Richard Marx
TL;DR:
- Richard Marx released “After Hours” on January 16, 2026.
- New single “Young at Heart” features Rod Stewart.
- Fresh interviews outline the album’s big band feel.
- 2026 tour spans the US, UK, and Australia.
- More dates are being added via major promoters.
Richard Marx is busy again. On January 16, 2026, he released “After Hours,” a studio album that dives into classic swing and big band sounds. Interviews this week explain why the record feels different and why he made it now.
What happened
The album landed on January 16, 2026. Marx calls it the most fun he has had in the studio. He cut much of it live with his band to capture a vintage feel. The track list mixes standards with originals in that style. Guests include players from the jazz and pop world.
At nearly the same time, he rolled out a new duet with Rod Stewart. The single, “Young at Heart,” ties directly to the album’s mood and came with fresh tour chatter. Parade reported new 2026 dates with Stewart involved in various promo moments.
The sound and the story behind it
Marx says the idea took shape at home, then grew after strong crowd reactions to reworked classics. He leaned into crooner influences, similar to the Great American Songbook projects that others have explored. A recent People interview details how the sessions came together with help from close collaborators.
He is also embracing the legacy of his biggest hits. In a new MusicRadar piece, he says he no longer worries about the “balladeer” label and enjoys seeing kids play “Right Here Waiting” on TikTok. That openness tracks with the wide range on “After Hours.”
Tour plans for 2026
Marx has a steady run of 2026 shows. Live Nation and Ticketmaster list US and UK dates, including two nights at London’s Palladium in October. Australian venues have announced April stops under the “After Hours” banner. Expect more postings as promoters finalize holds.
Third-party trackers like Songkick and Shazam also show rolling updates. Cross-check with the venue box office before you buy, since listings change.
Snapshot: announced or listed stops
- United Kingdom: London Palladium on October 6 and 7, 2026.
- Australia: April shows including Canberra’s Royal Theatre/National Convention Centre.
- United States: Multiple dates via promoter and venue pages.
New duet with Rod Stewart
“Young at Heart” teams Marx with Rod Stewart, who has worked in this lane for years. The duet supports the album’s concept and gives fans a fresh marquee moment for setlists. Parade’s coverage links the release to new 2026 activity.
Background for new listeners
Marx broke out in the late 1980s with “Right Here Waiting,” “Hold On to the Nights,” and “Hazard.” He kept writing for other artists, which kept his name on the charts even when he was off radio. Recent interviews underline that long game. He is not chasing trends, he is chasing songs that work live.
What fans can expect at the shows
Setlists will likely pair the new material with the hits. UK and Australian rooms suggest a mix of theaters and landmark venues. That setup supports strong acoustics, a horn section when scheduled, and the intimate banter that suits this era of his career. Cross-check your date for exact format, since some nights are billed as “After Hours Tour” while others are general shows.
Quick buyer checklist
| Step | What to do | Tip |
| 1 | Check the venue page first | Best source for time, age rules |
| 2 | Compare primary sellers | Live Nation, Ticketmaster, venue box office |
| 3 | Verify seat map before pay | Some shows are reserved seating, others mixed |
| 4 | Watch for added shows | UK and AU often add second nights after demand |
| 5 | Use official links from artist socials | Reduces reseller mix-ups |
Why it matters
This run shows how a legacy artist can keep momentum with a clear concept and steady touring. “After Hours” gives Marx new material that fits his voice today, and the tour gives fans a reason to come back. The duet with Stewart widens the audience and adds a headline moment for playlists.
What happens next
Watch promoter pages and venue calendars over the next few weeks. More 2026 holds are likely as the album cycle rolls. Expect media hits tied to key markets when the tour reaches Australia in April and the UK in October.
Sources:
- Billboard, “Richard Marx Talks New Album ‘After Hours’,” https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/richard-marx-interview-after-hours-1236154939/, published 2026-01-15.
- People, “How ‘After Hours’ Came Together,” https://people.com/richard-marx-how-new-album-after-hours-came-together-exclusive-11885811, published 2026-01-16.
- MusicRadar, “Richard Marx says he no longer cares about labels,” https://www.musicradar.com/artists/i-see-8-year-olds-playing-right-here-waiting-on-the-piano-and-posting-videos-on-tiktok-are-you-kidding-me, published 2026-01-19.
- Parade, “’80s Pop Icon Announces Duet and 2026 Tour Dates,” https://parade.com/news/80s-pop-icon-announces-duet-and-2026-tour-dates-with-rock-legend, published 2026-01-16.
- Live Nation, “Richard Marx — 2026 Tour Dates & Concert Schedule,” https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ9171837/richard-marx-events, accessed 2026-01-21.
- Ticketmaster, “Richard Marx Tickets,” https://www.ticketmaster.com/richard-marx-tickets/artist/770457, accessed 2026-01-21.
- LW Theatres, “Richard Marx — The London Palladium,” https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/richard-marx/, accessed 2026-01-21.
- National Convention Centre Canberra, “Richard Marx: After Hours,”https://nccc.com.au/upcoming-events/richard-marx/, accessed 2026-01-21.
