Enter Shikari announce indefinite hiatus starting in 2027

British rock band Enter Shikari, from St Albans, have announced that as of 31 December 2027 they will become dormant as a recording and performing act. The band, formed in 1999 under the name Hybryd, said in a statement that this dormancy could eventually end with a return to activity, or with what they called the band's "extinction" — admitting they themselves do not know which outcome awaits them.

The announcement comes as the band approaches the 20th anniversary of their debut album, due in 2027. Members have played music together since they were 15 and have been friends even longer. The statement describes two decades of working within a music industry that favours easily categorised acts as often difficult, both professionally and personally, with a clear toll on mental health.

Singer's recent illness added urgency

The band revealed that frontman Rou Reynolds has recently suffered an illness, though discussions about the band's future had already begun before that. Seeing a close friend in difficulty, they said, made those conversations feel more urgent. Enter Shikari insist they do not believe they are breaking up, but acknowledge they have no plans extending beyond 2027. They compared a possible future to the band Fugazi, suggesting they might simply reunite to rehearse for enjoyment without any pressure to perform publicly.

The group also said new music is in the works and should reach fans relatively soon, alongside another project they have just finished filming. They specifically ruled out staging a traditional "farewell world tour".

Touring continues until the hiatus begins

In the meantime, Enter Shikari are set to tour the UK in November, with further dates in Europe and the US planned for next year, expressing hope of playing some favourite venues "one last time". Since forming, the band have released six UK top 10 albums, including the 2023 chart-topper A Kiss for the Whole World, and have had several hit singles, among them Anything Can Happen in the Next Half Hour, Juggernauts and Sssnakepit.