Featured photo: BBC Studios / Michael Leckie
Buncrana singer/songwriter George Houston is set to make his TV debut on Later… with Jools Holland, sharing the stage with an impressive array of artists.
Anticipation is high for the episode, which will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday, June 8th, and broadcast on BBC2 on Sunday, June 15th.
The show’s lineup features Peggy Seeger, Sugababes, Obongjayar, Kae Tempest, and Wolf Alice.
This appearance marks a significant milestone for George (23), who will perform his track Lilith from his forthcoming album, TODC (The Original Death Card), scheduled for release on Friday, June 13th.
George has also hinted at a surprise release of Lilith this Friday, June 6th, giving fans a preview of the new album’s sound.
From L-R: George Houston, Peggy Seeger, Sugababes, Jools Holland, Obongjayar, Kae Tempest, Wolf Alice. BBC Studios / Michael Leckie
On Later… with Jools Holland, George will present a stripped-back acoustic version of Lilith, a song inspired by Siânna Lafferty, the Lifford singer and lead vocalist of Derry band Tramp.
“I saw Siânna performing live, and a line about protest singers came to me. I wanted to pay homage to the protest singers of the world,” George explained.
“It’s just me and my guitar in the middle of the room. Hopefully, it will be a nice moment in the show.”
The alt-folk artist has already enjoyed a busy year, touring with Paul Weller across North America and Ireland. He also had the privilege of using Weller’s Black Barn Studios to record his most daring and personal project yet.
George acknowledges his good fortune in landing this career-boosting opportunity, attributing it to his dedication and the support of influential friends. Paul Weller, a familiar face on the programme, recommended his support act as a guest.
Reflecting on the recording experience, George told Donegal Daily: “It’s a very well-oiled machine, and all the crew were really friendly and lovely.
“It was fascinating to see how it all works.”
Regarding his meeting with Jools Holland, George described him as “a really lovely man”.
“I understand why he has such a good reputation,” he added.
George Houston on Later with Jools Holland. BBC Studios / Michael Leckie
Having recorded and performed since the age of 16, George has self-produced four studio albums. He is excited for listeners to experience the “gorgeous” sound quality of TODC (The Original Death Card), which will be his first release on vinyl.
Across 13 tracks, he reflects on the hardships faced by LGBT+ individuals and women throughout history, while simultaneously celebrating their resilience and beauty.
“I would describe myself as sad music for people that use humour as a defence mechanism,” he said.
“The whole album is about women and people in the queer community who maybe have felt they have been banished or disregarded from their communities and their religions.
“I wanted to create a body of work that acted as spiritualism and music for them.”
With a queer, Irish perspective, the double album embodies Houston’s signature sound and a timeless quality that captivates listeners in the artist’s dark and compelling world.
“I grew up in the choir at school, and I loved all of the hymns that we would sing, but they weren’t specifically for me. This is music for those other people that maybe didn’t feel as welcomed.”
Find links to George Houston’s Spotify and social media pages here: https://linktr.ee/georgehouston
George Houston’s 2025 Tour Dates in Ireland are as follows:
- 9th August – Under The Drum Festival
- 14th August – Ghostlight Sessions, Balor Arts Centre in Ballybofey
- 4th October – Róisín Dubh, Galway
- 24th October – Bennigans, Derry
- 30th October – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
Donegal’s George Houston joining Sugababes on star-studded Jools Holland line-up was last modified: June 4th, 2025 by
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