Michael Ball Announces New Single ‘Vintage’ and Tracklisting From His Forthcoming Album ‘Glow’ Released on April 24th

When you think of the biggest names in musical theatre, it’s impossible not to picture Michael Ball. For decades, his voice has been the sound of the West End and Broadway, but now he’s stepping into a new spotlight. There's big news for fans of the beloved singer, radio host, and TV presenter. A brand new single, 'Vintage', has just been released on February 5th, and it's the first taste of a very special forthcoming album. The album, titled 'Glow', is set for release on April 24th and is a huge moment for the artist – it’s his first-ever record made up entirely of original songs he has written himself. And to top it all off, a massive UK tour has been announced for 2026, giving everyone a chance to hear this new music live.

A new chapter in songwriting

After 22 solo albums, you might wonder why Michael Ball has waited until now to release a full album of his own material. For years, he’s been the master of interpreting other people's songs, bringing characters to life on stage and giving classic tunes his own unique spin. But after dipping his toes into songwriting on his 2021 album, 'We Are More Than One', a new creative spark was lit. He realised that songwriting was all about making a real, personal connection with his audience.

He admits that it can be a bit intimidating to start writing your own lyrics when you’re used to performing songs by legends like Stephen Sondheim. But it seems the time is finally right. "I regret that I didn't do it before, but at the same time it does feel right that it’s happening now," Michael explains, "because I hope what I have to say, what I've learned through life, will resonate with people.”

A chance meeting with the amazing songwriter Amy Wadge (who has written for artists like Alicia Keys) on his radio show back in 2020 sparked a brilliant partnership. They clicked instantly. "We just had this wonderful creative explosion," Michael recalls. Together with producer Zak Lloyd, they created the album 'Glow' in what he describes as "the happiest I’ve ever been in a studio." This creative freedom and joy is something you can apparently hear in every track.

What’s the story behind ‘Vintage’?

The first new single from the album is called ‘Vintage’, and it has a fantastic story behind it. The idea came to Michael after an auction of his late friend Jane Birkin's famous Hermès handbag. It got him thinking about how we see things from the past. Things aren't just 'second-hand' anymore; they're 'pre-loved' or, even better, 'vintage'.

He saw a parallel with people. "I thought 'look, some of us are not in our 20’s anymore, so I guess we’re vintage too'," he says. The song is a celebration of getting older and wiser, a reaction against the idea that people become less relevant with age. It’s about embracing experience and everything life has taught you. As Michael puts it, "So you can call me an old fart if you like, but I'm actually still really enjoying myself, so why not embrace the vintage?” It's a fun, confident message and the perfect introduction to this new, personal era of his music.

What to expect from the ‘Glow’ album

The full album, 'Glow', is described by Michael Ball himself as the "best thing I've ever done." That's a big statement from a man with such a long and successful career! He calls it his most "personal, connected and relevant record," which is exciting news for any fan. The songwriting on the album is said to be incredibly energetic and authentic, drawing on his own life experiences to tell stories through music. The complete tracklisting shows a collection of ten brand-new songs.

• Best Night Of Your Life

• Glow

• A Million Lights

• Little Wins

• Holding On Letting Go

• How Do We Get Back There?

• Vintage

• You

• Remember to Remember

• On With the Show

For those who want a little extra, a deluxe version of the album will also be available. This edition includes two extra tracks – a couple of classic covers. But these aren’t just random additions. They were recorded specially for his partner, Cathy McGowan, who suggested he’d sound great singing Bread’s 'Everything I Own' and Rod Stewart’s 'Some Guys Have All The Luck'. He calls it the 'McGowan Mix', a sweet and personal touch that adds another layer to this heartfelt project. This international star knows how to please his audience.

Get ready for the ‘Glow’ UK tour

Of course, new music means a new tour! The 'Glow' UK headline tour, organised by the entertainment company Live Nation, is scheduled for 2026 and it's going to be a big one. Kicking off in August, the tour will visit cities all over the country, including several stops in Yorkshire, which will be music to the ears of readers of Yorkshire.com. The tour will end with a spectacular show at The London Palladium in October.

Michael is clearly buzzing to get back on the road and perform these new, deeply personal songs for a live audience. He even wrote the album's opening track, 'Best Night Of Your Life', specifically to kick off the shows on the tour. Fans can expect a mix of the new material from 'Glow' alongside the crowd-pleasing favourites from his incredible back catalogue. "I have a suspicion that the audience will be excited to see me doing them live," Michael says. With a tour this extensive, there's a great chance for everyone to join in.

• Wed 26 August — Cambridge Corn Exchange

• Thu 27 August — Ipswich Regent Theatre

• Sat 29 August — Oxford New Theatre

• Sun 30 August — Birmingham Symphony Hall

• Wed 02 September — Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

• Thu 03 September — Bradford Live

• Sat 05 September — Sheffield City Hall

• Sun 06 September — Hull Connexin Live

• Tue 08 September — Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

• Wed 09 September — Edinburgh Usher Hall

• Fri 11 September — Newcastle O2 City Hall

• Sat 12 September — York Barbican

• Mon 14 September — Manchester Bridgewater Hall

• Wed 16 September — Stoke-on-Trent Regent Theatre

• Thu 17 September — Leicester De Montfort Hall

• Sat 19 September — Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

• Sun 20 September — Milton Keynes Theatre

• Tue 22 September — Brighton Dome

• Wed 23 September — Bristol Beacon

• Fri 25 September — Southend Cliffs Pavilion

• Sat 26 September — Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

• Mon 28 September — Torquay Princess Theatre

• Tue 29 September — Cardiff New Theatre

• Thu 01 October — London The Palladium

• Fri 02 October — Portsmouth Guildhall

A true West End and Broadway legend

This new album and tour mark an exciting new phase in a career that has already spanned over 40 years. Michael Ball isn't just a singer; he's a true star of musical theatre, a double Olivier Award winner who has performed in iconic shows on both the West End and Broadway. From Les Misérables to Hairspray, his performances are legendary. Alongside his stage work, he's become a familiar and friendly face as a TV presenter and a beloved voice on his BBC Radio 2 show. The release of 'Glow' isn't just another album; it's a statement from an artist who is still growing, still connecting, and still has plenty to say.