Dylan John Thomas reveals what sparked his passion for music
He started out in the Glasgow care system
New Scottish artist Dylan John Thomas has opened up about his musical journey from growing up in care in Glasgow, to being on stage in festivals such as TRNSMT and selling out gigs at Barrowland.
Dylan has just released his song ‘Yesterday Is Gone’, as well as announcing several tour dates for November, and speaking to our sister station Clyde 1, he opened up about his musical journey and growing up in the care system.
The singer explained how he would play a lot of Tony Hawk on the PlayStation, which had a great soundtrack, prompting him to buy a guitar, and learn how to play it.
"We used to listen to the soundtrack (of Tony Hawk), which used to come on every five minutes, Johnny Cash 'Ring of Fire', Johnny Cash would always come on," he explained.
"That was one of the main reasons I got a guitar, it was the first tune I learned when I got a guitar, and then through that, the influences kind of developed like Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Dire Straits..."
He went on to explain how he then moved to busking and going to a jam night. Now, Dylan has already performed at festivals such as TRNSMT, and will be taking to the stage at Belladrum Tartan Heart, Leeds Festival and Reading Festival this year.
When is Dylan John Thomas' album out?
Dylan has finished recording his album, it was recorded in Parr Street, Liverpool, however he has yet to announce a release date. The singer revealed what it was like recording the album, saying: "It's funny, you see all the platinum albums, like Justin Bieber... I'm like 'Wow man, this is nuts!'"
When is Dylan John Thomas on tour?
Dylan has already announced tour dates for this November. After his two Glasgow dates sold out he then announced a third at Barrowland, Glasgow.
You can hear songs by Dylan John Thomas on Forth 1.
Take a look at tours to look forward to in 2023 and beyond:
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff has released her first new music in 10 years called 'Mature' and with it, announced a series of intimate gigs, including one in London. She will perform in London on 19th January 2026 as part of her 'Small Rooms, Big Nerves' tour.
Jason Derulo
Jason will be performing several dates across the UK and Ireland in January and February 2026. The singer is expected to perform some of his biggest hits from the last 15 years.
James Arthur
One to look forward to next year in 2026 - In celebration of his sixth studio album 'Pisces', James Arthur is going on a huge tour in February 2026! Starting in Nottingham at Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday 3rd February, the singer will then travel across the UK ending at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Saturday 21st February.
Fatboy Slim
Fatboy Slim has announced eight dates for his 'Acid Ballroom' tour in February 2026, two in each of the cites - London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
Kesha
'Tik Tok' singer Kesha has announced a new tour for 2026, performing at four UK venues, as well as across Europe in March 2026.
Leigh-Anne
Leigh-Anne will be going on a tour in April 2026. The tour is called 'My Ego Told Me To Tour' and is in support of her debut solo album 'My Ego Told Me To', which will be released in February. She will be playing dates in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and London as part of a wider European tour.
Alex Warren
'Ordinary' singer Alex Warren is heading to this side of the pond in the spring of 2026, with UK tour dates from 20th April to 6th May. He'll be visiting London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Belfast and Dublin.
Louis Tomlinson
Following the release of his first new music in three years, 'Lemonade', and the announcement of his third solo album 'How Did I Get Here?', Louis Tomlinson has now announced he will be going on a World Tour in 2026. The singer will perform seven dates across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2026.
Example
Example has announced he will be going on tour in May 2026. The singer is known for his hits 'Kickstarts', 'Won't Got Quietly' and 'Changed the Way You Kiss Me'. He will be performing five dates across England in May 2026.
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026'
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026' has been announced featuring Cascada, Ian Van Dahl, Cascada and Darren Styles. Taking place across two weekends in May, the events will take place in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen with a new show in Leeds.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat has announced UK dates for 'Tour Ma Vie World Tour', which will see her performing across the country in May 2026. The 'Say So' singer will start her tour in Glasgow on Thursday 21st May 2026, followed by dates in Manchester and Birmingham, ending her run in London at the O2 Arena on Friday 29th May.
Sister Sisters - 'The Kiki Continues'
The Sister Sisters have now announced outdoor dates across the UK in May, July and August 2026, including several festivals - Mighty Hoopla, Rock Oyster Festival and Boomtown Festival. 'The Kiki Continues' will start in London in May.
James Arthur - Summer dates 2026
James Arthur has announced two dates for Summer 2026. The singer will play in Scarborough and Halifax in July at outdoor venues. He told his fans they would be 'very special shows'.
Lewis Capaldi - Summer dates 2026
In September 2025, just a few days after he started his autumn tour, Lewis announced lots of summer 2026 dates! He then added to these dates after they sold out very quickly. He will tour the UK and Ireland in June, July and August.
Pitbull
Pitbull has been announced as the headline act for several gigs next summer. After the success of his 'Party After Dark Tour' in 2025, he will be returning to the UK for gigs in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast as part of a larger tour including dates in Ireland.
The gigs take place across June and July 2026.
Ariana Grande
In August, Ariana Grande announced she would be going on 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour', including five dates in the UK. The singer will be coming to the UK in August 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Buy tickets now!
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