Legendary house music brand, Love to be… will embark on a major UK tour in partnership with Academy Music Group (AMG), which kicks off at O2 Institute Birmingham on Saturday 7th November. To the second city, Love to be brings its three-decade legacy, a heavy-hitting lineup featuring Solardo, Marshall Jefferson, Belters Only, Rue Jay and more, and its signature house music energy on its biggest ever UK venue tour. Tickets are now on sale via Skiddle from £19+ fees.
Co-founded in 1994 by Tony Walker at Sheffield’s renowned Music Factory, Love to be… has spent over 30 years shaping UK club culture. From Frankie Knuckles, Masters At Work and Basement Jaxx, to Claptone, Sam Divine and Sonny Fodera, the brand has consistently united house music royalty with rising artists performing alongside the biggest names in global dance music. Its worldwide community has been built through events spanning New York, Ibiza and Sydney, a syndicated radio show, record label and its flagship festival in Harrogate. Today with Tony Walker and Director Marc Dennis at the helm, Love to be… stands for heritage and innovation, bridging generations on the dancefloor with the same passion that fuelled the early years.
O2 Institute Birmingham is one of eight Academy venues where Love to be brings a carefully curated lineup of international headliners, contemporary UK faves and crucial local talent. Headlining in Birmingham is Solardo – the UK duo who refuse to be pigeon-holed. From the outdoor anthem “I Can’t Wait” alongside Tiësto and Poppy Baskcomb to their revision of Marshall Jefferson’s timeless “Move Your Body,” every Solardo DJ set is completely unique. It’s very apt that the very same global house music pioneer, Marshall Jefferson, will also appear in Birmingham spinning one of his legendary sets – leaving the dance floor is futile.
Joining is the ground-breaking Irish duo, Belters Only, best known for the platinum selling hit “Make Me Feel Good”. Trimtone also lined up, better known as Love to be’s driving force Marc Dennis and Tony Walker who have been shaping the sound of house music for over three decades.
Flying the flag for the West Midlands is the Birmingham-born house music artist, Rue Jay. His high-energy mix of classic and modern productions have earned him an impressive three Beatport #1 singles via releases on Armada Music, Toolroom Records, Altra.Moda & Wh0 Plays, solidly tipping him as 2026’s one to watch.
Further completing the local lineup is one of Birmingham’s driving forces in underground music, Faraz, known for his residencies at Eden Ibiza to curating CNTRL at Club Colette. And Mama Roux’s long-standing resident and eclectic DJ, Kenny Benson, who’ll be showing just why he’s a staple of the Birmingham underground.
With a history of unforgettable events and an unwavering commitment to house culture, Love to be is thrilled to arrive in Birmingham on its nationwide tour as it continues to celebrate three decades of dance with its sights firmly set on the future.
Love to be…
