Ben Folds Five Announce First Tour Since 2013

Ben Folds Five, the alternative rock trio renowned for their distinctive sound and influential 1990s presence, are preparing to hit the road for their first concert tour in more than a decade. This upcoming spring marks the band's return to live performances, with a schedule that currently includes nine stops across southern American cities.

Founded in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the group comprises Ben Folds on piano and vocals, bassist Robert Sledge, and drummer Darren Jessee. The band’s name, interestingly, belies the trio's membership—opting for “Five” based on aesthetic preference rather than headcount. Their reunion tour is a significant event for fans, coming after a 13-year hiatus from touring, with the last run ending in 2013.

The announced tour dates span several states, including Tennessee, Florida, Texas, and Alabama. Notable venues encompass historic and contemporary locations such as the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, and the Moody Theater in Austin. The tour kicks off in early April 2024 and is planned to run through late April, with additional dates anticipated but not yet disclosed.

This resurgence coincides with recent archival activity from the band. Earlier in the year, they revisited their origins by releasing an early, previously unreleased version of their debut album to commemorate its 30th anniversary. This release offers fans a rare glimpse into the band’s formative sound and creative process during their initial rise.

Beyond his work with the band, Ben Folds has remained active in the music world in diverse capacities. Notably, he served as the artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra, a position he relinquished in 2025 due to controversies surrounding the Kennedy Center’s administration. This departure underscores Folds’ multifaceted engagement with music, spanning both popular and classical domains.

The forthcoming tour is positioned as a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy, with the lineup performing selections that span their catalog. While the detailed setlist has not been publicized, it is expected to feature tracks that have defined their career, blending the trio’s signature piano-driven rock with their hallmark melodic sensibilities.

Fans and observers alike will be watching closely as Ben Folds Five return to the stage after more than a decade. The tour not only rekindles interest in the band’s past achievements but also reaffirms their place within the contemporary music scene. The blend of nostalgia and renewed activity highlights the sustained appeal of their work and the vitality of their musicianship.

While the current itinerary focuses on southern urban centers, the possibility of extending the tour to other regions remains open, promising more opportunities for engagement with a broader audience. This measured approach reflects a careful reintroduction of the band to live audiences after a lengthy break.

As the band prepares for this next chapter, details continue to emerge, but the confirmed dates already signal a significant moment for both Ben Folds Five and their devoted following. The tour represents not just a return to live performance but a reaffirmation of their creative identity and connection with fans old and new.

In sum, Ben Folds Five’s announced spring tour constitutes a notable event in the current music landscape, marking a powerful return for a group whose influence has persisted well beyond their original active years. The journey ahead promises renewed energy and a celebration of a distinctive chapter in alternative rock history.