Ben Folds Five Detail First Tour Since 2013

After more than a decade away from sustained touring, Ben Folds Five is set to reunite for a series of concerts in 2027, marking a significant return for the influential piano-driven trio. The band, composed of Ben Folds, bassist Robert Sledge, and drummer Darren Jessee, will launch their comeback tour on April 12, 2027, at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee.

This upcoming tour will be the group's first extensive run since their 2012-2013 performances, signaling a renewed chapter for the band. While the initial itinerary focuses on venues in the American South and Texas, fans can anticipate additional dates as well as appearances at prominent music festivals yet to be announced.

The reunion follows a heartfelt one-off show the trio played in 2023 in Carrboro, North Carolina, honoring the memory of Caleb Southern, the band’s longtime producer who passed away earlier that year. This tribute performance marked their first time sharing a stage since their previous touring years.

Coinciding with the touring news, Ben Folds Five recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, originally released in 1995. This milestone was celebrated with the release of an expanded edition through Capitol and UMe, featuring a remastered version of the classic record alongside previously unreleased material. Notably, the album package includes "Shelved First Attempt," a collection of early recordings from an initial, abandoned version of the debut that Folds uncovered in his archives.

The renewed interest in their early work reflects the band’s ongoing connection to their roots and artistic identity. Ben Folds has expressed that while his approach to music has evolved, the essence of the band’s original sound and message remains a guiding force. This perspective underlines the decision to revisit and reintroduce their foundational material to both longtime fans and new listeners.

The confirmed tour dates span from mid-April through late April 2027, with stops at notable venues such as the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, the Pompano Beach Amphitheater in Florida, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, and the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. The tour will also include shows in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Houston, Texas, Clearwater, Florida, and Birmingham, Alabama.

Tickets for the initial round of concerts are slated to go on sale on October 23, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a wider touring schedule. The band has hinted at further engagements, including headline slots at major festivals, though details about these events remain forthcoming.

Ben Folds Five’s reemergence in the live music scene arrives at a time when nostalgia for 1990s alternative rock and piano-driven pop remains strong. Their decision to tour and release archival material not only honors their legacy but also reaffirms their relevance in today’s musical landscape. The forthcoming performances and releases are poised to rekindle enthusiasm among their dedicated fan base and introduce their distinctive sound to a broader audience.

As the band prepares for their return to the stage, the renewed collaboration among Folds, Sledge, and Jessee promises to deliver the dynamic interplay and emotive songwriting that have defined Ben Folds Five’s contribution to modern rock. While the full scope of their activities in 2027 has yet to be detailed, this initial announcement marks a pivotal moment in the band’s enduring career.