UK vinyl sales have hit their highest level since 1990
Vinyl has become increasingly popular
Sales of vinyl albums in the UK have hit their highest level since 1990 as they enjoy a resurgence in popularity. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), sales in 2023 increased by 11.7% to reach 5.9 million units - increasing for the 16th consecutive year.
The best selling vinyl LP in 2023 was '1989' (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift - a re-recording of the singer's 2014 album. The second biggest selling release was 'Hackney Diamonds' by The Rolling Stones, which was the band's first album of new music since 2005.
Despite over four fifths of music being listened to via streaming, there has still been a huge increase in the popularity of vinyl records, with many fans enjoying building a collection. In 2023, the sale of cassettes also topped 100,000 for the fourth year in a row.
In addition to new releases by artists including Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Lewis Capaldi, there were also classic albums which made the top 10 list. Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' and Pink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' were among the best-selling vinyl albums in 2023.
Speaking about the success of vinyl, BPI boss Dr Jo Twist said: "Led by vinyl, the resurgence of physical product underlines the resilience of the UK music market at a time when streaming consumption continues to hit record levels.
"Whilst LP sales have now been on an upward path for the past 16 years, it is encouraging to see a stabilisation in demand for CD, as well as new generations of music fans falling in love with the cassette. It is giving people more choice than ever in how they enjoy their favourite music."
Top 10 best-selling vinyl albums in the UK in 2023:
1) Taylor Swift - '1989' (Taylor's Version)
2) The Rolling Stones - 'Hackney Diamonds'
3) Lana Del Rey - 'Did You Know There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd'
4) Taylor Swift - 'Speak Now' (Taylor's Version)
5) Fleetwood Mac - 'Rumours'
6) Blur - 'The Ballad of Darren'
7) Pink Floyd - 'The Dark Side of the Moon'
8) Taylor Swift - 'Midnights'
9) Olivia Rodrigo - 'Guts'
10) Lewis Capaldi - 'Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent'
Take a look at some of the upcoming tours to look forward to:
ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'
ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
The shows were due to run until October 2022, but due popular demand from fans, they will now run until 2026.
Jason Donovan
Jason Donovan will be going on tour in February and March 2026 with his 'Doin' Fine Encore' tour. The singer said: "I am so excited about extending this tour. There were some places we were unable to visit on the 'Doin' Fine 25' tour for logistical reasons, so it's great to be able to go and perform in those venues.
"My performing career has been an incredible ride, and I can't wait to celebrate it by performing the songs that have been such an important part of my life. It's been a fantastic tour so far, and I look forward to sharing all those special moments with my fans."
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have announced a series of intimate gigs, taking place in April 2026. 'Obscure Pet Shop Boys', are truly for the biggest fans of the band, as they'll be performing non-single album tracks and B-sides, from throughout their long career.
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour from 2025 to 2026, starting by supporting The Human League at a series of shows in the summer of 2025, before her HUGE tour gets underway in March 2026. Entitled 'Songs & Stories Tour 2026', she'll take the tour to 49 intimate venues across England, Scotland and Wales — finishing on 14th June 2026.
Toyah also has a number of gigs in October and December 2025, in celebration of the release of her new greatest hits album, 'Chameleon: The Very Best Of Toyah'.
Rick Astley
Rick Astley has announced a huge UK tour with special guest Gabrielle. The 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer will perform across the UK with gigs in Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Newcastle and many more, in April 2026.
Paul Carrack
Paul Carrack will be on tour throughout April and May 2026, celebrating 50 years in the music business and the release of his album 'The Country Side of Paul Carrack'. The singer said of the tour: "There's no feeling like performing live with this band. We've been through it all together, and we're excited to bring something new to these incredible venues. It's going to be a big one."
James Morrison
James Morrison has announced a tour for 2026 celebrating 20 years since the release of his debut album 'Undiscovered'. The singer will perform throughout May and the beginning of June, playing songs from his 5x Platinum album, along with some of this biggest hits.
Billy Ocean
In October 2025, Billy Ocean announced dates for his Summer 2026 tour where he will be performing across the UK from May until August. The singer will be joined by special guest, former Wet Wet Wet and solo artist Marti Pellow.
Foreigner
'I Want To Know What Love Is' band Foreigner have announced two UK dates for June 2026. The band will perform their biggest anthems from their back catalogue at the very special concerts.
UB40
UB40 have announced a huge tour taking place in June 2026. The band are expected to perform many of their iconic classic hits from their back catalogue and some brand new tracks which will feature on their upcoming studio album, due for release in Spring 2026.
The Human League
'Don't You Want Me' band The Human League have announced they will be performing a big outdoor show in 2026. The band, who will be joined by special guests ABC, will be taking to the stage for this one-off show in Leeds.
Boyzone
In September 2025, Boyzone announced they would be reuniting for their largest gig ever. Due to take place in London on Saturday 6th June 2026, the band will be playing to 44,000 fans for their show called 'One For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium, London'.
Beverley Knight
Beverley Knight has announced a huge UK headline tour for 2026 called 'Born to Perform'. The show will see Beverley perform some of her biggest hits as she also takes the audience on a journey through her career of music and theatre. The tour takes place throughout June 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
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