirmed that ticket refunds for fans wanting to see Black Star Riders are available from the original point of purchase.
So, if you bought your ticket specifically for Black Star Riders, your next move is to contact whoever you purchased it from and follow their refund process.
Keep your order confirmation, booking reference, and email receipts handy — because ticketing systems love making things feel like you are solving a prog-rock concept album with a password reset.
Another Sign Of The Touring Squeeze 😬
This announcement is another reminder that the live music world is still having a rough old ride.
Fans are skint. Bands are battling rising costs. Promoters are trying to make the maths work. Venues are under pressure. And everyone is still expected to somehow keep the show rolling like nothing has changed.
But things have changed.
The days of assuming every tour will automatically sell enough tickets are gone. Even respected names with loyal fanbases are having to make difficult decisions. It is not just about whether people love the band — it is whether enough people can afford the ticket, the travel, the hotel, the merch, the food, and probably a suspiciously expensive pint in a plastic cup.
Rock fans are passionate, but even passion has to check the bank balance now and then. Grim, but true.
A Blow For Classic Rock Fans 🔥
Black Star Riders have long carried that gritty, melodic, road-tested rock spirit — big choruses, big guitars, and that Thin Lizzy-flavoured swagger that makes you want to throw on a leather jacket even if you are only going to Tesco.
Their absence from the Tyketto tour will be felt by fans who were looking forward to a proper double helping of classic hard rock energy.
It is disappointing, no doubt. But making the call now is better than cancelling days before the shows, when fans may have already booked travel, hotels, time off work, or arranged childcare with someone who definitely does not understand why you need to see “another guitar band.”
The Riff Report Verdict 🤘
Nobody wins when a tour loses a band, especially one with the history and following of Black Star Riders.
But this feels less like drama and more like a hard financial reality check. The band have been upfront, apologised, and made the decision early enough for fans to sort refunds without the whole thing descending into last-minute chaos.
It is a shame, butt. A proper shame.
Hopefully Black Star Riders will be back on the road when the timing is right, the numbers are stronger, and the riffs can once again do what riffs do best — shake the walls, rattle the ribs, and remind everyone why live rock music still matters.
Until then, check your ticket provider, sort your refund if needed, and keep the faith.
The road may be rough, but the riffs always find a way back. 🎸🔥
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
