Live at The Piece Hall 2026: Halifax goes back to the 80s as Holly Johnson announces headline show
Singer-songwriter and 80s icon Holly Johnson will bring a taste of Hollywood to Halifax as he headlines a spectacular night next summer.
The former Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman and successful solo artist will headline TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall on Saturday August 15, joined by very special guests ABC and Heaven 17.
Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday via ticketmaster.co.uk.
Holly Johnson first came to fame as the
With his distinctive voice, flamboyant stage presence, and unapologetically bold persona, Frankie was the voice of their huge number one hits Relax, Two Tribes and The Power of Love – which created the group’s reputation for provocative, cinematic pop that combined social commentary with irresistible dance rhythms.
After leaving the band in 1987, Holly forged a solo career launch with album Blast and singles Love Train, Americanos and Atomic City.
Beyond music, Johnson is an internationally recognised visual artist and writer. His paintings and mixed-media works often explore themes of identity, fame, and survival. He has also remained a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ visibility and human rights, using his platform to advocate for equality and acceptance.
Earlier this year, he toured the UK and Europe marking the 40th anniversary of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s debut album Welcome To The Pleasuredome.
Joining Holly Johnson in Halifax will be Lexicon Of Love hitmakers ABC. Founded in Sheffield, ABC were pioneers of the sophisti-pop and new pop movements, who went on to achieve 10 Top 40 singles between 1981 and 1990, including Tears Are Not Enough, How To Be A Millionaire, Be Near Me and When Smokey Sings.
In 2016, frontman Martin Fry released The Lexicon of Love II – securing the group’s first Top 10 album in more than 25 years. This week sees the conclusion of their Lexicon Of Love orchestral tour – performing the timeless debut album in its entirety alongside their hits catalogue.
Fellow Sheffield band, synth-pop stars Heaven 17 complete the line up – bringing hits such as Temptation, Crushed by the Wheels of Industry and Come Live With Me to the historic venue.
Formed in the Yorkshire city, Martyn Ware (keyboards, drum machine, vocals) and Ian Craig Marsh (keyboards) were initially founding members of The Human League, before they joined forces with vocalist Glenn Gregory.
Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, said: “What an awesome show this will be, as we prepare to hear some of the most iconic and enduring pop hits of the 80s and beyond.
“I’m so excited to welcome Holly to our stunning heritage site. He brings such a bold energy alongside his powerful, unique and engaging vocals – there’ll be no time to relax at this show for sure!
“And it’s amazing to see Yorkshire so well represented with not one but two massively influential electronic bands, ABC, and Heaven 17 founded by our good friend Martyn Ware who’s brought so much brilliant free culture to The Piece Hall recently with his art installations.”