Japanese punk veterans Shonen Knife will launch an ambitious stateside tour this summer, performing 28 shows in just 34 days for their U.S. Tour 2026. Shonen Knife, an all-female trio, are known for their kitschy style of pop-punk, layering heavy distorted guitars and bass with lighthearted lyrics that touch on food, insects, and outer space.
Shonen Knife formed in Osaka, Japan in 1981 when sisters Naoka and Atsuko Yamano joined forces with Michie Nakatani. While their early albums were only released in Japan, they soon built a devoted underground following in the United States when legendary indie label K Records re-released some of their back catalog. They soon gained international attention when Kurt Cobain proclaimed them as “the best band in the world” and tapped them to open for Nirvana on their UK tour.
Shonen Knife concerts are marked by their two main musical influences, blending the fast and furious guitars of the Ramones with the bright harmonies and catchy melodies of the Beach Boys. Eschewing the aggression often associated with punk shows, Shonen Knife performances foster an atmosphere of positivity with concertgoers dancing instead of moshing and body-surfing instead of body-slamming.
The 2026 U.S. tour will support the July 10 release of Let’s Knife Re-Cut, a newly re-recorded version of the band’s landmark 1992 album Let’s Knife. Widely regarded as Shonen Knife’s definitive LP, Let’s Knife is frequently cited among the most influential punk albums of all time.
Ticket information for Shonen Knife “U.S. Tour 2026” can be found here.
Shonen Knife “U.S. Tour 2026” Dates and Venues
July 16 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater
July 17 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
July 18 – Clearwater, FL – The Baycare Sound
July 19 – Lagrange, GA – Sweetland Amphitheatre
July 21 – Atlanta, GA – Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
July 22 – Southaven, MS – Bankplus Amphitheater
July 23 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
July 24 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple
July 26 – Cohasset, MA – The Music Circus
July 28 – Durham, NH – The Whittemore Center
July 29 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
July 31 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
Aug 1 – Harrington, DE – Delaware State Fair
Aug 2 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Evans Amphitheatre
Aug 4 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi Fi
Aug 5 – Grand Rapids, MI – Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park
Aug 6 – Bloomington, IL – Grossinger Motors Arena
Aug 7 – New Lenox, IL – Performing Arts Pavilion
Aug 8 – Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Cove
Aug 10 – Salina, KS – Stiefel Theatre
Aug 11 – Denver, CO – HQ
Aug 13 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
Aug 14 – Carnation, WA – Remlinger Farms
Aug 15 – Spokane, WA – Shriners Event Center
Aug 17 – Salt Lake City, UT – Red Butte Garden
Aug 18 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Aug 19 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Brewery
Aug 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The United Theater on Broadway
