The Wallflowers
Tour

Bringing Down the Horse: The Album That Made The Wallflowers

When Bringing Down the Horse arrived on May 21, 1996, The Wallflowers were far from a sure thing. Their 1992 self-titled debut on Virgin Records had been a commercial disappointment, and the band had been dropped by their label. Jakob Dylan — the son of Bob Dylan, a fact that followed him everywhere like a shadow he never asked for — regrouped with a new lineup and a new producer, the legendary T Bone Burnett, and recorded what would become one of the defining rock albums of the 1990s. The sessions were marked by turmoil: lead guitarist Tobi Miller quit mid-recording, forcing the band to bring in session players including Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and drummer Matt Chamberlain. What emerged from that chaos was a 10-track record of remarkable clarity and emotional depth.

"One Headlight," the album's signature single, became one of the most ubiquitous songs of 1997. Its driving rhythm, Dylan's rasping vocal, and the imagery of a dead-end town lit by a single headlight resonated with millions of listeners and earned two Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremony — Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. "6th Avenue Heartache" had already established the band as a radio force, with its streetwise storytelling and cinematic arrangement, while "The Difference" and "Three Marlenas" proved that the album's depth extended well beyond its singles. Bringing Down the Horse reached number four on the Billboard 200 and went on to sell over four million copies in the United States alone, earning Quadruple Platinum certification from the RIAA.

The album's connection to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers runs deeper than most fans realize. Mike Campbell's guitar work on tracks like "6th Avenue Heartache" gave the record a jangly, Heartbreakers-adjacent quality that bridged the gap between 1970s classic rock and 1990s alternative. T Bone Burnett's production stripped away the overproduced tendencies of the era and let the songs breathe with an organic warmth that sounded timeless even then. It is fitting, then, that the 30th anniversary tour pairs the album with a full performance of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' Long After Dark — an album that Campbell and Petty recorded in 1982 and that shares Bringing Down the Horse's commitment to unvarnished American rock songwriting.

The Wallflowers continued to release critically regarded albums after Bringing Down the Horse, including (Breach) in 2000, Red Letter Days in 2002, Rebel, Sweetheart in 2005, Glad All Over in 2012, and most recently Exit Wounds in 2021. Jakob Dylan also pursued a successful solo career and earned acclaim for his involvement in the 2018 documentary Echo in the Canyon, which explored the Laurel Canyon music scene of the 1960s. But Bringing Down the Horse remains the centerpiece of the band's legacy — the album that proved Jakob Dylan was not riding his father's name but building something entirely his own — and the 2026 anniversary tour gives it the full-album live treatment it has never received before.

The tour's 65-date itinerary covers an extraordinary range of venues across the United States. West Coast highlights include Revolution Hall in Portland, Uptown Theatre in Napa, Grand Sierra Theatre in Reno, Golden State Theatre in Monterey, and Fox Theatre in Visalia. The Texas swing hits Gruene Hall in New Braunfels and Granada Theater in Dallas. The East Coast run includes The Orange Peel in Asheville, Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe, Paramount Theatre in Huntington, The Ridgefield Playhouse, and Colonial Theatre in Laconia. Midwest and summer dates fill out the calendar through September, ensuring that fans from coast to coast have a chance to experience this milestone tour.

For fans who grew up with "One Headlight" on the radio, who sang along to "6th Avenue Heartache" on summer road trips, or who discovered Bringing Down the Horse years later through a parent's CD collection or a streaming algorithm, this tour is the definitive live experience of one of the 1990s' most important rock records. Jakob Dylan's voice has only deepened and matured over the years, and the emotional weight of these songs — about loss, longing, restlessness, and the search for meaning in a world that doesn't always cooperate — hits even harder three decades later. Combined with the Tom Petty tribute set, each show promises to be a full evening of American rock at its finest, performed by a band that has earned its place in the canon.

How to Buy The Wallflowers Tour Tickets

Where can I buy Wallflowers 2026 tour tickets?

Tickets may be available through venue box offices and authorized sellers like Ticketmaster. You can also check the official Wallflowers website for direct links to each show. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees, a buyer guarantee, and over 20 years of experience.

What is the Bringing Down the Horse 30th Anniversary Tour?

This is The Wallflowers' 2026 tour celebrating 30 years since the release of their breakthrough album Bringing Down the Horse. For the first time ever, the band will perform the entire album live from start to finish at every show. The tour also features a complete performance of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' Long After Dark.

How many shows are on this tour?

The Wallflowers' 2026 tour includes 65 dates across the United States from April 17 through September 6, with additional European and UK dates in November. The tour visits theaters, performing arts centers, and clubs in cities from Portland to Milwaukee. Check the event listings above for the complete schedule.

Are resale Wallflowers tickets safe to buy?

Yes, when purchased through a verified marketplace like BigStub. Every ticket is verified before the transaction completes, and each purchase includes a buyer guarantee with dedicated customer service. BigStub carries the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry and has been serving fans for over 20 years.

What if I can no longer attend my show?

Verified resale platforms like BigStub allow sellers to list authenticated tickets for events they can no longer attend. This gives both buyers and sellers a safe, transparent way to handle ticket transfers. Always use a verified marketplace to protect both parties.

The Wallflowers Tour 2026 FAQ

What is the Bringing Down the Horse 30th Anniversary Tour?

It is The Wallflowers' 2026 concert tour celebrating 30 years since the release of their 1996 breakthrough album Bringing Down the Horse. The band will perform the album in its entirety live for the first time ever, alongside a full performance of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' Long After Dark.

Who is in The Wallflowers?

The Wallflowers are led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Jakob Dylan. The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1989 and has featured various members over the years, including bassist Greg Richling and keyboardist Rami Jaffee.

Who is Jakob Dylan?

Jakob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter and the frontman of The Wallflowers. He is the son of Bob Dylan and has had a successful career both with the band and as a solo artist. He also produced the 2018 documentary Echo in the Canyon.

What songs are on Bringing Down the Horse?

The album includes One Headlight, 6th Avenue Heartache, The Difference, Three Marlenas, Bleeders, Angel on My Bike, Laughing Out Loud, Josephine, God Don't Make Lonely Girls, and Invisible City.

How many Grammy Awards did One Headlight win?

One Headlight won two Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremony: Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

How many copies did Bringing Down the Horse sell?

The album sold over four million copies in the United States, earning Quadruple Platinum certification from the RIAA. It reached number four on the Billboard 200.

What is Long After Dark?

Long After Dark is a 1982 album by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. The Wallflowers are performing it in full on this tour as a tribute, honoring the deep creative connection between the two bands. Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell played on the original Bringing Down the Horse sessions.

When does the Wallflowers 2026 tour start and end?

The US leg begins April 17, 2026, at Revolution Hall in Portland and runs through September 6 in Milwaukee. European and UK dates follow in November 2026.

How many shows are on this tour?

The Wallflowers 2026 tour includes 65 confirmed dates across the United States, making it one of the most extensive rock tours of the year.

What venues is the tour visiting?

Venues include Revolution Hall in Portland, Uptown Theatre in Napa, Grand Sierra Theatre in Reno, Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Granada Theater in Dallas, The Orange Peel in Asheville, Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe, Paramount Theatre in Huntington, and many more across 65 dates.

Where can I buy Wallflowers tour tickets?

Tickets may be available through venue box offices, Ticketmaster, and the official Wallflowers website. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, which offers no hidden fees, a buyer guarantee, and the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry.

What other albums have The Wallflowers released?

The Wallflowers have released seven studio albums: The Wallflowers (1992), Bringing Down the Horse (1996), Breach (2000), Red Letter Days (2002), Rebel Sweetheart (2005), Glad All Over (2012), and Exit Wounds (2021).