Mick McConnell Announces New Album ‘Things Are Looking Up’ & 2026 UK Tour

There comes a point in every great musician’s career where experience, confidence and creativity collide. For Mick McConnell, that moment is happening right now.

Already recognised worldwide as the long-serving guitarist with one of the hardest working British bands with millions of record sales behind them, McConnell has quietly spent the last couple of years building something altogether different—something deeply personal, refreshingly authentic, and rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about stories on the British blues-rock circuit.

With the forthcoming release of his brand-new album ‘Things Are Looking Up‘, and an extensive 24-date UK and Irish Tour, and a string of acclaimed headline performances behind him, Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder are now playing at some of the UK’s best blues venues, are carrying the momentum of a band whose time has truly come.

This isn’t simply another blues band riding the revival. This is, contemporary British blues-rock with songs at its heart.

What separates Mick McConnell from so many modern blues guitarists is that he doesn’t simply write riffs…he writes songs. Proper songs.

The kind that stays with you long after the final encore. Songs with memorable choruses, beautifully crafted melodies and lyrics that feel honest, lived-in, and real. It’s perhaps no surprise. Before becoming an internationally touring guitarist, McConnell spent years as an in-house songwriter for publishing giants Warner Chappell, learning his craft alongside some of the music industry’s finest writers.

That background is everywhere in his music. Rather than endless twelve-bar workouts or extended guitar solos, McConnell has developed a style that blends the emotional honesty of classic British rock with American blues, soulful melodies and contemporary production. It’s blues-rock that speaks to both lifelong blues devotees and classic rock fans alike—a genuinely commercial modern blues-rock sound without ever compromising its authenticity.

It’s little wonder, that critics have increasingly begun to recognise him as one of Britain’s finest songwriter-guitarists.

‘Things Are Looking Up’ as a body of work, takes the listener on a journey of emotions with moving and catchy songwriting at the core of the album. Produced by Stuart McCreadie and Mick McConnell, the material focuses on various aspects of the human condition whether it be the optimism from the title track, the self-reflection from ‘Worst Of Me’ or the tongue-in-cheek look of mortality on ‘Pearly Gates’.

In addition, Mick McConnell will be interviewed in the November 2026 issue of Blues Matters Magazine.

Track List:

Things Are Looking Up
Back In Town
Ain’t Gonna Lose
All About It
Rip It Up
Worst Of Me
Tie Me Down
Stop Stop Stop
Pearly Gates
Stitch On Me

The album ‘Things Are Looking Up’ will be released on Monday 9^th November 2026. The CD of ‘Things Are Looking Up’ will be available to purchase at the UK and Irish dates.

In 2017 Mick released his second solo album, ‘Under My Skin’ too much critical acclaim. Working with double-winning Grammy Producer, Blue Miller (Bob Seger, India Arie, Grand Funk Railroad and Blackfoot). Not surprisingly ‘Under My Skin’ achieved a number 13 spot on the European Blues Chart.

Mick has also previously been interviewed for a centre page spread in both Blues Matters Magazine as well as the ‘Blues In Britain’ Magazine. ‘Under My Skin’ received exceptional reviews in the Elmore (USA) and Music Republic magazines as well as various other online publications. Mick was also featured on heavy rotation, on the many online Blues podcasts and Blues shows, especially in the UK. Mick also features well on Spotify, and in particular, Spotify’s own Blues/Rock-playlists!

At the beginning of 2023. Mick decided that it’s time to put a band together to play his brand of Blues-Rock! Whilst in many ways starting at the bottom . . . like all new bands, Mick is hoping that his no-nonsense offering will bring his name to the attention of the Blues faithful in the UK and beyond.

Just two years ago, Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder were a brand-new live band beginning their journey on the UK Blues circuit. Fast forward to today and they’ve become one of the UK’s fastest-rising blues-rock attractions. In an incredibly short space of time, they’ve progressed from intimate club shows to prestigious festivals, sold-out headline concerts and appearances at some of Britain’s finest live music venues.

Their first nationwide headline tour culminated with a triumphant performance at London’s legendary 100 Club, while invitations quickly followed from the Winter Blues Weekender, the Blackpool International Blues Festival Main Stage and the prestigious Looe Blues Festival.

They are returning to the UK and Irish live circuit in Autumn 2026 for a series of headline shows, a co-headline date with Hannah Wicklund and festival appearances.

“A truly exceptional and masterfully melodic offering” – Elmore Magazine USA

“Technically top drawer and they are his own riffs; he’s not a borrower” – Music Republic Magazine

Tickets are onsale and available now direct from the venues.

Tour Dates:

Monday 19^th October 2026

Blues At The Angel, Old Angel Inn, Bardney. 2 Wragby Road, LN35XE

Track List:

Tour Dates:

Line-up:

Web Links:

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