Carlswerk Victoria, Cologne, Germany23rd September 2026
Cake - “Tour 2026”
Fans of the American, genre-bending band CAKE have had to wait 15 years for a new album - but that wait is finally coming to an end this year! This autumn, the group led by lead singer John McCrea will release their ninth studio album.
Anyone discovering CAKE for the first time should throw all conventional expectations of a band overboard. Founded in California in 1991, the formation has been shattering norms since their 1996 breakthrough album, ‘Fashion Nugget,’ consistently providing a refreshing breeze of novelty. You will search in vain for clear musical role models or simple genre labels; their experimental sound draws from everything and nothing, including alternative, indie, funk, country, and ska.
Instead of the usual lead guitar, CAKE often relies on prominent trumpets in their arrangements, which create standout moments on stage with various solos. From the very beginning, the band has also been highly critical of the music industry itself - the laconic “spoken-word” vocals, often positioned at the forefront of stripped-back arrangements, are typically dripping with irony and sharp social commentary.
The same can be expected from the upcoming album, which has already been preceded by the singles ‘Hold You (Responsible)’ and ‘Billionaire in Space.’ McCrea describes the latter as ‘an observation of economic imbalance and being left behind.’ Another topic that has long preoccupied the band—and will play a role in the tour following the autumn release - is climate protection.
Traditionally, CAKE concerts do not feature an encore. Instead, a tree is raffled off as a symbol of environmental preservation. Those who get the chance to see the band live in Cologne or Berlin this September will not only experience a wealth of masterful songwriting and experimental arrangements but might even go home with a new tree!
Additional Concert Info
Doors: 19:00
Start: 20:00
Tickets: are available starting at 50.25 euros (plus charges pre-sale) via Eventim
Info: https://carlswerk-victoria.de/event/2026-09-23-cake
