Carlswerk Victoria, Cologne, Germany8th March 2026
Maxïmo Park - “20th Years of ‘A Certain Trigger’ & greatest hits” - Support: Art Brut
It’s rightfully regarded as one of the most outstanding debut albums of the 2000s - if not of all time: with ‘A Certain Trigger’, MAXÏMO PARK shook up the British music scene like few bands before or since. Blending raw Punk attitude, irresistible Pop melodies, a distinctive Northern accent and sheer, infectious energy, the album instantly became a classic. Now, it’s time to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The story begins in the relatively sleepy city of Newcastle around the turn of the millennium: guitarist Duncan Lloyd joined forces with drummer Tom English, bassist Archis Tiku and keyboard player Lukas Wooller, taking their name inspiration from Miami’s Máximo Gómez Park. What they still lacked was a charismatic frontman - until they met Paul Smith, who won them over with a Stevie Wonder cover in a small local bar.
After self-releasing a 7-inch single, the band quickly caught the attention of the otherwise electronic-focused Warp Records, who released ‘A Certain Trigger’ in 2005. The album stormed into the UK Top 15, achieved Platinum status, and has since sold over half a million copies. Singles like ‘Apply Some Pressure’ and ‘Graffiti’ remain defining anthems of the golden 2000s Indie disco era.
The well-read outsiders had officially arrived in Britain’s Indie Pop scene - and followed up in 2007 with ‘Our Earthly Pleasures’. Albums ‘Quicken the Heart’ (2009) and ‘The National Health’ (2012) continued their chart success and cemented MAXÏMO PARK’s place in the hearts of fans. In 2014, they opened a new chapter with ‘Too Much Information’.
Their lyrics have always been introspective - at times political, at times poetic - drawing from everyday life, love, and the melancholic beauty of an often-grey hometown. Following the political upheavals of 2016, the band became more outspoken, with 2017’s ‘Risk to Exist’ standing as a clear political statement.
After bassist Archis Tiku and keyboardist Lukas Wooller stepped away for personal reasons, the band continued as a trio. Frontman Paul Smith’s experiences of fatherhood inspired a more reflective tone on ‘Nature Always Wins’ (2021) and ‘Stream of Life’ (2024), while keeping the band’s trademark blend of emotional honesty and charming, distinctly British Pop.
Now, the moment has come: ‘A Certain Trigger’ turns 20 - and that calls for a proper celebration! This October, the iconic album will be reissued with rare tracks and B-sides. Then, in spring 2026, MAXÏMO PARK will embark on a major 20th Anniversary Tour, with special guests ART BRUT, whose new wave sound perfectly complements the 2000s Indie revival.
The celebration also extends to Germany, where fans can look forward to five live shows featuring songs from ‘A Certain Trigger’ alongside the biggest hits and fan favourites from across two decades of the band’s career.
German Tour Dates
08 Mar 2026 - Cologne, Carlswerk Victoria
09 Mar 2026 - Hamburg, Grosse Freiheit 36
12 Mar 2026 - Berlin, Huxley’s Neue Welt
13 Mar 2026 - Munich, Backstage Werk
17 Mar 2026 - Wiesbaden, Schlachthof
Additional Concert Info
Doors: 19:00
Start: 20:00
Tickets: are available for 49.60€ (plus charges pre-sale) via Eventim
Info: https://prime-entertainment.de/aktuelles/maximo-park-2/
