A Message from Wayne Hussey
‘November 10th, 2026, will mark the 40th anniversary of the release of our first album, God’s Own Medicine. As part of our celebrations we will playing two nights at the Whitby Pavilion as headliners of the Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival. I have played in Whitby now a fair few times, both with the The Mission and solo (perhaps my personal favourite performance being with The Divine in 2019) and they have always been great celebratory occasions. We couldn’t think of a better place than the fabled, wind battered, cobbled streets of Whitby to spend what for us will be very emotional evenings.
Both shows will feature very different sets – we will be mixing it up – but one evening will be a performance in full of the album we’ll be celebrating, God’s Own Medicine. Fancy it? Come and sing along to all your fave Mission tunes and more…’
Wayne Hussey, Oct, 2025.
The Mission, formed in Leeds, England in 1986 following the departure of Wayne Hussey and bassist Craig Adams from The Sisters of Mercy. Joined by guitarist Simon Hinkler and drummer Mick Brown, the band quickly carved out a niche in the post-punk and gothic rock scenes. Their sound combined intricate atmospheric guitar work with Hussey’s emotive and haunting vocals to deliver a truly anthemic repertoire.
The Mission’s debut album, God’s Own Medicine, released in 1986, featured hit singles like “Wasteland” and “Severina,” propelling them into the limelight. Their follow-up, Children (1988), produced by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, further solidified their status, producing the much loved “Tower Of Strength.” The band’s music often explored themes of love, loss, and existential reflection, resonating with a broad audience and establishing a dedicated fanbase.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Mission maintained a prolific output, with albums such as Carved In Sand (1990) showcasing their evolving sound and featured the evergreen “Butterfly On A Wheel” and showstopper “Deliverance”. However, by the mid-1990s, the band faced internal struggles, leading to a temporary breakup in 1996.
Despite these challenges, The Mission regrouped in the new millennium, embarking on a successful series of tours and releasing fresh material. Albums like Aura (2001), God Is A Bullet (2007) and Another Fall from Grace (2016) demonstrated their ability to adapt while remaining true to their roots. The band’s music continues to resonate, marked by passionate performances and a fanatically loyal global fanbase. With their rich legacy and influence on the gothic and alternative rock genres, The Mission remains a significant force in the music world, celebrating almost four decades of impactful artistry.
Post Covid The Mission have toured extensively – the line-up being Wayne Hussey (guitar & vocals), Craig Adams (bass guitar), Simon Hinkler (guitar), and new-boy Alex Baum (drums) – with several tours of Europe (incl. UK), LATAM twice, and a couple of visits to North America under their belts.
The Mission will celebrate their 40th anniversary with dual headline slots at Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival in Whitby and four nights at London’s O2 Forum.