| Made up of Joe Hickin and Callum Maloney, Big Special today share striking new single ‘DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side)’ – spotlighting Joe’s emotionally charged vocals and revealing a softer-side from the duo. The release follows last month’s track ‘PLAINTIVE NATIVE’, and arrives in the wake of their surprise second album NATIONAL AVERAGE. dropped in July. More recently, the pair collaborated with Sleaford Mods on the ‘The Good Life’, appearing alongside Game Of Thrones/Star Wars actress Gwendoline Christie in a captivating one shot video. On the new single, Hicklin says “A song written a while ago that we picked back out of our dusty drawer. It’s about the old labouring days and the feeling of getting nowhere in love and work, despite the graft. Disclaimer: Don’t listen whilst drunk.” |
| Listen to ‘DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side)‘ HERE |
| Built on a lifelong friendship, Big Special ground their music in honesty, dark humour and a clear sense of purpose. Their connection remains central as their sound continues to grow, reflecting on the balance of ambition and emotional truth that defines their work. Their rise has been fast. Selling out Camden’s Dublin Castle from just one single, to then selling out London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town less than 2 years later on the strength on debut album POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES. Latest album NATIONAL AVERAGE. captures both their momentum and of their rise, and the challenges that came with it. Big Special’s story is one of resilience, long standing partnership, and proof that success and struggle often go hand in hand. |
LIVE DATES:
2025:
December 1st: Neptune Theatre, Seattle, USA *
December 3rd: The Filmore, San Francisco, USA *
December 4th: The Regent, Los Angeles, USA *
December 7th: Cobra Lounge, Chicago, USA (Headline)
December 8th: Rockwell, Boston, USA (Headline)
December 9th: Irving Plaza, New York, USA *
December 11th: Concert Hall, Toronto, Canada *
Supporting Public Service Broadcasting
2026:
February 13th: Waterfront, Norwich, UK
February 14th: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, UK (Sold Out)
February 15th: Digital, Newcastle, UK
February 18th: University Stylus, Leeds, UK
February 19th: SWG3, Glasgow, UK (Sold Out)
February 20th: New Century Hall, Manchester, UK
February 21st: 02 Institute, Birmingham, UK
February 24th: Electric Bristol, Bristol, UK
February 25th: 1865, Southampton, UK
February 27th: The Roundhouse, London UK
March 6th: Academy Green Room, Dublin, IE
March 7th: Ulster Sports Club, Belfast, UK (Sold Out)
May 21st: Bearded Theory Festival, Derbyshire, UK
June 20th: TRSMT Festival, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
August 14th – 16th: Boomtown Festival, Hampshire, UK
