Montreux Jazz Festival has revealed an impressive lineup for its 60th edition, featuring a mix of iconic and emerging artists. Among the confirmed performers are RAYE, Zara Larsson, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Lewis Capaldi, The Roots, and Deep Purple. The festival’s two-week programme promises a diverse range of musical experiences, from rock and pop to jazz, rap, and R&B.
RAYE will open the festival with her third consecutive performance in three years, following the release of her second album, This Music May Contain Hope. Her concert will include a special lineup of guests curated by the British pop star herself, as well as a unique stage setup that adds to the excitement of the event.
One of the highlights of the festival is the return of American jazz musician and composer Charles Lloyd, who performed at the very first Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967. His participation marks a significant moment in the festival’s history. Alongside him, rock legends Deep Purple will also perform. Their famous song “Smoke on the Water” was inspired by the 1971 fire at Montreux Casino, making their presence at the festival particularly meaningful.
The lineup also includes a wide array of other artists, showcasing how Montreux Jazz Festival continues to embrace a broad spectrum of musical genres. This includes pop singer John Legend, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, former Police frontman Sting, electronic music pioneer PinkPantheress, South African star Tyla, Van Morrison, and James Taylor.
The Independent has continued its partnership as the exclusive global news partner of the Montreux Jazz Festival for the fourth year in a row. This collaboration will provide readers with an expanded programme of editorial coverage throughout the festival, including news exclusives, artist interviews, on-site reporting, and post-festival analysis.
Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent, commented: “Montreux Jazz Festival remains one of the most iconic stages in the world, drawing extraordinary artists and unforgettable performances year after year. The Independent is delighted to continue our partnership with such a prestigious festival, and we look forward to coming together once again in 2026 to celebrate truly exceptional moments in music.”
Roisin O’Connor, The Independent’s Music Editor, added: “I’m delighted that The Independent is continuing our partnership with Montreux Jazz Festival. The team at Montreux raise the bar each year for what a music festival can achieve, and this year, the festival’s triumphant 60th edition, is no different. I can’t wait to return to help celebrate such a fantastic and unique event, in such beautiful surroundings.”
Kevin Donnet, Chief Communication Officer of Montreux Jazz Festival, said: “We’re proud to hit our 60th edition alongside such a great partner like The Independent. Our collaboration grows stronger each year, notably through The Independent’s takeover of the Spotlight Stage to support rising artists. Their dedication to promoting both the festival and the Montreux area helps us bring our culture and high-quality storytelling to the world.”
The Montreux Jazz Festival / Auditorium Stravinski lineup is as follows:
- 3 July – RAYE & SPECIAL GUESTS
- 4 July – MARO / STING
- 5 July – ALDOUS HARDING / NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS
- 6 July – HEMLOCKE SPRINGS/ PINKPANTHERESS
- 7 July – GUITARRICADELAFUENTE / CONAN GRAY
- 8 July – SASHA KEABLE / TYLA
- 9 July – JOY CROOKES / JOHN LEGEND
- 10 July – YEBBA / GIVĒON
- 11 July – THE ISLEY BROTHERS / THE ROOTS
- 12 July – FAOUZIA / ZARA LARSSON
- 13 July – RIVAL SONS / DEEP PURPLE
- 14 July – SOFIA CAMARA / LEWIS CAPALDI
- 15 July – NOGA EREZ / MOBY
- 16 July – FRESH MULA / JOVANOTTI
- 17 July – LOYLE CARNER / VULFPECK
- 18 July – VAN MORRISON / JAMES TAYLOR
The Montreux Jazz Festival / Montreux Jazz Lab lineup is as follows:
- 3 July – SEKOU / EDDY DE PRETTO x MAUD LE PLADEC (LONELY CLUB)
- 4 July – DOVE ELLIS / ANGUS & JULIA STONE
- 5 July – DANNY L HARLE / ASCENDANT VIERGE / ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U
- 6 July – KWN / SIENNA SPIRO
- 7 July – LINIKER / NAÏKA
- 8 July – NECTAR WOODE / DERMOT KENNEDY
- 9 July – BEN BÖHMER LIVE / ADRIATIQUE
- 10 July – SELAH SUE AND THE GALLANDS / AGNES OBEL
- 11 July – PALE JAY / DABEULL LIVE BAND
- 12 July – R2 / MAKALA / RNBOI / BEKAR
- 13 July – ERIN LECOUNT / PARIS PALOMA / ILIONA
- 14 July – DON WEST / CHARLOTTE CARDIN
- 15 July – DANNY OCEAN / YOUNG MIKO
- 16 July – BILLY COBHAM’ TIME MACHINE / MARCUS MILLER (We Want Miles!)
- 17 July – CHARLES LLOYD / GREGORY PORTER
- 18 July – MIND ENTERPRISES / CERRONE DISCO SYMPHONIC
Montreux Jazz Festival takes place between 3 – 18 July 2026. Tickets go on sale on 1 April.
Independent readers are independently-minded global citizens. They are not defined by traditional demographics or profiles, but by their attitudes. In today’s increasingly fragmented world, communities value real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a non-biased news brand that they can trust. Armed with information and inspiration, Independent readers are empowered and equipped to take a stand for the things they believe in.
