Altered Images, one of the most influential bands to emerge from the UK post-punk and new wave scenes will embark on a 16-date UK tour in September 2026 to celebrate their seminal 1981 album “Happy Birthday” which will be performed in full by the band which is still fronted by their original singer Clare Grogan.
The tour will kick off on 3rd September in Norwich and close in Edinburgh on 25th, and all dates can be seen at the bottom of the page. The set will shine a spotlight on the album that launched their career while also showcasing a full collection of the band’s greatest hits.
Altered Images became one of the early ’80s defining acts, scoring a string of chart successes including “Don’t Talk to Me About Love,” “I Could Be Happy,” “Happy Birthday,” “See Those Eyes,” “Pinky Blue,” and “Bring Me Closer.”
Following her breakthrough with Altered Images, Scottish star Clare became a familiar face on screen, most notably starring in the cult-classic film “Gregory’s Girl”, and later taking on roles across television drama and comedy. As an author she has written several successful children’s books.
Clare Grogan says: “It means the world to celebrate these songs with the people who grew up with them, and with those discovering them for the first time. The music of Altered Images has taken me on an incredible journey, and revisiting ‘Happy Birthday’ along with all our hits feels like the perfect way to honour where we’ve been and where we’re going next.”
The setlist spans shimmering pop anthems, fan faves, and timeless singles, promising “a vibrant celebration of the band’s lasting impact and the unique voice Clare Grogan continues to bring to British music”.
Claire Grogan: “Track Record”
1. First song you recall hearing as a child?
The Supremes: “Baby Love”.
2. First single you owned?
David Essex: “Rock On”.
3. First LP/album you owned?
David Bowie: “Young Americans”.
4. First CD you owned?
Honestly, no clue!
5. Last music you bought and in what format (CD/vinyl/digital download)?
Harry Styles: “Aperture” [Download].
6. Which album would you be happy to receive as a gift?
Robyn: “Sexistential”.
7. Favourite album? (Choose more than one if need be…)
Blondie: “Parallel Lines”, Simple Minds: “Empire and Dance”, David Bowie: “Black Star”.
8. Best record ever made (can be single/album/EP – and choose more than one if need be)?
So many great records to choose from!
9. Guilty secret (or anything unusual or perhaps unexpected) in your music collection?
I don’t believe in the concept of guilty secrets; if I like it I like it. I have a very eclectic taste in music.
10. What does music mean to you and how does it make you feel?
My entire life I have been surrounded by music. I grew up in a three-generational home and thankfully they all introduced me, as the youngest family member, to great songs. Music has played an enormous role in my life, as a fan and as a performer. I feel unbelievably connected to the power of music – it’s my therapy!
11. Which song or album is a guaranteed mood booster?
De La Soul: “3 Feet High and Rising”.
12. Which song or album would be the soundtrack to a film about your life?
Altered Images: “Mascara Streakz”. All the songs on this album are incredibly personal; its kind of a musical memoir so I feel it would be perfect.
13. Your favourite driving track – or music to exercise to?
Madonna: “Ray Of Light [Sasha Twilo Remix]”.
14. Best song or album for a romantic moment?
Billie Holiday: “Music For Torching”.
15. Which song was played for the “First Dance” at your wedding (if you are married) or which song would you choose if you did get married?
We had a Ceilidh, so it was “The Gay Gordons”.
16. Your choice of song to sing at karaoke?
Taylor Swift: “Shake It Off”.
17. Which song takes you back to your childhood – and to which specific memory/memories?
Herb Alpert: “This Guy’s In Love With You”. It was a big favourite of my Mum’s; it made her happy.
18. Favourite band (or bands)?
The Cure, Blondie, Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads, Fontaines D.C., Inhaler, Tom Tom Club, The Go-Go’s.
19. Favourite singer (or singers)?
Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Raye, David Bowie, David Byrne, Prince, Cesária Évora, Siouxsie Sioux, Lola Young.
20. Which song would you like played at your funeral?
Doris Day: “Que Sera Sera”.
Altered Images Tour the UK throughout September – Tickets available via: http://alteredimages.band/
03 September 2026 The Adrian Flux Waterfront Norwich, UK
04 September 2026 Islington Assembly Hall London, UK
05 September 2026 Thekla Bristol, UK
07 September 2026 Rescue Rooms Nottingham, UK
08 September 2026 Brudenell Social Club Leeds, UK
10 September 2026 Stables Milton Keynes, UK
11 September 2026 Picturedome Holmfirth, UK
12 September 2026 Town Hall Birmingham, UK
13 September 2026 Lowther Pavillion Lytham, UK
15 September 2026 Band On The Wall Manchester, UK
16 September 2026 The Grove Newcastle, UK
18 September 2026 The Factory Live Worthing, UK
19 September 2026 Phoenix Exeter, UK
23 September 2026 St Lukes Glasgow, UK
24 September 2026 Old Fire Station Carlisle, UK
25 September 2026 Liquid Rooms Edinburgh, UK
Photos by: Simon Redley, David Scheinmann, Ed Fielding.
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