Pixies return to Eden Sessions for 40th anniversary show

The band that helped shape alt-rock last played a Cornish stage in 2014. Tonight they are back at the Eden Project, and the show has already sold out.

A return more than a decade in the making

Pixies take to the stage at this year’s Eden Sessions tonight, marking the band’s 40th anniversary and the Eden Project’s 25th birthday in one sell-out show.

It is a long-awaited return to Cornwall. The band first played the Eden Sessions in 2014, which was also their first Cornish gig. Four decades on, their worldwide headline tour, Pixies 40, kicked off last month in the UK, the country where the band was first embraced before going on to usher in the alt-rock era of the late 80s and early 90s.

Who is on stage

Formed in Boston in 1986, founding members Black Francis on vocals, rhythm guitar and songwriting, Joey Santiago on lead guitar and David Lovering on drums are joined by British bassist Emma Richardson for the milestone tour.

Special guests Gans will open the show.

When it all happens

The arena opens at 6pm. Gans play at 8pm, with Pixies taking over at 9pm and the night ending at 10.30pm. Organisers have said these timings may be subject to change.

Still to come at Eden Sessions

There is plenty more to come at this year’s run. Sunday 5 July brings Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, and American Hi-Fi. Thursday 9 July sees Bastille and Alfie Templeman.

Ben Howard, This Is The Kit and Clara Mann play on Friday 10 July, followed by The Maccabees, Everything Everything, Tom A. Smith, Tummyache, The Velvet Hands and Matilda Finn Frances on Saturday 11 July, with doors from 3pm. Mika and MEEK take Sunday 12 July, and CMAT and Katy J Pearson close things out on Wednesday 15 July.