Will Hitchell & THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION
See THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION in Performance
Before you read their full 2026 Spotlight, experience the music and the performance that have helped audiences around the world discover Will Hitchell and THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION.
The Voice Heard Around the World
From Glasgow, Scotland, Will Hitchell and THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION have become one of the clearest examples of what Honky Tonk Music Association means by “The New Old Way Forward.” Their music reaches backward for the warmth, musicianship and excitement of classic records without simply trying to imitate the past.
Will Hitchell’s voice can move from soul to country, blues, rock and roll and pop without losing the character that first made audiences stop and listen. Around him, THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION brings the sound to life as a working band — guitar, double bass, drums, piano and horns moving together with the energy of a real stage performance.
HTMA’s earlier coverage repeatedly emphasized the sound itself: authenticity, musicianship, performance and the ability to make new music feel connected to the songs audiences still remember.
Watch THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION
Explore the Honky Tonk Music Association-curated playlist for Will Hitchell and THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION. Choose a performance from the drop-down or use the blue ▶ Watch Here button beside any video, and it will play right here on the HTMA page.
Browse All Playlist Performances
The Band
Lead Vocals
Guitar
Double Bass
Drums
Piano
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Band-member recognition: The Great Jimmy Steele is the recipient of the 2026 Musician of the Year. That is Jimmy Steele’s individual award and is not added to the Will Hitchell / THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION recognition total.
Official 2026 HTMA Record
Will Hitchell and THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION are presented together because their 2026 recognition tells one connected artist-and-band story. This Spotlight shows 12 total 2026 recognitions: 8 wins and 4 nominations. When a nominee later wins that same award category, HTMA counts the nomination and the win as two recognitions but presents them together as “Nominated and Won.” Performer credits use Will Hitchell; songwriter credits use William Hitchell.
Father/Daughter record: Will Hitchell and his daughter Anna were nominated and won the 2026 Best Father / Daughter Duet Award in the Best Pop/Rock Father/Daughter Duet category for “Love Hurts.” The nomination and win count as two recognitions in the 2026 total, but they are shown together because they are part of the same award journey.
THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION — Complete Upcoming Concert Schedule
A Must-See Live Show: THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION is a band HTMA believes should be experienced live. Their stage sound, musicianship and Will Hitchell’s remarkable vocals are a major part of what has made the group such a compelling international story. The band and Will’s vocals have also been highly praised by Rod Stewart. If THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION is coming anywhere near you, check the schedule below and consider getting tickets early. Several shows have sold out well in advance.
Schedule checked September 7, 2026. Concert dates can change. Fans should confirm directly with the artist or venue before making travel plans.
A Career Moving Fast
The group’s international rise began accelerating after the late-2022 viral response to “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Since then, THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION have built a catalogue that moves through blues, soul, rock and roll, pop and roots-based music while continuing to expand their live audience.
In 2025, THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION were also named Band of the Year at the Boisdale Xerjoff Music Awards, presented by Jools Holland. Their official biography reports a sold-out 14-date UK and Ireland tour and 2,500-seat venues selling out months in advance.
Rod Stewart has highly praised THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION and Will Hitchell’s vocals, adding another remarkable chapter to a rise that began with audiences discovering the band online and has continued into sold-out live performances.
Why HTMA Put Them at No. 1
Will Hitchell and THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION sit at the top of the 2026 Winners & Nominees Spotlight because their recognition crosses more parts of the inaugural season than any other current Spotlight entry: performance, band achievement, songwriting, soul, country, pop, rock, fan choice and family performance.
More importantly, they represent the musical idea at the heart of HTMA’s inaugural season — that audiences do not have to choose between honoring the past and discovering something new.