The Molotovs King’s Cross Summer Sounds

11 August 2026 Andrew Ellis

The Molotovs to Open King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2026 with Bowie-Inspired Set

Rising UK rock band The Molotovs will open King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2026 on Thursday 13 August with a special Bowie-inspired set.

The performance takes place in Coal Drops Yard in partnership with Lightroom, home of the immersive show David Bowie: You’re Not Alone. The opening night, titled Bowie Nights, will see each act include a Bowie cover or two in their set.

Tickets / full programme details: Available via the King’s Cross website here (the event is free).

About the Performance

Support on the night comes from Ashaine White and Jack Kaye (formerly of The Magic Gang).

The Molotovs singer Matt Cartlidge said: “We can’t wait to get on stage at King’s Cross Summer Sounds – and to pay tribute to David Bowie, one of this company’s musical legends. The Lightroom show is phenomenal and this gig is going to be something special.”

The appearance comes ahead of the band’s ‘Welcome To Urbia’ UK tour, which has already seen a second date added at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on 26 September after the first show sold out.

The Molotovs

Still in their teens, siblings Mathew and Issey Cartlidge have rapidly become one of the UK’s most talked-about young bands. Their debut album Wasted on Youth reached Number 3 in the charts, and they have shared stages with The Libertines, Sex Pistols, Blondie, Iggy Pop and The Damned, as well as appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show and touring arenas with Yungblud.

King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2026

King’s Cross Summer Sounds is a free outdoor music and performance festival and the centrepiece of the area’s summer programme. This year’s line-up also includes jazz showcases, community choirs, Americana, indie, folk and LGBTQIA+ focused performances across the neighbourhood.

Festival Director Martin Collins said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have The Molotovs opening King’s Cross Summer Sounds. Their energy, attitude and live presence make them the perfect artists to launch this year’s festival.”

Rock News final word: Opening King’s Cross Summer Sounds with a Bowie-themed set is a strong booking for The Molotovs. The free outdoor show in Coal Drops Yard offers a high-profile London platform just as the band’s momentum continues to build around their debut album and upcoming UK tour. One of the more interesting free gigs of the summer.