Pixies are the first headliners announced for On The Mount at Wasing — one of the UK’s most distinctive concert series, set within a spectacular woodland amphitheatre in Berkshire.
Returning in 2026, On The Mount at Wasing unfolds on the breathtaking Wasing Estate (pronounced Way-zing) near Reading. At the heart of the countryside lies The Mount — a natural enclave unlike any other.
From the enchanting woodland trail that welcomes guests, to the wildflowers that bloom across the amphitheatre, every detail of this mindful space creates a truly transportive setting. It is here, immersed in nature, that audiences experience landmark performances from world-class artists. Set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most unique and stunning outdoor venues, The Mount delivers a diverse programme rooted in music, nature, and connection
Pixies, featuring founding members Black Francis, Joey Santiago and David Lovering, together with bassist Emma Richardson, will perform on Saturday 27 June as part of their 2026 tour celebrating 40 years since their genesis in 1986.
Over 35 years since their groundbreaking Platinum-certified album Doolittle catapulted the band into the UK Top Ten, and over 20 years since their celebrated reformation at Coachella, Pixies are deep into their second creative act.
Having emerged in Boston in 1986, Pixies have gone on to become one of alternative music’s greatest and most pioneering bands, remaining unmistakably distinctive in voice. Their immediately recognisable sound continues to influence new generations of musicians four decades on.
From their first chaotic club shows, Pixies redefined what a live concert could be. No glamour, no stage banter -just a relentless, explosive surge of sound. A glimpse into a new way rock music could be performed. 1987’s Come On Pilgrim introduced Pixies' surreal, fragmented songwriting. 1988’s Surfer Rosa proved they were unlike anything else and 1989’s Doolittle broke wider, twisting pop hooks into dark shapes and dragging swelling crowds into their jagged rhythm.
By the early ’90s, relentless tours across the US and Europe cemented Pixies as the essential alt-rock ticket before their 1993 split.
Their 2004 reunion was seismic: instant sellouts, Coachella triumph, and bigger audiences than ever. Sharper, fiercer, and now spanning generations, Pixies became living proof of their own influence with five acclaimed albums since 2014. The band’s tenth album The Night The Zombies Came saw Pixies described as "one of the most consistent, influential bands on the planet" by DIY Magazine, The Telegraph said, "the great Black Francis is touched by an extraordinary genius" whilst MOJO confirmed, "this most thrillingly deathly of bands remains alive".
Four decades in, Pixies remain innovative, relevant, and unstoppable.
Previous artists to have headlined On The Mount at Wasing include Paolo Nutini, Sigur Ros, Ben Howard, Primal Scream, Jungle, Underworld, and Crowded House. Rolling Stone UK has described The Mount at Wasing as ‘the lushest of gig settings’.
Ollie Rosenblatt, founder and CEO of promoters Senbla and Senior Vice President of Sony Masterworks said:
‘We are absolutely delighted to be launching our new series at the unique and truly special venue On The Mount at Wasing. It’s very exciting to be bringing the array of acts we are going to be announcing over the coming weeks to this stand out site and audiences.
Marrying the right venue to the right artists is what elevates an outdoor show from being just good, to totally exceptional, and we are confident that the artists we have at Wasing is true to the making of that exceptional marriage. We couldn’t be happier to launch with the genre-defining Pixies. It will be a wonderful show and event and we cannot wait for the Summer to come to make it a reality.’
Joshua Dugdale, Custodian of Wasing, said:
‘Nature is the cornerstone of everything and Wasing is, at heart, a place for transformative experience, providing deep connection to the restorative power of nature.
We are incredibly excited to welcome back On The Mount at Wasing for 2026, once again bringing together artists and audiences to harmonise with nature and community through powerful musical experiences.
Through our continued partnership with Senbla, we’re proud to present yet another extraordinary line-up of world-class artists and visionary entertainment at our iconic woodland amphitheatre, On The Mount.
