Colchester, UK · 1 festival · 2 concerts

Modern English

Next: Nov 13 · The Observatory, Santa Ana · Updated Nov 9

4AD post-punks with one immortal single: 'I Melt with You' forever, though the rest of the catalogue runs darker than you'd expect.

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Modern English

Where to see Modern English

Shows via Ticketmaster

About Modern English

Modern English is a new-wave band from Colchester, UK, formed in 1979.

Modern English formed in Colchester, England, at the end of the 1970s and signed to 4AD, where they sat alongside the label's early roster of gothic and post-punk acts. Their first records leaned towards grey, abrasive post-punk, but the group gradually moved into brighter, more melodic new wave territory, which is where "I Melt with You" arrived — a song that became a lasting radio and soundtrack staple in the United States and has followed the band ever since.

Frontman Robbie Grey has led the group through breakups, reunions and shifting line-ups over the decades. Their live sets tend to move between the atmospheric, bass-heavy early material and the pop songs that made their name.

New-wavePost-punk

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Questions about Modern English

What festivals is Modern English playing in 2026?

Modern English is booked at 1 festival we cover: Darker Waves 2026.

Is Modern English on tour?

Yes. Modern English has 2 shows listed, from Santa Ana, CA on Nov 13, 2026 to Las Vegas, NV on Nov 15, 2026, plus 1 festival on the page above.

When does Modern English play at Darker Waves?

Saturday, November 14, 1:05 – 1:35 PM at Darker Stage.

Where is Modern English from?

Modern English is from Colchester, UK.

Who is in Modern English?

Modern English is Richard Brown, Michael Conroy, Aaron Davidson, Robbie Grey, Gary McDowell and Stephen Walker.

When did Modern English form?

Modern English formed in Colchester in 1979.

What was Modern English's first album?

Modern English's first album was Mesh & Lace (1981). The latest is 1 2 3 4 (2024).

What kind of music does Modern English play?

Modern English plays new-wave and post-punk.

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