Barenaked Ladies Return with New Single "Almost Ready" Ahead of 2026 Summer and UK Tours
On June 26 2026, Barenaked Ladies (BNL) dropped the single “Almost Ready,” marking their first fresh material in three years. The track comes out on the band’s own Raisin’ Records and can be streamed or downloaded across all major platforms.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Ed Robertson wrote and produced the song, describing its creation as a return to “old‑school” roots: a single guitarist, an acoustic instrument, a pencil and paper. In a press release, Robertson called the result “immediate and honest,” saying it mirrors his current state of mind.
“Almost Ready” is an uptempo anthem that blends driving percussion, synth textures and bright guitar lines. Its lyrics celebrate perseverance and confidence in the face of doubt, a hallmark of BNL’s catchy, lyrically driven pop‑rock style.
The single follows the 2023 EP In Flight – Carry On, which featured acoustic re‑recordings of seven tracks from the band’s 2022 album In Flight. It also precedes a limited‑edition 7‑inch vinyl that will be sold during the 2026 summer tour; the vinyl will contain “Almost Ready” and a forthcoming track titled “Careful (For Dee),” slated for digital release on July 31. Tour Schedule
BNL’s 2026 tour is expansive. The North American summer run, titled Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere, runs in partnership with Train and Matt Nathanson. It opens on July 8 in West Palm Beach, FL, and closes on August 30 in Auburn, WA. Highlights include the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto (August 4), Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO (August 17), and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles (August 24).
The setlist will weave new material with fan favorites such as “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and the theme song for The Big Bang Theory.
In December, BNL will headline the UK tour Yuletide Ride, their first UK dates since 2023. The eight‑date run features support from Boothby Graffoe and stops at the Eventim Apollo in London (December 5) and Manchester’s Albert Hall (December 9). The shows will include holiday‑themed covers and selections from the 2004 Christmas album Barenaked for the Holidays. Band Lineup and History
Formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario, the current lineup consists of Ed Robertson (vocals, guitar), Kevin Hearn (keyboards), Jim Creeggan (bass), and Tyler Stewart (drums). BNL has sold more than 15 million albums and singles worldwide, earned eight Juno Awards, received two Grammy nominations, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
Their catalog includes 14 primary studio albums, three themed releases, and a series of live recordings. The breakthrough came with the 1998 album Stunt, which produced the chart‑topper “One Week.” Subsequent releases such as Maroon (2000) and Everything to Everyone (2003) solidified their status as a staple of Canadian and international pop‑rock. Industry Context
The release of “Almost Ready” and the accompanying tour schedule underscore BNL’s sustained relevance in the live‑music arena. Partnering with high‑profile acts like Train and Matt Nathanson expands the band’s reach to overlapping fan bases. The limited‑edition vinyl aligns with the current trend of physical media sales among dedicated fan communities.
The December UK tour is strategically positioned to capture holiday‑season audiences, a tactic that has proven effective for many touring acts. Incorporating a holiday‑themed setlist and collaborating with Boothby Graffoe localizes the experience for UK listeners. Current Status
As of July 2026, “Almost Ready” is available for streaming and purchase, and the Drops of Jupiter summer tour is underway. The limited‑edition vinyl will be sold at tour venues, and “Careful (For Dee)” will debut on digital platforms on July 31. The UK Yuletide Ride tour will begin on December 2 in Cambridge and conclude on December 11 in Sheffield.
The band’s next public actions include the release of the new track, continued promotion of the summer tour, and the final leg of the UK tour in December.
