Indie icons The Kooks will close out a major year with a performance on Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny, which airs on Wednesday 31 December on BBC Two and will also be available on BBC iPlayer. The annual show is a long-running New Year’s Eve tradition that brings together Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with a lineup of well known artists, rising talent and celebrity guests.

 

The Kooks are set to perform songs from their debut album Inside In/Inside Out, which approaches its 20th anniversary next year, as well as a track from their recent top five album Never/Know. The Hootenanny appearance follows a busy year that saw the band headline festivals around the world and complete a major arena tour, including a career highlight performance at The O2 in London. Their 2006 breakthrough continues to resonate with younger audiences and they have built a strong following among Gen Z, resulting in sold out shows and renewed chart success.

This will be the group’s second appearance on the Hootenanny. They first performed on the programme in 2006 during their rapid rise, including a rendition of their hit single Naïve. They later appeared on Later… with Jools Holland in 2008 around the release of their number one album Konk.

Speaking ahead of their return to the show, frontman Luke Pritchard said, “We’re so excited to be back on Hootenanny. Big love to Jools for inviting us down to celebrate the New Year; it’s always such an honour and a genuine joy to be part of the show.”

This year’s broadcast will feature a wide range of performers. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood will celebrate his 60-year career with songs from his anthology Fearless. Olivia Dean will perform following a breakthrough year, while Scottish singer Lulu will join Holland and his band. Jessie J will appear, along with Craig David, marking his first Hootenanny performance in 25 years. Heather Small will sing Moving On Up and Search for the Hero. The programme will also include performances from Imelda May, Mercury Prize shortlisted artist Joe Webb, drummer and singer David Hermlin and long-time Hootenanny favourite Ruby Turner.

The Kooks continue to attract new listeners nearly two decades after their debut. Inside In/Inside Out remains a defining indie record of the 2000s, and the band has continued to evolve, incorporating influences ranging from synthpop to krautrock. Their 2025 album Never/Know reached number five on the UK Albums Chart, their highest position since 2008. Following a successful arena tour this year, the band will return to the road in 2026 for a run of large outdoor shows.

We’re so excited to be back on Hootenanny. Big love to Jools for inviting us down to celebrate the New Year; it’s always such an honour and a genuine joy to be part of the show.