The Hives’ frontman Pelle Almqvist thinks the band is at the “peak” of its powers.
Pelle, 46, made the comments during an interview with NME, following a livestream by the group from Mexico City where they unveiled their new record The Hives Forever Forever The Hives — the follow-up to 2023’s The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons.
He said: “After 30 years of being a band, we’re at the peak of our powers. That doesn’t happen a lot.”
His declaration comes as The Hives have announced a run of intimate UK shows to celebrate the release of their upcoming album.
The new album has been described by the group as “so full of energy, joy, anger and life that you will be questioning reality as you have known it”.
To mark the album’s arrival, The Hives will perform a series of small-venue shows across the UK, beginning on 30 August at Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms.
The run continues with dates at Arts Club in Liverpool on 31 August and Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club on 1 September.
A special London performance at HERE at Outernet — in collaboration with Rough Trade — is scheduled for 2 September, before the band closes out the dates at Brighton’s Concorde 2 on 3 September.
The band said in a statement on Instagram: “COME ONE, COME ALL! The Hives will be gracing intimate venues across the wondrous United Kingdom.”
Tickets for the gigs go on sale at 10am BST on Friday (30.07.25.)
The announcement follows the release of new single Legalize Living, a riff-driven track taken from the forthcoming album.
It comes after earlier releases Enough Is Enough — which debuted in April — and Paint A Picture.
Discussing Enough Is Enough, Pelle said: “I think Enough Is Enough got picked as a single really early when there were demos because our manager thought it would sell concert tickets.
“(The record company) wanted to release that first because it’s got a big riff and it’s a perfect tempo for a crowd to jump up and down.
“It got picked so early when the other songs weren’t done, but I really like how it starts: ‘Everyone’s a little f****** b****…’.
“That’s as close to political commentary as you’re gonna get! Basically, ‘F*** both sides.’”
The Hives — completed by Nicholaus Arson, Vigilante Carlstroem, Chris Dangerous and The Johan and Only — will also embark on a full UK and European tour later in the year.
The dates include arena shows at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Aviva Studios in Manchester, and Alexandra Palace in London.
Joining them on the tour are Yard Act, who will serve as support for all UK and EU dates.
Announcing the support slot, Pelle said: “That’s right! Your king has spoken. Yard Act will be joining The Hives, not just at their Alexandra Palace show but on the whole UK/EU tour.
“A worthy contender, let’s see if they can handle The Hives.”