Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds has joined the cast of the upcoming tour of Jeff Wayne’s musical version of ‘The War of The Worlds’.
Based on the classic rock concept album, which has sold over 16 million copies worldwide, the tour will hit arenas across the UK from March 2025, with Rou performing the role of The Artilleryman.
Speaking on the announcement, Rou said “I first discovered Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds through my dad and uncle, who grew up being blown away by the original double album,” comments Rou. “Their great respect and enthusiasm for Jeff’s work makes it a true honour to be involved. I’m excited to be playing the role of The Artilleryman and stepping into the shoes of luminaries such as David Essex, Ricky Wilson, Adam Garcia and all those who’ve played the role before me.”
“As exemplified by the path that my band, Enter Shikari, follows, it’s important for me to practice breadth in my art, and keep pushing myself. I understand that performing in a musical production isn’t the sort of thing people from our scene normally do, but my band has never paid much attention to what is expected of us. I relish this challenge.”
Composer Jeff Wayne added “Since 2006 when we began touring arenas around the world, I’ve always been thrilled to welcome what is now a long list of great artists. This coming tour, for the role of The Artilleryman, I reached out to the lead singer of the wonderful Enter Shikari – Rou Reynolds – a massive talent whose voice thrills, and his personality matches. He will create his own interpretation of the enigmatic Artilleryman.”
The Wanted’s Max George and actress Maisie Smith are also among the new cast alongside a 3D hologram of Liam Neeson and Jeff Wayne himself conducting the music.
Tickets are on sale now at this link.
Have a look at the list of dates below:
MARCH
28 – HULL, Connexin Live
30 – DUBLIN, IRELAND, 3Arena
APRIL
01 – ABERDEEN, P&J Live
02 – GLASGOW, OVO Hydro
03 – LEEDS, First Direct Arena
05 – NEWCASTLE, Utilita Arena
06 – MANCHESTER, Co-Op Live
08 – SHEFFIELD, Utilita Arena
09 – LIVERPOOL, M&S Bank Arena
10 – NOTTINGHAM, Motorpoint Arena
12 – BRIGHTON, Brighton Centre (matinee and evening)
13/14 – BOURNEMOUTH, Bournemouth Int Centre
16/17 – CARDIFF, Utilita Arena
18 – BIRMINGHAM, Resorts World Arena
20 – LONDON, The O2 (matinee and evening)
Enter Shikari were recent winners of our Rock Sound 25 Icon Award. Get your magazine and exclusive merch bundles now at SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV
