Sugar Reunite for First Live Shows in 31 Years: Bob Mould-Led Trio Returns with New Music and Historic Tour
After three decades of silence, the legendary alternative rock trio Sugar has officially reunited, marking their first live performances since 1995. Led by the iconic Bob Mould—fresh off his tenure with Hüsker Dü—the band, which too includes bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis, returned to the stage on May 2, 2026, at New York City’s Webster Hall. The historic performance, their first in 31 years, featured two newly recorded songs, House of Dead Memories
and Long Live Love
, both played live for the first time.
The reunion was announced last fall, with Mould revealing plans for a full-scale tour and new music. The band’s first live dates since their breakup in 1995 sold out within hours, signaling a resurgence of interest in their ’90s-era sound. The Love You Even Still 2026 World Tour
will span Europe and North America, with dates confirmed through late 2026, including stops in London, Seattle, and beyond.
Sugar’s return is not just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a celebration of their enduring influence on alternative rock. The band’s debut album, Copper Blue, released in 1992, remains a landmark in the genre, earning accolades from critics and fans alike. The upcoming tour is accompanied by a limited-edition vinyl box set, Copper Blue – The Singles Collection, set for release on November 28, 2026, featuring restored original artwork and rare B-sides.
Bob Mould, reflecting on the band’s legacy, once described Sugar as a meteorite
, a fleeting but impactful force in music. With the reunion, fans are getting a rare opportunity to witness the chemistry of Mould, Barbe, and Travis live once again—this time with new material and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Reunion: A Look Back and a Step Forward
Sugar’s story begins in late 1991, when Mould, then a member of Hüsker Dü, teamed up with Barbe and Travis to form the trio. Their debut album, Copper Blue, was released in 1992 and quickly became a cult classic, praised for its melodic strength and raw emotional depth. Hits like A Good Idea
and If I Can’t Change Your Mind
became staples of alternative rock radio, and the band’s live performances—including a standout set at London’s Great X-pectations Festival—cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
However, the band’s active period was short-lived. By 1995, Sugar had disbanded, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations of musicians. For decades, fans speculated about a reunion, but it wasn’t until last October that Mould officially announced plans to bring the band back together. The news was met with excitement, as Sugar represented a pivotal moment in Mould’s career and the broader evolution of alternative rock.
With the release of House of Dead Memories
in late 2025, Sugar signaled their intent to not only revive their catalog but also to create new music. The song, recorded in June 2025 at Tiny Telephone in Oakland, California, marked their first original material in over 30 years. Its follow-up, Long Live Love
, was unveiled in January 2026, accompanied by an extensive tour announcement and a full slate of dates across the globe.
New Music and the Tour: What to Expect
The Love You Even Still 2026 World Tour
is set to be a monumental event for fans of ’90s alternative rock. The tour kicks off with the sold-out shows at Webster Hall in New York on May 2 and 3, 2026, followed by dates in London at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on May 23, and 24. The full tour schedule includes stops in Europe and North America, with additional dates announced in the coming months.

In addition to their new songs, Sugar will revisit classics from Copper Blue and Beaster, offering fans a chance to experience the full breadth of their catalog. The tour is not just a celebration of the past but also a look forward, with Mould and the band exploring new creative directions while staying true to their roots.
For those eager to dive deeper into Sugar’s discography, the upcoming Copper Blue – The Singles Collection vinyl box set promises to be a must-have for collectors. Released on November 28, 2026, the set includes rare B-sides, live recordings, and original artwork, offering a comprehensive look at the band’s early work.
Why It Matters: The Legacy of Sugar
Sugar’s reunion is more than just a comeback; it’s a cultural moment. The band’s music resonated with a generation of listeners who craved authenticity and emotional depth in their music. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed, from indie rock bands to modern alternative acts.
For Bob Mould, the reunion represents a chance to revisit a chapter of his life that was both challenging and rewarding. In interviews, he has spoken about the band’s meteoric rise and the pressures that came with it. The reunion, he says, is about honoring the music and the fans who have supported us over the years
. It’s also an opportunity to create something new, to prove that the chemistry between Mould, Barbe, and Travis is still alive and well.
The tour and new music release are a testament to the enduring power of Sugar’s sound. As Mould once put it, Sugar was a phenomena. No one could have predicted the results.
With the band back on stage, fans are getting a rare chance to witness history in the making.
What’s Next for Sugar?
The band’s reunion has already generated excitement, with fans eagerly awaiting more new music and tour dates. While no additional songs have been officially announced beyond House of Dead Memories
and Long Live Love
, rumors and speculation suggest that more material may be on the horizon.
For now, fans can look forward to the upcoming tour, which promises to be a celebration of Sugar’s legacy and a glimpse into their future. With dates already sold out in major cities, the reunion tour is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in alternative rock in years.

If you’re a fan of Sugar or simply a lover of great rock music, Here’s your chance to experience a piece of musical history. Retain an eye on the official tour schedule for updates, and don’t miss the opportunity to see Bob Mould, David Barbe, and Malcolm Travis live on stage once again.
For those unable to attend the shows, the band’s new music and the upcoming vinyl box set offer a way to relive and rediscover the magic of Sugar. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, the reunion is a reminder of why this band remains so beloved.
Key Takeaways
- First Live Shows in 31 Years: Sugar performed their first live shows since 1995 at New York’s Webster Hall on May 2 and 3, 2026.
- New Music: The band released two new songs,
House of Dead Memories
andLong Live Love
, both played live for the first time. - World Tour: The
Love You Even Still 2026 World Tour
spans Europe and North America, with additional dates to be announced. - Vinyl Box Set: Copper Blue – The Singles Collection will be released on November 28, 2026, featuring rare tracks and original artwork.
- Legacy: Sugar’s reunion is a cultural moment, celebrating their impact on alternative rock and offering fans a chance to experience their music live.
Stay tuned for more updates on the tour and new music releases. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this historic reunion live or through their new music and vinyl collection.
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