Fresh off two critically acclaimed albums—The Hypnogogue (2023) and Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars (2024)—psychedelic dream pop legends The Church had planned to hit San Francisco this summer with “The Singles” tour, a career-spanning celebration of their 45-year legacy.
The setlist was set to spotlight fan favorites and iconic tracks from their 37-album catalog, including classics like “The Unguarded Moment,” “Reptile,” and “Under the Milky Way.” Frontman Steve Kilbey called it the band’s first true career retrospective, bringing decades of sonic evolution to life on stage for fans old and new.
However, due to an urgent family medical issue, the tour has now been postponed to summer 2026. The band apologized for the unexpected schedule change and assured fans that updated dates and details will be announced soon. Fortunately, we still had the chance to catch up with Steve Kilbey for a quick conversation about the band’s journey and what fans can look forward to when they return.
This tour is such a landmark — 45 years, 37 albums. When you first started out, could you ever have imagined a moment like this?
I never imagined any of this I thought we’d last a year. Incredible isn’t it? Mind you I’m the only one left! Ha ha.
How did you approach crafting a setlist that spans your entire career? Was it hard to choose which singles made the cut?
Yeah, we haven’t quite figured it all out yet. But we will (I hope).
The Church has always had a reputation for evolving musically. How do you think your sound has changed — or stayed the same — across the decades?
Paradoxically we have changed whilst remaining the same.
Fans are especially excited that you’re pulling out some deeper gems alongside the big hits. Can you hint at any surprises you’re planning to include?
We need more stuff from our mid-period days, that’s for sure. Like 1992 to 2012. That period will get more love.
You’ve mentioned that “Under the Milky Way” has taken on a life of its own over the years. How has your relationship with that song evolved, and what does it mean to you now when performing it live?
I got nothing more I can possibly add about that song. And yes I still like to play it. Luckily!
Your recent albums, The Hypnogogue and Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars, have been incredibly well-received. How do the new songs fit alongside the older singles on stage?
They’re gonna fit in great. We’re gonna mix em all up. It’ll be seamless.
With so many reissues and renewed interest in your catalog, are you seeing a new generation of listeners discovering The Church for the first time?
Yes, I believe a new generation of fans is actually happening. And that’s very exciting.
You’ve spoken about the importance of aging gracefully in the music industry. How does this perspective shape your current performances and interactions with fans?
Well, I just try and bring this wealth of experience to what I do and I don’t pretend that I’m a kid. I don’t sing about cars and girls and drinkin’. Ha! I sing about the more esoteric side of life!
For longtime fans who’ve been with you since the beginning, what do you hope they take away from this “Singles” tour experience?
Satisfaction. Happiness. Fulfilment. And a transcendent feeling of wow!
If you could go back and tell your younger selves — the ones writing “The Unguarded Moment” — one thing about this journey, what would it be?
Be nice to people. That’s the most important thing. Music biz can make you mean. Resist that! Be kind to the people around ya!
