MICK McCONNELL & BLUE THUNDER

🎸 NEW ALBUM “THINGS ARE LOOKING UP” — OCTOBER 2026 ⚡

BLUES-ROCK FANS — THIS IS ONE YOU’LL WANT TO SEE LIVE.

We’re delighted to welcome Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder to Smile Bar & Venue as part of their 22-date UK tour , celebrating the release of Mick’s brand-new album Things Are Looking Up .

And there’s something particularly special about this date…

⚡ SMILE IS THE FINAL SHOW OF THE UK TOUR!

After 22 dates across the country, Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder will bring the tour to a close right here in Huddersfield.

So this isn’t just another date on the tour.

It’s the last night.

And something tells us the band might just have a little bit left in the tank for Huddersfield! 😉

🎸 30 YEARS ON THE ROAD. A BRAND-NEW ALBUM. A NEW CHAPTER.

At the heart of Blue Thunder is Yorkshire-born guitarist, singer and songwriter Mick McConnell — a musician with quite a story behind him.

For 30 years , Mick has been guitarist with legendary British band Smokie , touring the world and performing to audiences across the globe.

But Blue Thunder is something different.

This is Mick stepping forward with his own music, his own songs and his own sound — including material from the brand-new album Things Are Looking Up — backed by a seriously accomplished band that’s been creating quite a stir on the UK blues-rock circuit.

⚡ MICK McCONNELL & BLUE THUNDER

Since launching the project, the band have quickly established themselves on the British blues scene, earning headline shows at respected venues and appearances at blues events around the country.

Expect:

🎸 Soaring blues-rock guitar

🎤 Powerful vocals & original songs

🎹 Hammond organ & keyboards

⚡ Big grooves and seriously good musicianship

🔥 A proper live band doing what a proper live band does best

Mick’s previous solo album Under My Skin , recorded in Nashville, reached No. 13 on the European Blues Chart and received airplay across the UK, Europe and the USA.

Now, with Things Are Looking Up , Mick enters the next chapter of his original music — and Blue Thunder are taking it out on the road.

Whether you’re already a blues-rock fan or simply appreciate great guitar playing, original music and seriously talented musicians doing their thing live , this is a chance to catch a very special band — on a very special night.

🎸 ONE BAND. ONE NEW ALBUM. THE FINAL NIGHT OF A 22-DATE UK TOUR.

MICK McCONNELL & BLUE THUNDER — LIVE AT SMILE. ⚡

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW.

PLEASE NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, shows at Smile Bar & Venue are sold as standing events. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smile Bar & Venue is a cashless venue. Card payments only.

No refunds will be given unless the event is cancelled. Tickets are non-transferable.

Description supplied by the event organiser.