The British synth duo HURTS emerged seemingly out of nowhere in 2010 and instantly dominated the international charts. Both their debut album Happiness and the massive singles ‘Wonderful Life’ and ‘Stay’ remained in the European charts for months, earning numerous gold and platinum awards. With their elegant style blending New Wave, synth music, and melancholic Pop, HURTS became the protagonists of a new wave of artists transporting the ideals of the 80s into the present. Before HURTS, 38-year-old singer Theo Hutchcraft and 40-year-old keyboardist and guitarist Adam Anderson had already taken their first steps with synth-pop projects BUREAU and DAGGERS. However, the time was not yet ripe for their bold, modernist take on 80s Pop. It wasn’t until the formation of HURTS in 2009 that they struck a chord with their mix of melancholic melodies, elegant soundscapes, extravagant videos, and subtly hopeful lyrics.
They quickly found themselves on the prestigious BBC “Sound of 2010” list, and their single ‘Wonderful Life’ climbed the charts across Europe, earning multi-platinum status in countries like Germany and Switzerland. Riding the wave of these achievements, the 2010 release of their album ‘Happiness’ became a huge hit. In England, it became the best-selling debut of the year, and it charted in the Top 10 in eleven other countries, selling over two million copies to date. Their visual presentation created a new image of refined coolness that became a trademark for a generation of young synth musicians and their followers.
In 2011, HURTS reaped the rewards of their hard work. A Bambi, an Echo, a Virgin, and an MTV Movie Award are just a few of the honours these style icons received. Their subsequent albums ‘Exile’ (2013), ‘Surrender’ (2015), ‘Desire’ (2017), and ‘Faith’ (2020) were also packed with style, elegance, and great Pop anthems, earning the tasteful duo further international chart success. Sold-out tours around the globe underscored these achievements.
Next year, 15 years after their explosive debut in the music industry, HURTS will once again reflect on their beginnings. As part of a series of exclusive European shows, they will perform their style-defining debut album ‘Happiness’ live in its entirety - one of these shows will take place in Berlin on May 24, 2025. As a preview of these special nights, the duo released a remake of their breakthrough single ‘Wonderful Life’ last December, featuring German guests Luciano and Sira. Unsurprisingly, the song shot to No. 1 on the German charts upon release.
Hurts - 15 Years of Happiness
Performing The Album in Full
24.05.2025 Berlin - Tempodrom
Tickets will be available starting Friday, October 25, at 11 a.m. from €50.00 plus fees at all known CTS ticket outlets, via the hotline +49 (0)1806 - 570070 (€0.20/call from a landline, mobile max. €0.60/call), and on fkpscorpio.de and eventim.de.
