Then Jerico

80's English rock icons Celebrate 40th anniversary of FIRST (The Sound of Music) with a UK tour

Story by Amanda Holborn

14/04/2026

‘FIRST (The Sound of Music)’ 40th Anniversary Tour 2026/27 is in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the release of the titular debut Then Jerico album which featured two Top 40 hits ‘Muscle Deep’ and ‘The Motive’ (the highest played single on BBC Radio One in 1987 and the band’s first Top 20 hit).

Then Jerico lead singer, songwriter, producer, and sole original founder member Mark Shaw and his band will be playing venues and festivals across the UK. Commencing at The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes on Thursday, 12th November 2026, this will be followed by dates at: Shiiine On Festival 2026 at Butlin’s Minehead; Parish in Huddersfield; Room 2 Glasgow; The Old Fire Station in Carlisle; and The Booking Hall, Dover. More dates may be added. The album was both critically and commercially successful worldwide, achieving Gold sales status in the U.K. and included two other Top 75 hit singles: ‘Let Her Fall’ and the band’s cover of Roxy Music’s ‘Prairie Rose’. The album was co-produced by Owen Davies and Mark Shaw. Then Jerico achieved huge critical and commercial worldwide success in the 1980’s, gaining a dedicated worldwide following and building an international reputation for their legendary explosive live performances. Then Jerico’s second album ‘The Big Area (Outside) immediately achieved Gold and Platinum status. The album included Top 20 hit single ‘Big Area’ and two more Top 30 UK hits ‘What Does It Take?’ (featuring Belinda Carlisle) on backing vocals, and ‘Sugar Box’. In 2024, Mark released a 4CD Boxed Set retrospective: Then Jerico - Before The Future’ on Cherry Red Records, entering the Official UK National Album Chart at No.50 and the Official UK National Independent Charts at No.21.