Inspiral Carpets Release First New Single In 12 Years Drag The Bag
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Anthony Harrison
Inspiral Carpets have shared their first new single in 12 years.
Released via Scruff of the Neck Records 43 years into the Manchester band's story, Drag The Bag was made for live crowds, delivering their signature blend of melodic indie-rock and psychedelia while still sounding fresh. It was recorded in their hometown at Blueprint Studios and is inspired by the struggles of everyday life and the idea that everyone has something they're dealing with.
The song arrives ahead of the band's packed live schedule, which kicks off with headline dates across the UK this summer before a co-headline tour with The Wonder Stuff in the autumn, which takes them to major venues such as Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom and the O2 Academy Brixton in London. Tickets are on sale now.
Formed in 1983, Inspiral Carpets were part of the late-'80s and early-'90s Madchester scene, alongside The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The Charlatans, James and 808 State. They went on indefinite hiatus after the death of drummer Craig Gill in 2016, before reforming in 2023. They released their most recent studio album, 'Inspiral Carpets', in 2014.
Inspiral Carpets Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Fri June 26 2026 - CHESTER Live Rooms
Sat June 27 2026 - SHREWSBURY Buttermarket
Sun June 28 2026 - STOKE Sugarmill
Thu July 02 2026 - KIDDERMINSTER Town Hall
Sun July 05 2026 - TUNBRIDGE WELLS Forum
Fri August 28 2026 - HOLMFIRTH Picturedrome
Thu October 01 2026 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 City Hall
Fri October 02 2026 - MANCHESTER O2 Victoria Warehouse
Sat October 03 2026 - SHEFFIELD Octagon Centre
Thu October 08 2026 - BRIGHTON Dome
Fri October 09 2026 - BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy Bournemouth
Sat October 10 2026 - MARGATE Dreamland
Wed October 14 2026 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Thu October 15 2026 - CARDIFF University Great Hall
Fri October 16 2026 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Sat October 17 2026 - LEICESTER O2 Academy Leicester
Thu October 22 2026 - SCARBOROUGH Spa
Fri October 23 2026 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Sat October 24 2026 - NORWICH UEA
Thu October 29 2026 - LINCOLN Engine Shed
Fri October 30 2026 - WOLVERHAMPTON Civic at the Halls
Sat October 31 2026 - LIVERPOOL Olympia
Tue December 08 2026 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
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